SMU announces ’08-09 Page Series season

Compania Flamenco (top) and the Acrobats of China are just two acts scheduled for the 2008-09 Page Series season.

WINONA, Minn. — From flying acrobats to pigs with pancakes and from flamenco dance flamboyance to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s 2008-2009 Page Series promises something for everyone.

The Page Series, celebrating its 22nd year, continues its longstanding tradition of bringing world-class professional performing artists to Winona. This year’s artists come from Russia, Ireland, Africa, Spain — and straight from the pages of storybooks.

Oct. 8 — 7:30 p.m., Compania Flamenco José Porcel
$22, $18 seniors or students (ages 5 and older), $10 student rush

Direct from Spain, the stunning José Porcel and his company of talented dancers represent the best in classic, traditional flamenco while flawlessly melding contemporary styles and moves. Prepare for an evening of fiery footwork, brilliant costumes and evocative, sensual choreography. The October program features eight dances, ranging from electrifying solos by Porcel to larger pieces for the company of eight men and women. In addition, the audience will be treated to live performances by a musical ensemble and traditional flamenco singers.

Oct. 28 — 7:30 p.m., The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa
$22, $18 seniors or students (ages 5 and older), $10 student rush

This unique ensemble is formed from the rich musical dance traditions of the countries of West Africa. Comprised of singers, dancers, and musicians, this company combines traditional instruments, folklore, and mythology from the countries of Mali, Senegal, Ghana and the Ivory Coast to paint a colorful and exciting picture of the oral and musical traditions of these diverse peoples. Musical styles of the Western world, including reggae and Latin beats, are blended in to create a music that moves its listeners.

Nov. 5 — 6:30 p.m., Omaha Theater Company: Horrible Harry
$10, $5 seniors or students
* Daytime school matinee 10 a.m. Nov. 5

How much trouble can a second-grader cause? How horrible can Horrible Harry really be? This world premiere performance, adapted for the stage by the Omaha Theater Company’s Artistic Director James Larson, features favorite stories from the popular book series by Suzy Kline. Fun-loving and full of mischief, Harry is always the center of attention with his string of nonstop pranks and antics. When his sworn enemy, Sydney, accidentally kills Harry’s pet spider, he gets even with her on the school field trip to the scary prison and creepy copper mine.

Dec. 19 — 7:30 p.m., George Winston
$25, $20 seniors or students (ages 5 and older), $10 student rush
Pre-show dinner available: $20 adult/$12 children

Described as mellow, atmospheric and emotional, pianist George Winston is best known for his melodic rural folk piano style. Frequently drawing from the transcendent beauty of nature and the changing seasons, he also pays tribute to the musicians of New Orleans. The musician will play selections from his latest CD, “Gulf Coast Blues and Impressions-A Hurricane Relief Benefit,” as well as from his melodic seasonal recordings including “December” and “Winter Into Spring.”

Jan. 13 — 6:30 p.m., Red Grammer
$10, $5 seniors or students
* Daytime school matinee 10 a.m. Jan. 13

Grammy-nominated family entertainer Red Grammer is one of the premier entertainers of children and families in America. Described by Parents Magazine as “the best voice in children’s music,” Red has set the gold standard for writing and performing music that playfully reconnects each one of us with the best in ourselves. Red will play tunes from “BeBop Your Best! … Music To Build Character By,” his new Grammy-nominated collection of songs for kids of all ages. “Picking the best of Red Grammer is like picking the best chocolate from a box of Godiva: there’s no way you can lose...” Parents’ Choice Awards

Jan. 27 — 7:30 p.m., Russian National Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
$25, $20 seniors or students (ages 5 and older), $10 student rush
Pre-show dinner available: $20 adult/$12 children

The forces of good and evil and musical fantasies are brought to life in this ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. “Sleeping Beauty” has been a perennial favorite since its first Western debut by Serge Diaghilev in London in 1921. The first ballet seen in the West by the Russian master Marius Petipa, “Sleeping Beauty” has established itself as one of the classical repertoire’s most famous ballets. The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s; it has been led by the legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Sergei Radchenko since 1994.

Feb. 3 — 7:30 p.m., Acrobats of China
$22, $18 seniors or students (ages 5 and older), $10 student rush

In a night of wonder for the whole family, the Acrobats of China will combine martial arts, spectacular costumes and breathtaking acrobatics. In this long-established Chinese tradition, every-day objects become tools to showcase the skills of the jugglers, spinners, and acrobats of this present-day troupe. Watch in amazement as 15 people balance on a bicycle, performers spin dozens of cups and saucers while doing the splits, and many other amazing feats of strength and flexibility.

Feb 6 — 6:30 p.m., Theatreworks USA: Give a Pig a Pancake and other Story Books
$10, $5 seniors or students
* Daytime school matinee 10 a.m. Feb. 6

Pigs can be so demanding. This is why it is probably poor judgment to give a pig a pancake. Syrup leads to baths; baths lead to bubbles; bubbles lead to rubber ducks; and rubber ducks lead to wanting a trip to the farm, playing out the classic scenario of “If you give an inch, they’ll take a mile.” Theatreworks USA will bring this loveable pig tale — along with many other favorite kids storybooks — to life. Stories may include: “Diary of a Worm,” “Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig,” “Horace & Morris but Mostly Dolores,” “How I Became a Pirate,” “Lilly’s Big Day,” “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Ruby Mae Has Something to Say.”

March 5, 7:30 p.m. — David Munnelly Band
$20, $17 seniors or students (ages 5 and older), $10 student rush

Ireland's young, multi-award winning David Munnelly Band is fast becoming one of the most sought after groups in Irish music. Led by button accordion wizard David Munnelly, who toured with The Chieftains for four years, as well as with DeDanaan and other legendary groups, the band plays with an exuberant style not often duplicated. The exciting sextet combines button accordion, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, bodhrán and flute for a high-spirited instrumental sound colored with a bit of jazz and ragtime.

March 12 — 6:30 p.m., Einstein Alive!
$10, $5 seniors or students
* Daytime school matinees 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. March 12

Marc Spiegel's Einstein Alive! is a one-man show that is both entertaining and educational for audiences of all ages. Through theater, sing-along songs and audience participation, Spiegel vividly and realistically brings Einstein to life as he takes you on an adventure into the great genius' mind. Audience members will find themselves laughing while they learn complicated scientific theories, including Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

Tickets for the 2008-2009 Season

Season tickets go on sale May 27. New season subscribers can save 10 percent when they buy three or more tickets for different events. Returning ’07-08 season subscribers can save 25 percent.
Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 18 for the first half of the season.
New this year will be “student rush tickets.” Any student can purchase a “rush” ticket 20 minutes before the beginning of an event for $10. Students provide a valid picture ID; there’s a limit of one ticket per student and no reserved seats.

Pre-show dinners
Plan a full evening with a pre-show dinner — catered by Chartwells — right next door in the Toner Student Center. A full menu will be announced later this summer. Performances with pre-show dinner options include George Winston and the Russian National Ballet

Daytime School Matinees
For more information about bringing your school or class to a matinee, e-mail the SMU Box Office at tickets@smumn.edu.

School matinee productions include:
• Omaha Theater Company’s “Horrible Harry” on Nov. 5
• Red Grammer on Jan. 13
• Theatreworks USA’s “If You Give a Pig a Pancake and Other Story Books” on Feb. 6
• and Marc Speigel’s “Einstein Alive!” March 12.

Additional school-matinee-only performances include:

Oct. 22, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. — Pushcart Players: Stone Soup and Other Stories

A charming, well-seasoned blend, these carefully selected folk tales from around the world support the literacy movement's emphasis on the joy of reading. “Stone Soup...” is on the gourmet “not to be missed” list of young viewers! Story favorites from Africa, India, Eastern Europe, and the United States are filled with music, colors, fantasy, and fun. Each tale introduces the spirit and customs of other cultures while reinforcing the shared values of all peoples.

Dec. 3, Wednesday, 10 a.m. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ “The Nutcracker”

The ballet tells the heartwarming story of young Clara, who on Christmas Eve dreams of a battle pitting the Nutcracker Prince against the Rat King and his band of mice. At a pivotal moment, Clara comes to the aid of the Prince and helps him win the battle. To reward Clara for her help, the Prince takes her to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and sees a beautiful array of ethnic dancers such as Spanish Coffee, Arabian, and Chinese Tea.

Thursday, May 14, 10 a.m. — Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts: Dance Repertory Company

Suitable and appealing for all ages, the annual spring concert by Dance Repertory Company offers a well-rounded dance experience by including a variety of dance styles in its performances. Full of youthful exuberance, effervescent spirit and burgeoning talent, the company upholds high artistic standards and commitment to technique, discipline and fun. From contemporary ballet to tap, and from jazz to hip hop, this annual concert promises delightful choreography performed by an equally delightful company of student dancers.