“Embrace the Magic” of Allegheny's Centerstage Series

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MEADVILLE, Pa. – August 20, 2003 – Dazzling music, dance and theatrical delights ranging from classical to comedic will enchant audiences in six magical performances in this year's Centerstage Subscription Series at Allegheny College.

The Dave Stevens Big Band opens the series on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8:00 p.m. in the Wise Center Performance Arena. As northwest Pennsylvania's only professional big band, they have been entertaining audiences in the area for more than 10 years with a repertoire that includes swing, rock, jazz standards, big band favorites and even contemporary music. They are no strangers to the Erie City Parks Summer Parks Concerts or the famous Chautauqua Institute stage. They have performed with such greats as Maynard Ferguson, Tommy Dorsey and Louise Mandrel. Audiences can sit back and relax or get up and dance as the band creates a “club” atmosphere.

The Polish Philharmonic Resovia captivated audiences with their magical performances in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Rumania, Hungary, Russia, France and around the globe. They will do the same for Centerstage Subscribers on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Maestro T. Wojciechowski and the orchestra will enchant true music lovers with an evening of classical and modern music worthy of the finest European concert halls.

Allegheny College will host the National Dance Company of Ireland as they present Rhythm of the Dance on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The cream of Ireland's traditional musicians and singers bring audiences the authentic sound of the Emerald Isle's heart-stopping musical culture. The genuine spirit of Irish national dances, songs, and storytelling are married to the most contemporary stage technology in the two-hour stage spectacular.

Dale Salwak's International Stars of Magic will enchant audiences on Valentines Day, Saturday, Feb. 14.

“From start to finish the show is sensational. You won't be disappointed,” Entertainment Today says.

These innovative, high-energy performers – hailed by the London Evening News as “without a doubt, show-stoppers” that will thrill young and old alike.

The extraordinary Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company returning to Centerstage for a repeat engagement on Friday, March 5. The internationally acclaimed company has opened for the Grateful Dead, performed for the United Nations 50th anniversary celebration, and won coveted awards for choreography and performance. The audience will be captivated by the swirling colors of silk scarves, supple movements, and amazing muscular strength of these performers. The Company will also be featured in a special mini-show for families during the Chinese Festival at Allegheny College on Saturday, March 6.

The Montana Repertory Theatre presents the timeless appeal of Tennessee Williams's modern American stage masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire on Monday, March 29. Critics note that audiences are sure to find a “rare evening of Broadway-style theatre … a moving performance.” Audiences are invited to join the Montana Rep as they explore the depths of the American character and the mysteries of the human heart in this classic story.

SUBSCRIPTION CHOICES
Two subscription packages are available. Subscribers can choose a package of all six performances or a custom-designed package of any four of the offered performances. Centerstage subscription tickets for the four-performance package are $30 for adults and $23 for senior citizens and children age 17 and under. Subscription prices for the six-performance package are $40 for adults and $30 for senior citizens and children age 17 and under.

All performances will take place in Shafer Auditorium on the Allegheny College campus and will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of Dave Stevens Big Band, which will be held in the Wise Center Performance Arena and begin at 8:00 p.m.

Early subscription packages may be ordered by mailing requests to: Office of Events, Box 40, 520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335, or by calling (814) 332-3101 with Visa, Mastercard or Discover orders. Early mail-in and telephone orders will be filled by Wednesday, Sept. 3.

In addition to telephone and mail-in orders, subscription packages may be purchased in Room 206 of Bentley Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning on Thursday, Sept. 4. Tickets for individual events will be available approximately three weeks before each of the performance dates.

All Centerstage Series are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company performance is also supported through a grant from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

For more information, please contact the Allegheny College Office of Events at (814) 332-3101.

Enriching intellectual and cultural life in northwestern Pennsylvania since 1815.

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