18 May 2015 UCA debuts 2015-16 season at Reynolds Performance Hall
Nearly 200 special guests recently gathered at the University of Central Arkansas for the debut of the 2015-16 season of the UCA Public Appearances.
“This season offers an array of sensational selections for performing arts fans,” said Amanda Horton, director of UCA Public Appearances. “Our Broadway series includes popular titles such as ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ that bring to the stage fabulous costumes, intricate sets and spellbinding songs.
“We also have many celebrated musicians including Wynonna and The Blind Boys of Alabama that are sure to give moving performances. Rick Springfield will be a perfect fit for Homecoming week and promises to pull alumni back to campus. Finally, I can’t say enough about the importance of having guest lecturer, Bill Nye on our campus. He is an icon in the science world and has been educating our culture for years on the importance of understanding science. This is perfect timing for our campus as we focus on the expansion of the Conway Corporation science educational building.”
Horton also announced a unique presentation. “This year we are collaborating with several departments on campus to bring a special show to the students and community.
‘PostSecret: The Show’ is a powerful performance based off the PostSecret project and books by Frank Warren. This event will be filled with inspiring stories, emotional tales and thought-provoking content.”
Kicking off with Wynonna and The Big Noise on Friday, Sept. 18, UCA Public Appearances will feature 15 events for the 2015-16 season in the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA. Wynonna and The Big Noise is sponsored by 501 LIFE.
As usual, the season will also include Broadway, Pops and Night Out Series and two lectures.
The season includes:
Broadway Series
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, presented by 93.3 FISH.
The Midtown Men, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, presented by B98.5 FM.
“Mamma Mia!,” 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, presented by WINC.
Saturday Night Fever, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, presented by B98.5 FM.
Pops Series
Wynonna & The Big Noise, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, presented by 501 LIFE magazine.
An Acoustic Night with Rick Springfield “Stripped Down”, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, presented by B98.5 FM.
Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour!, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, presented by Arkansas Times.
Disney in Concert: “Magical Music from the Movies” with the Conway Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, presented by 501 LIFE magazine.
Night Out Series
The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China, direct from Beijing, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, presented by the Log Cabin Democrat.
An Evening with Sinbad, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, presented by Power 92 FM.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, presented by FaithTalk 99.5 FM.
Elvis Lives!, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, , presented by Y107.1.
Distinguished Lectures
Bill Nye, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in UCA’s Farris Center, presented by Conway Printing Company.
Josh Radnor, 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 4, presented by Alice 107.7 FM.
Extra
“PostSecret: The Show,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 11.
A new component has been added for 2015-16.
“Serving our community is a top priority at Reynolds Performance Hall and this year we are thrilled to have our inaugural year of a new series that will benefit local school districts,” Horton said. “The Main Stage EdUCAtion Series will increase access to the arts for kindergarten-12th grade students in Central Arkansas. This series will expose students to professional, national touring companies that will link arts and education through exciting performances. Exposure to live theater ignites a child’s imagination in a unique way, opening the door to a greater understanding of the world and a life-long love of the arts.”
At the debut, Horton also reviewed the 2014-15 season and other accomplishments.
“We have had a wonderful season this year with 10 sold-out performances and over 89 percent of all tickets distributed,” she said. “Many improvements have been made at Reynolds, including lobby upgrades with new carpet, and a projector and lobby screen. We have also made technical improvements including a new stage floor, new curtains and new LED stage lights.
“This summer, we will install new carpet in our balcony lobby and new lights for our stairs in the orchestra and balcony section.”
Following the season announcement, guests were treated on the Reynolds stage to a reception, which featured an Asian theme in honor of The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China scheduled during the new season.
Subscription renewals for current season ticket holders have begun. New subscriptions will go on sale to the general public Monday, July 6. Individual tickets will go on sale to the general public Monday, Aug. 10. Patrons who have purchased a series subscription may purchase individual tickets during subscriber courtesy week Aug. 3-7.
Individual series prices range from $90-$130; Performing Arts Package (all three series) range from $245-$380; Individual tickets are $30-$40; lectures are $15 and PostSecret: The Show is $10.
To purchase a subscription package, call 501.450.3265 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning July 6. Individual tickets may be purchased online at uca.edu/reynolds or by calling 501.450.3265 beginning Aug. 10.
For more information, contact Horton at 501.450.3682 or [email protected] or Ashley Love at 501.852.7889; [email protected] or visit uca.edu/reynolds.
