College of Performing and Visual Arts Spring 2012 Highlights

Published: January 17, 2012 | Read Time: 4 minutes

The College of Performing and Visual Arts will have entertainment to spare in 2012, with a spectacular bounty of music, art, theatre and dance that ranges from an exhibition spotlighting the forthcoming art museum to a tuneful adaptation of a beloved family novel.

After rigorous rehearsals and careful preparation, the Department of Theatre Arts will open its spring performances with the mystical romantic comedy, "Almost, Maine." Hailed as one of the most produced new plays in recent years by The New York Times, "Almost, Maine," written by Tony Award nominee John Cariani and directed by SUU Professor Richard Bugg, founder of the Neil Simon Festival, centers on the romantic happenings on a cold Friday night in a small New England town – situations which prove to be universal in theme and appeal. The show will be performed in the Randall L. Jones Theatre March 1–3 and 8–10 at 7:30 p.m.

Up next: the joys and woes of the March sisters, brought to life in a song-filled Broadway musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s cherished American novel, "Little Women." Featuring a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland, this delightful musical will be directed by guest artist Brad Carroll, composer of the international hit "Lend Me a Tenor: the Musical."

"Little Women the Broadway Musical" will be performed in the Auditorium Theatre April 12–14, 16 and 19–21, at 7:30 p.m.

Earlier in the spring season, the Department of Dance will present its annual tradition of "Journeys, A Faculty Dance Concert," in February.

Featuring works by Paul C. Ocampo, Shannon Vance and Chien-Ying Wang, among others, this concert includes a variety of new works by the dance faculty which will be performed by SUU's talented dance students. Among the performances, a recreation of one of Burch Mann’s signature works for the American Folk Ballet and a selection from the newly created and acclaimed "Dream of Helen." The concert will be performed at the Auditorium Theatre February 2–4 and 9–11. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Not to be left out, the Music Masterworks Series also has an exciting spring 2012 season in the works.

The SUU Symphony Orchestra will perform a diverse array of classic musical selections on Monday, February 27, at Cedar City’s Heritage Theater at 7:30 p.m.

Soon after, Gian Carlo Menotti’s "The Old Maid and the Thief" and Milton Granger’s "The Proposal" will be paired together by SUU Opera in an intimate Thorley Recital Hall performance, March 7–10, 7:30 p.m.

And acclaimed trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, guest artist with SUU’s Jazz Band, will get the join jumping at Cedar City’s Heritage Theater stage on Saturday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m., featuring a variety of works from the jazz catalogue.

Up next: SUU’s Orchestra and Choirs will join forces for a glorious Easter Concert on Tuesday, April 10, at the Heritage Theater in Cedar City.

And the final Music Masterworks concert will feature SUU’s Wind Symphony on Wednesday, April 25, in the Heritage Theater.

Meanwhile, the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery has already welcomed the spring 2012 season with its current exhibit, "SUMA: The Preview." As SUU continues its fundraising efforts for “The Future Is Rising” campaign, the College of Performing and Visual Arts is throwing the spotlight onto one of the campaign’s most prestigious projects: the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA).

Now through February 4, the Braithwaite hosts this unique exhibition, which provides an overview of the museum from inspiration through conception, including a representation of the facility and its galleries. The exhibition is made possible by the generous support of Rainbow Sign and Banner and is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m. The gallery is located on the lower level of the Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center on the SUU campus.

Tickets are now on sale for the various spring productions and concerts. For tickets, call the ticket office at 435-586-7872, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., or order online at suu.edu/arts.

This spring SUU’s College of Performing and Visual Arts offers a diverse range of performances, concerts and exhibitions. Check the website at suu.edu/arts for additional arts events.

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