From tap dancing, coffee house performances and concerts by rising country stars, to the world renowned Harlem Gospel Choir, The Acting Company’s Of Mice and Men and the New York Times best-selling author, Jeanette Wall, this season has something for everyone. The college offers five series featuring unique arts opportunities.
The Arts in Focus Series opens on Friday, October 12 at 7:30 pm with TAP – The Show. Fueled by a non-stop explosion of rhythmic energy, wrapped in dazzling costumes and backed by a soaring orchestral score, this cast of award-winning dancers and singers travels seamlessly over decades of styles from Broadway and big band to world music and pop/rock. Each section brings to life iconic tap moments of the past and creates brand new moments that amaze audiences.
James Wesley opens the Campus Series on November 3 at 7:30 pm. Broken Bow recording artist James Wesley hit the Billboard charts with his first three singles, Jackson Hole, Real and Didn't I. His latest single, Walking Contradiction, debuted at number 54 on Billboard Country. Wesley has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, the CMA Music Festival and shared the stage with Taylor Swift, Ronnie Dunn, Thompson Square and Randy House. Wesley’s Broken Bow album, Real, is set for release in late 2012. Chris Janson, newly signed to Bigger Picture Group Label, will open the show. Janson is an accomplished singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
Ain’t Misbehavin’, November 10 at 7:30 pm, is an extraordinary musical which includes 30 show-stopping musical numbers from the Fats Waller song book and Harlem in its heyday. With snazzy period costumes, complete with bowlers, spats, ermine and pearls, the dynamic five-member cast and a six-piece band turn the theatre into a rollicking rent party.
Harlem Gospel Choir, February 9, 2013 at 7:30 pm, takes the WKCTC stage, From the heart of Harlem in New York City, the choir travels the world as the ambassadors for African American culture. The country’s premier gospel choir, they have performed for Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II. The choir has shared the stage with such legendary artists as Bono, Sinead O'Connor, Andre Rieu, Lyle Lovett, The Chieftains, Diana Ross and many others. The Choir has also been featured on a number of television shows, and in 2008, they performed for Pope Benedict XVI and 60,000 people at Yankee Stadium.
Stringfever brings an amazing evening's entertainment to Paducah on March 9, 2013 at 7:30 pm with Giles, Ralph, Graham & Neal Broadbent. With their electric instruments and unique sound, the world’s first genetically modified string quartet combines exceptional musical skill with a real talent for involving and engaging audiences to provide you with a night you'll never forget!
The One Book, One Campus, One Community Read of Half Broke Horses finale brings NY Times best-selling author, Jeanette Walls to the WKCTC campus. On March 14 and 15, Walls will conduct a two-day residency in which she will speak to WKCTC students and faculty, regional high school students and the community. She will also be present at a book signing.
The Acting Company presents Of Mice and Men on April 14, 2013 at 7:30 pm. John Steinbeck’s tale of two drifters is one of the most widely read stories in America. Of Mice and Men tells the tragic story of two California migrant ranch workers during the Great Depression. George and Lennie have delusions of making enough money to buy their own place. Lennie, a man-child, is a little boy in the body of a man. George is ever cautious of his gentle giant friend, dangerously powerful yet in need of constant reassurance. The Acting Company performs each year in over 40 cities to audiences of 70,000 and reaches more than 30,000 students with its arts education programs. The Acting Company has been honored with numerous awards including the Obie and a TONY for Excellence in Theater. The New York Times said, “The Acting Company endures as the major touring classical theater in the United States.”
Add four coffee house events, two choral concerts, theatre master class, tap workshop, open dress rehearsal, and other educational activities and seven visual arts exhibits and you have a full season of art at WKCTC.
Season subscription prices are as follows:
Adult - $100
Student/Child - $40
Student Semester Pass $25 (admission to any three events in one semester)
Additional levels of membership or sponsorship are available for individuals or businesses.
Order tickets by calling 270-534-3212 or by visiting www.artinfocus.org .
Information provided by Gail Robinson Butler, Director Clemens Fine Arts Center at WKCTC.
