5/12/2008 - The College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University presents the lineup for the 2008-09 Galaxy of Stars Series, eight shows of theater, music and dance from September to May in the performance hall of the Fine and Performing Arts Center on Western’s campus.

The series’ fourth season has the theme “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Highlights include Mark Russell, right, pianist and master of political satire; “Rave On!,” a celebration of the music of Buddy Holly; and “Fiddler on the Roof,” the Tony Award-winning musical under the direction of Broadway’s Terrence Mann.

“Audience surveys showed that people like concerts and Broadway-type musicals,” said Paul Lormand, FAPAC director. “In response, all but one show is song-related.”

Series subscriptions offer patrons a 40 percent savings over single tickets and are available now from the FAPAC box office. The entertainment is family-friendly, affordable and convenient to local residents, Lormand said. Subscribers have first option on seating and receive invitations to special events.

The season lineup follows:

-  Chapter 6, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. A Chicago area a cappella group, Chapter 6 performs freshly arranged swing standards, pop/rock covers, parodies and signature pieces. Winners of the 2001 International Champions of Collegiate A Cappella, the group has recorded four albums and is known for comedy-infused performances.

- Mark Russell, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. An American political satirist who has appeared on PBS for more than 25 years, Russell riffs on current events during a stand-up routine and on piano, where he parodies news items to the tune of standards.

- “The Blues Brothers Revival,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. A musical starring Wayne Catania (Jake Blues) and Kieron Lafferty (Elwood Blues), the revival is sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi estate. The narrative follows Jake, who is stuck in purgatory, and Elwood’s efforts to get him into heaven.

- “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. A N.C. Stage Company production, this version takes place in a radio station circa 1946, with the radio actors providing a re-imagining of the Frank Capra classic as well as live sound effects.

- “A Red, Hot … & Blue! White Christmas!,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. A musical journey through the decades that includes ragtime, jazz, big band, swing, rock and disco, this six-person song-and-dance revue from Branson, Mo., features live singing, sharp choreography and award-winning costumes.

- “Rave On!,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. A revue of Buddy Holly music on the 50th anniversary of his death, “Rave On!” features actor, musician and singer Billy McGuigan performing “Maybe Baby,” “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll be the Day” and more.

- “Fiddler on the Roof,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28. A presentation by WCU’s musical theatre program, “Fiddler on the Roof” features some of the most memorable songs in musical history, including “Tradition,” “Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “If I Were a Rich Man.” The story tells of a family’s existence under Tsarist rule and changing times in a small Jewish village in Russia in 1905.

- “The American Piano Show” starring Linda Gentille, 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 8. Featuring the music of composers including Gershwin, Berlin, Bernstein, Hoagy Carmichael, Rogers and Hammerstein, Scott Joplin and more, the show stars pianist Gentille, a musician and entertainer mentored by Liberace.

For more information about the Galaxy of Stars Series, contact FAPAC director Paul Lormand at (828) 227-2505. To purchase tickets, call (828) 227-2479, visit the box office or go online to http://wcufapac.ticketsxchange.com.

Maintained by the Office of Public Relations.
Last modified: Monday, May 12, 2008.