ISU's 2012 Performing Arts Series

Amazing Artists to visit Stephens Auditorium beginning with Sept. 20^th  Magical Show by Masters of Illusion-Live!

Masters of Illusion – Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: $46 and $42 for subscribers; $53 and $49 for non-subscribers; $38 for Youth 18 & under; $30 ISU Students

Masters of Illusion is hailed as “the best non-stop family entertainment anywhere” by critics and fans alike. Audiences will witness some of the world’s greatest illusionists together onstage in this live show. Everything from exotic animals to escapology and quick-change artistry is packed into this performance. The reality-twisting, mind-blowing magic show, based on the multi-award-winning TV series, boasts famous magicians, comedians, illusionists and escape-artists. Audience members will become part of the act as they are called onstage to assist with the illusions.

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico – Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 pm

Sponsored by Greater Iowa Credit Union

This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, and is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from the Iowa Arts Council.

Tickets: $33 and $29 for subscribers; $38 and $34 for non-subscribers; $28 for Youth 18 & under; $25 ISU Students

The amazing culture of Mexico comes alive when the dancers of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico take the stage for a colorful, fast-paced show that brings together the music, dances and costumes of Mexican folklore. The company was founded in 1952 and has performed for over 22 million people.

The show features diverse pieces reflecting the social, religious and artistic legacies of various regions of Mexico. Folkloric dance reflects the legends and customs of its creators, and expresses their spirit through lively movement and rhythm. Among the dances included are a fandango with percussion accompaniment and celebratory communal dances backed by a mariachi band.

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba – Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 pm

Supported by Ames Community Arts Council (COTA) and Ames International Orchestra Festival Association (AIOFA)

Concert Tickets: $37 for subscribers; $43 for non-subscribers; $28 for Youth 18 & under; $25 ISU Students. Dinner Tickets (must be purchased by Wed., Oct. 10): $30; $15 for Youth 18 & under

For more than 50 years, the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba has been instrumental in introducing Cuban and Latin American music to the international classical music community. This tour brings them to Stephens Auditorium during their historic 21-city inaugural visit to the United States.

The performance features pianist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera in the Gershwin classic,Rhapsody in Blue. The program includes another Gershwin piece, the Cuban Overture, as well as Schubert’s Fifth Symphony and La Comparsa by Cuba’s own Ernesto Lecuona. This event will include an Overture Dinner before the concert with a local expert speaker, beginning with social time at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6 pm. in the Scheman Building, adjacent to Stephens Auditorium.

The 2012-2013 Performing Arts Series Listing (All performances at Stephens Auditorium, Ames)

Thurs., Sept. 20 at 7:30 pm - Masters of Illusion – LIVE!

Wed., Oct. 10  at 7:30 pm - Ballet Folklorico de Mexico – Sponsored by Greater Iowa Credit Union

Thurs., Oct. 18 at 7:30 pm - National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba – Supported by Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA) and Ames International Orchestra Festival Association (AIOFA)

Thurs., Nov. 8 at 7:30 pm - Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice – Sponsored by Best Western University Park Inn and Suites

Sun., Nov. 11 at 7:30 pm - An Evening with Branford Marsalis

Wed., Nov. 14 at 7:30 pm - Vienna Boys Choir

Sun., Nov. 18 at 3 pm - Lorie Line & Her Fab Five

Tue., Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm - Dailey & Vincent Bluegrass Christmas

Sun., Feb. 3 at 2 pm - Imago Theatre’s ZooZoo

Mon., Feb. 4 at 7:30 pm - West Side Story

Wed., Feb. 13 at 7:30 pm -Shrek the Musical – Sponsored by Best Western University Park Inn and Suites

Fri., Feb. 15 at 7:30 pm - Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues

Thurs., Feb. 21 at 7:30 pm - Voca People

Sat., March 2 at 7:30 pm - China National Symphony Orchestra– Supported by Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA) and Ames International Orchestra Festival Association (AIOFA)

Sun., March 3  at 7:30 pm - Traces

Tue., March 5  at 7:30 pm - Monty Python’s Spamalot

Wed., March 13 at 7:30 pm -  Dreamgirls

Mon. & Tue., March 25 & 26 at 7:30 pm - Blue Man Group – Sponsored by WebFilings

Wed., April 3 at 7:30 pm - ARRIVAL – The Music of Abba

Thurs., April 18 at 7:30 pm - California & Montreal Guitar Trios

Tickets at the Iowa State Center Ticket Office - North entrance of Stephens Auditorium at the corner of Lincoln Way and Beach Ave., Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.