Brian Hughes: NWF State College Broadway Series schedule announced

2008-09 NFSC BROADWAY SERIES:
Individual tickets: $45.
• Nunsense, Dec. 4. The hit musical comedy celebrates its 25th anniversary with this special national tour starring two-time Emmy Award winner, Sally Struthers as Mother Superior. “Nunsense” is, indeed, habit forming!

• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jan. 12, 2009. This Tony-Award winning new musical comedy was acclaimed by the Wall Street Journal as “that rarity of rarities, a super-smart musical that is also a bona fide crowd pleaser.” Audience members even become part of the action.

• The Drowsy Chaperone, Jan. 24, 2009. Boasting the most 2006 Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway, this sensational musical comedy begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album and the show magically bursts to life..

• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, March 11, 2009. Based on the hysterical Michael Caine and Steve Martin comedy, this delicious musical comedy follows two con artists as they take on the lifestyles of the rich and shameless. 

ARTIST SERIES:
• Jungua, Descendents of the Dragon, Nov. 14. Individual tickets: $25.The amazing skills of China's finest acrobats and martial arts masters fuse with modern staging, exciting choreography and dramatic music/lighting.

• American Spiritual Ensemble, Feb. 7, 2009. A phenomenal repertoire of classic spirituals, jazz, Broadway numbers and more that highlight the black experience and keep the American Negro spiritual alive.

• Hubbard Street Dance, Feb. 23, 2009. Chicago’s leading contemporary dance company is acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire.

FAMILY EVENTS:
These shows are not included in the Broadway Season package; tickets must be purchased separately

• Oliver! Dec. 16 & 17, 2008. Hailed as one of the best-loved musicals of all time, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! brings to the stage some of Charles Dicken's most unforgettable characters, along with one of the musical theatre’s most memorable scores. Hits include as “Consider Yourself,” “Food, Glorious Food” and “Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.” Individual tickets: $40 adults; $30 youth 18 & under.

• Moscow Cats Theatre,  March 21, 2009. Imagine 35 cats, one dog and 5 clowns performing original and astounding acrobatic feats, integrated into a non-verbal, colorful and fun-filled family show. Tickets: $20 adults; $15 youth 18 & under.

TICKETS:
Season packages on sale Aug. 25 – Nov. 8 by phone, in-person or by mail only from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office. The Broadway Season Package includes four shows for $165. A 7-show Broadway/Artist combo package is $225.
For purchase of individual show tickets, the popular early ticket option is available. Individual tickets for any Broadway or Artist show may be purchased through the center’s on-line ticketing system, at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Individual tickets will be available from the box office by phone or in-person starting Monday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. The box office phone and in-person hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (850) 729-6000 or toll free (888) 838-ARTS (2787). For more information or a season brochure, call (850) 729-6000.