Three Rivers Patrons of the Arts Launch 2014-15 Season
The Three Rivers College Patrons of the Arts Society has revealed the schedule for its upcoming 2014-15 season, which will include the return of Russian ballet, a Bee Gees tribute concert, Chinese acrobats, musical political satire, and three children’s shows.
All shows will be performed at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers campus in Poplar Bluff. Because of the support of donors to the Patrons of the Arts Society, ticket price for each main show will be $10, and ticket prices for the children’s shows in Poplar Bluff will remain $5.
In addition to the three children’s shows held at the Tinnin Center, the Patrons Society also announced that it is expanding its children’s offerings in partnership with local schools. Select schools across Three Rivers’ 15-county service area will host special performances of the three children’s shows, at no cost to students.
“We’re so incredibly excited to see this amazing lineup of world-class, professional entertainment coming to the Tinnin Center this year,” said Tim Thompson, Director of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. “We have a great mix of returning shows and new acts, and I think it’s going to be some great fun for anyone and everyone.”
“The Patrons of the Arts is dedicated to bringing quality live performances to Southeast Missouri,” said Mary Libla, chair of the Patrons of the Arts Society, a non-profit organization that raises funds to bring special music, art, drama, dance, literature, lecture and film events to the community through Three Rivers College. “These are the same performers you might see in St. Louis or Memphis or even New York. I encourage everyone who enjoys these shows to help out by joining the Patrons of the Arts, or sponsoring a show. It’s that kind of community support that helps us continue bringing high-quality entertainment to Southeast Missouri.”
The Patrons of the Arts 2014-2015 season will include the following performances. For more information on the performances or to order tickets online, visit trcc.edu/tinnin. For info on joining the Patrons of the Arts Society or sponsoring a show, call 573-840-9527.
Night Fever: A Bee Gees Tribute Concert, 7 p.m. Oct. 14. Night Fever is the largest production of the Bee Gees’ music in the world. This all-Canadian cast has been touring internationally for the past 10 years, recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. “Night Fever” captures a full history of the Bee Gees, including songs such as “To Love Somebody,” “Jive Talking,” “More Than A Woman,” “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and many more. Tickets are $10.
Bah! Humbug!, 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Sponsored by Kissinger and Kirkman Investment Centre. The Patrons series’ children’s shows kick off with a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale of redemption and the importance of generosity. All three children’s shows are presented by by the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis, a touring company dedicated to bringing the joy of theatre to the greater St. Louis area. Tickets are $5.
Chinese Acrobats, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. High-flying, death-defying feats of aerial grace and agility abound in this show, featuring the National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. “Cirque Peking” has traveled the world to share their act with international audiences, and influenced the world-famous “Cirque du Soleil” shows with their unique blend of storytelling, acrobatics, and mid-air stunts. Tickets are $10.
The Emperor’s New Clothes, 2 p.m. Jan. 18. Sponsored by The Daily American Republic. One of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales gets a quirky new look in this silly satire for children from the Imaginary Theatre Company about a vain man and his clever wife. Determined to teach her husband a lesson in humility, the queen and her loyal handmaiden pose as two weavers who make the most beautiful garments in the world. There’s just one catch—only the most intelligent people can see these clothes. Will the Emperor admit he’s had the wool pulled over his eyes or embarrass himself in front of the entire kingdom? Tickets are $5.
Robin Hood, 2 p.m. February 22. Sponsored by The Bank of Missouri. The Prince of Thieves and his friends are back in this rollicking medieval adventure from the Imaginary Theatre Company. Travel to Sherwood Forest and watch Robin Hood and his Merry Men come to the rescue of the poor citizens of Nottingham, foiling the rotten Sheriff along the way. It’s all adventure and excitement as legend’s most famous outlaw outwits his enemies and accomplishes daring feats of bravery, always with the goal of helping others. Tickets are $5.
Russian National Ballet, 7 p.m., March 19. A perennial Patrons favorite returns to the Tinnin Center, as the Russian National Ballet performs their rendition of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella.” This exquisite blending of music and dance, performed by a world-class ballet company that has been touring for over 20 years, is sure to delight audience members of all ages. Tickets are $10.
An Evening With Mark Russell, 7 p.m., April 23. The 2014-2015 season closes with a performance by world-famous musician and political satirist Mark Russell. Well before “The Colbert Report” and “The Daily Show,” Mark Russell entertained audiences with his catchy melodies and razor-sharp wit, happily skewering hapless politicians on both the right and the left. Russell continues to amuse and entertain with his sly brand of humor, reflecting on the absurdities of the political process. Tickets are $10.
Season tickets are available in two varieties: a $40 version that covers all five main Patrons shows, and a $50 version that includes all three children’s shows. Season tickets are available by calling 573-840-9527.
Tickets for individual shows are available online at trcc.edu/tinnin and will remain so throughout the season. For two weeks prior to each show, tickets for Tinnin Center shows will be sold at the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and the Three Rivers College Business Office. Tickets will be sold at the door at all shows as they are available.
“We at Three Rivers are so grateful to have the support of the Patrons of the Arts,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, Interim President at Three Rivers. “Donors to the Patrons allow us to bring in national and international touring troupes at an unbelievable price for performances of this quality. You would pay two, three, four or more times as much to see these performers in St. Louis or Memphis.”
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.