Three Rivers Patrons of the Arts Launches 2015-16 Season
The Three Rivers College Patrons of the Arts Society has announced the schedule for its upcoming 2015-16 season, which will include the return of Russian ballet, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute concert, Chinese acrobats, two children’s shows, a performance by the Vienna Boys Choir, and more.
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.
The Patrons Society is also continuing its tradition of presenting its children’s shows in partnership with local schools. Select schools across Three Rivers’ 15-county service area will host performances of “Goldilocks” and “Goodbye Marianne,” plus a school-venue-only performance of “Elves and the Shoemaker.”
“I can honestly say that this is the best series of Patrons shows that has ever come to Poplar Bluff,” said Tim Thompson, Director of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. “There’s such a diverse set of performances this year that there will truly be something for everyone to come and enjoy.”
“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 would see in the most prestigious venues across the world. 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 2015-2016 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.
Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Show: Bad Moon Risin’, 7 p.m. Sept. 24. Led by locally born musician Jon Sousan, this tribute to classic southern rock is coming to Poplar Bluff straight from Branson’s Tribute Theatre. The band will perform all of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s best-known hits, such as “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” and more. This “southern-fried tribute show” will have audiences swearing they’ve seen the real thing. Tickets are $10.
Vienna Boys Choir, 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Prepare to be charmed by the world’s preeminent boys choir, whose clear voices and crowd-pleasing repertoire have been delighting audiences for five centuries. Consisting of boys ages 9-14, the choir now tours the world and will perform for one night only in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $10.
Elves and the Shoemaker, school venue only. When a kindly shoemaker gives his only remaining pair of shoes to a cold and hungry beggar woman, he finds his good deed rewarded in unexpected ways. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm and performed by the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis, this beloved, warm-hearted story is perfect for the holiday season, reminding us that where we find kindness, generosity and hope, anything is possible.
Doo Wop Pop & Soul: Tribute to the Motown Sound, 7 p.m., Nov. 19. Hear songs from The Platters, The Temptations, The Coasters, Four Tops, and more, with this tribute band straight out of Branson! This tribute to the smooth, harmonious sound made famous by Motown will include classic hits like “Come and Go With Me,” “Book of Love,” “The Great Pretender,” and more. Tickets are $10.
Chinese Circus & Acrobats: Peking Dreams, 7 p.m. December 17. The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China will bring their death-defying displays of physical skill and agility to the Tinnin Center in this world-class show. Audiences will see astonishing acts of contortion, acrobatics, juggling, and balancing in this colorful performance straight from Beijing. Tickets are $10.
Goodbye Marianne, 2 p.m., January 31. In 1938 Berlin, young Marianne Kohn arrives at school to find that Jewish students are no longer permitted, and her life begins to change in frightening ways. Based on the author’s childhood experiences in Nazi Germany, Goodbye Marianne is a stirring account of loss and love, and one girl’s bravery in the face of a changing world. Performed by the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis. Tickets are $5. Also performed in select school venues.
Funky Butt Brass Band, 7 p.m., February 12. The Patrons of the Arts season is joining Three Rivers’ annual Jazz Fest for the first time! This St. Louis-based band lays down classic New Orleans brass tunes, blended with diverse influences such as Motown, southern rock, Memphis soul, and Chicago blues. Fun and funky, this show is a must-see for jazz and swing lovers. Tickets are $10.
Goldilocks, 2 p.m., March 6. The Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis gives a fun new musical take on this well-known tale that has Goldilocks learning some much-needed lessons about friendship and acceptance. Freddy, a bear with a penchant for science, likes to spend his time exploring the forest with his friends, at least when they’re not avoiding the troublemaking Goldilocks. She’s got a habit of tormenting all the woodland creatures, but Freddy and his friends just might have an idea for an experiment that’ll change her ways. Tickets are $5. Also performed in select school venues.
Moscow Ballet: Don Quixote, 7 p.m., April 20. The legendary beauty and grace of the Moscow Ballet returns to Poplar Bluff once again with their adaptation of Miguel Cervantes’ classic story “Don Quixote.” Featuring virtuoso dancing, dazzling costumes, and beautiful music, this performance closes out the Patrons of the Arts 2015-16 season with style. Tickets are $10.
Season tickets covering all six main Patrons shows are $50. Season tickets are available by calling the Patrons of the Arts Society at 573-840-9527, or the Financial Services office at 573-840-9670.
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 immensely appreciative of the support of the Patrons of the Arts Society,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of 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.