The Givens Performing Arts Center will open the 2018-2019 show season with two performances The Three Musketeers on Sept. 20-21.
The season lineup also features the world-premiere of an original musical written by Lumberton’s Mark Andersen, an Eagles tribute band, and the Broadway musical production of Cinderella.
“We’ve got music concerts, symphony orchestras, magic, Broadway, Motown and more all wrapped into this year’s package. We are especially happy to be presenting two completely original productions this year that will be available nowhere else,” said James Bass, executive director of GPAC.
The Three Musketeers will be produced at GPAC, using professional actors from New York City, and will be available as a school matinee, as well as two mainstage performances.
“This is the second time GPAC has presented its artist-in-residence program where professional actors come to GPAC and work with us. And Comte Dracula is going to be unique because it’s going to make its world debut at GPAC before moving on to the New York Opera.”
“Last year was one of our biggest seasons yet, and we’re hoping to take it further this year with our diverse series of performing arts events,” said Bass.
The 2018-2019 season will include:
The Three Musketeers: The Three Musketeers is a farcical historical romance detailing the adventures of four swashbuckling heroes who lived under the French King Louis XIII and Louis XIV in the 17th Century. The show will be held Sept. 20-21.
Jessica & Niels Magic and Juggling Variety Act: Take an escape from reality and get ready for some mind-blowing magic and zany comedy bits. Jessica Jane Petersen has appeared on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us TV show. Niels Duinker is a Guinness World record juggler, who currently holds the record for most cups (14) juggled at once. The two will perform together as the Comedy Juggling Variety Show on Sept. 28. This show is part of Family Weekend events.
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (“A Night of John Williams”): From Harry Potter to JAWS, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the music of John Williams is some of the most celebrated in movie history. The Fayetteville Symphony will perform an evening of John Williams’ classics along with some special surprises on Oct. 5.
Hotel California (A Salute To The Eagles): Homecoming festivities will feature Hotel California, the ultimate tribute band which has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles and thrilled audiences all over the world for nearly three decades. Founded during a time when The Eagles were disbanded, Hotel California filled the void for fans until the bands returned. The show is Oct. 19.
Comte Dracula: A New Musical Drama: Written by Lumberton native and award-winning composer of classical and Broadway music, Mark Andersen, Comte Dracula is an original musical making its world premiere on the stage of GPAC on Oct. 27.
UNCP Holiday Extravaganza: The faculty, staff and students of the UNCP Music Department present their 10th annual concert of holiday favorites on Nov. 30. Money raised from the concert goes to music scholarships at UNCP.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The classic holiday TV show is now a thrilling Broadway musical. Come and get in the holiday spirit with Rudolph, The Abominable Snow Monster and all your favorite characters on Dec. 2.
Good For The Soul - Motown Revue: The hit songs of the Motown sixties come to life in this revue of some of the greatest hits of all time. The show is set for Jan. 12.
Cinderella The Broadway Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Featuring an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations, and all of the favorite characters that made this fairy tale a classic. It will be coming to GPAC on Feb. 20.
The Russian Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty: Formed in 1989, The Russian Ballet has achieved world-wide acclaim for their performances. They are returning to GPAC on March 11 as a fan favorite, this time to perform the fairy tale classic Sleeping Beauty.
The Red Hot Chili Pipers (Scottish Bagpipe Band): Not to be confused with the world-famous rock band, The Red Hot Chili Pipers hail from Scotland and have become well known for their incredible covers of songs by Journey, AC/DC, even “Amazing Grace.” Imagine a full band, plus bagpipes and you’re ready for a high-energy performance guaranteed to have you dancing. They will rock the GPAC stage on March 20.
The Midtown Men: Four members of the original Jersey Boys cast make up The Midtown Men. Join this dynamic group of Tony Award winners and nominees for a memorable night of classic 1960s hits on April 15.
For more information about the shows or to become a season subscriber or renew past subscriptions, call the GPAC Box Office at 910.521.6361 or visit uncp.edu/gpac.