Givens Performing Arts Center at UNC Pembroke announces the 2022-2023 Professional Artist Series featuring touring Broadway shows, dance, orchestras and concerts.
The series is a full season scheduled to run from October to April 2023. GPAC brings three Broadway shows, including a new family-friendly show, Anastasia, along with all-time favorites Legally Blonde and the 25th Anniversary tour of Chicago.
“There’s something for everyone in this year’s series,” said James Bass, executive director of GPAC. “Whether you’re looking for big Broadway, the best in symphony performances, or pop music, we welcome you to see all we have to offer.”
“A Night of John Williams” will open the season on October. 7, performed by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and highlighting some of the world-renowned composer’s most famous film soundtracks.
The Nutcracker will ring in the holiday season on November 20, followed by the always popular UNCP Department of Music’s annual benefit concert, Holiday Extravaganza, featuring university faculty, staff and students.
Bringing in 2023 is Forever Young on January 20, which follows a group of friends as they discover the greatest musical hits of our time. The Lviv National Symphony of Ukraine will perform as part of a national tour that features a stop at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Also coming this spring is Dublin Irish Dance: Wings on March 13, featuring some of the world’s top Irish dancers.
During UNCP Homecoming on October 28, GPAC will present Tone Loc, Quad City DJs, C&C Music Factory and Digital Underground in an all-star 90s package. This bonus show will not be part of season subscriptions.
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra: A Night of John Williams
Friday, October 7
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra returns to GPAC to celebrate the music of famed composer John Williams in a special concert. If you’re a fan of Star Wars, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, or even the Harry Potter series, then you’ve heard John Williams’ iconic music.
90’s Throwback: Tone Loc, C&C Music Factory, Quad City DJs and Digital Underground
Bonus Show (Not part of season subscriptions)
Friday, October 28
Travel back to the 90s for an unforgettable night of some of the biggest names of rap, hip hop, and R&B performing live during UNCP Homecoming weekend. Wild Thang, Space Jam, The Humpty Dance, and Gonna Make You Sweat, are just a few of the many hits you’ll hear!
Anastasia
Sunday, November 6
Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical Anastasia is on a journey to Givens Performing Arts Center at last! This dazzling show will transport you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.
The Nutcracker
Sunday, November 20
Become entranced by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dazzling Court, enchanted by the swirling snowflakes and breathtaking snow, and cheer for the tiny toy soldiers and their leader, the handsome Nutcracker Prince. This is a sparkling production with beautiful costumes and sets; it is truly…. “an all-time family favorite.”
Annual Holiday Extravaganza
Friday, December 2
Celebrate the holidays with the return of the Holiday Extravaganza concert. The university’s ensembles and choirs will brighten your holidays with uplifting renditions of favorites and a fun sing-along of well-known Christmas carols. Proceeds will benefit the program’s music scholarships.
Forever Young
Friday, January 20
Forever Young follows a group of friends as they discover the greatest musical hits of our time. Set in a suburban basement, the cast drops the needle on the record and takes you on a trip down memory lane. The show features the music of Billy Joel, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Huey Lewis & The News, Styx, Queen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Brooks & Dunn, The Black Crows, Bon Jovi, and more.
Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine
Wednesday, January 25
Established in 1902, the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine has collaborated with many of the world’s great composers and musicians. The orchestra regularly performs at top international festivals and has released acclaimed recordings on major labels including Naxos and Brilliant Classics. Since 2018, the orchestra has been collaborating with the renowned Ukrainian-American conductor Theodore Kuchar, who served previously as artistic director and principal conductor and is now its main guest conductor.
Dublin Irish Dance presents Wings: A Celtic Dance Celebration
Monday, March 13
WINGS is a brand new Irish dance production created in Ireland by a critically acclaimed artistic team. WINGS features exquisite Irish and World champion dancers together with Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos.
Legally Blonde - The Musical
Thursday, March 23
Based on the beloved movie, Legally Blonde - The Musical will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway’s brightest heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser. Fabulously fun and international award-winning Legally Blonde - The Musical is the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power! The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and STILL the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances.
Chicago
Thursday, April 27
After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show-stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary — you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…Chicago.
Season subscriptions are available now through the GPAC Box Office. Individual ticket sales will be announced at uncp.edu/gpac. For information, call 910.521.6361.
