09/03/10 kkh local, area, western Kansas

HAYS, Kan. -- Musical ensembles, dance talents and comedian musicians will all light up the stage in Fort Hays State University's 2010-2011 Encore Series.

All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus.

One of America's foremost musical ensembles, the Dallas Brass, will open up the season on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The group will perform classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and patriotic music through their unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of percussion. Reserved tickets are $25 for the public, $23 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $21 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $21, $19 and $17, respectively.

"Fiddler on the Roof," the Tony Award winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all around the world, is Saturday, Oct. 23. A performance including "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I were a Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset" magically combines music, dance, poignancy and laughter into an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Reserved tickets are $35 for the public, $33 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $31 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $31, $29 and $27, respectively.

Another Tony Award winning musical, "Monty Python's Spamalot," comes to Beach/Schmidt on Wednesday, Nov.17. The outrageous new musical comedy is "lovingly ripped off" from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." With a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award winning team of Idle and John Du Prez, "Spamalot" tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. The musical includes flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers. Some dialogue and situations may be inappropriate for children under 12. Reserved tickets are $35 for the public, $33 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $31 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $31, $29 and $27, respectively.

The International Chamber Soloists perform on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011. Musicians from Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Korea, Latvia, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan and the United States all make up the unique group of extraordinary young string players. Reserved tickets are $25 for the public, $23 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $21 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $21, $19 and $17, respectively.

William Inge's "Bus Stop" will be on Tuesday, Feb. 22, According to the Modern Repertory Theatre website, Inge examines some of the many faces of love in this warm and affecting hit comedy, in which a busload of stranded passengers waits out a nighttime snowstorm in a roadside diner in a small Midwestern town. Reserved tickets are $25 for the public, $23 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $21 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $21, $19 and $17, respectively.

The Encore Series features Bowfire on Tuesday, March 15, a show that is quickly becoming a major international success. Through its exceptionally high-quality string music experience and fast-paced theatrically staged show, the Bowfire ensemble of world-renowned musicians takes audiences on a journey through jazz, classical, bluegrass, Celtic, rock and other music from around the world. The unique combination of choreography and vocals is complemented by elaborate costumes and designs. Reserved tickets are $25 for the public, $23 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $21 for FHSU students. Unreserved seats are $21, $19 and $17 respectively.

The dance ensemble Ailey II comes to Hays on Monday, March 28. Ailey II is universally known for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talents with the passion and creativity of today's most outstanding young choreographers. Reserved tickets are $25 for the public, $23 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $21 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $21, $19 and $17, respectively.

The final performance of the 2010-2011 Encore series is "The Aluminum Show" on Tuesday, April 26. "Aluminum" is a new performance that uniquely combines movement, dance and visual theatre. Inanimate objects come to life through the use of special effects, creative mechanisms and acrobatic dance, as silver industrial materials create a luminous and reflective world. Reserved tickets are $25 for the public, $23 for senior citizens and children under 18, and $21 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $21, $19 and $17, respectively.

Through the presentation of varied forms of performing arts, the Special Events Committee strives to educate, inspire, invoke thought and entertain. Special hearing aids and large-print programs are available at all performances at no cost.

Season tickets are available for reserved seats at $165 for the public, $145 for senior citizens, $100 for children ages 6-17 and $60 for FHSU students. Unreserved tickets are $140, $120, $75 and $50 respectively.

For more information about the Encore Series or to purchase tickets, visit the website at http://bigcat.fhsu.edu/perf_arts, visit the Student Service Center in the Memorial Union or call 785-628-5308.