By KELLI BOCOCK-NATALE
and DAVID WEDEKINDT
Reporter Contributors

The Center for the Arts will offer a broad spectrum of programs ranging from cutting-edge dance companies and distinguished speakers to compelling theater, family entertainment and outstanding musical concerts as part of its 2001-02 season.

 

	Béla Fleck and Flecktones

In perhaps its most unique program to date, the CFA has brought "The Living Room Project" to Western New York audiences. The purpose of the collaboration of the CFA and the Eager Artists Theater Company of Durban, South Africa, is to facilitate a greater understanding of the performing artists and their work through high quality, intimate experiences for participants. The theater troupe will perform short plays, sing, dance and tell stories for small audiences in a number of homes and community centers. Following the performances, the cast will share a meal and conversation with their audiences.

The project will culminate with the North American premiere of "Ekhaya Poppie" at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 in the Mainstage theater in the CFA on the North Campus.

Now in its fourth year, the KeyBank Dance Series will feature four dynamic performances, the first of which is the tough, rocking theatrical event "Tap Dogs" at 8 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Mainstage.

The Ballet British Columbia will present "The Faerie Queen" at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Mainstage. Innovative choreographer John Alleyne will take the audience into a magical fairyland world based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

The series will continue with world-class dance presented by Bayanihan, the Philippine National Dance Company, at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Mainstage. Bayanihan transfers Filipino dance and music traditions from their ancient origins in the countryside to the confines of the stage without sacrificing authenticity.

Concluding the series will be the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, which will perform at 8 p.m. April 20 in the Mainstage. The company's work has been described as a fusion of dance and theater, with a repertoire highly diverse in subject matter and visual imagery.

This year is the fourth year KeyBank has sponsored the dance series in partnership with the Center for the Arts. Exclusive discount coupons are available one month prior to each performance at all Western New York KeyBank locations.

The CFA's Family Adventure Series will offer wholesome and enlightening entertainment for the entire family. In a new activity this season, the CFA doors will open one hour prior to curtain for free activities in the lobby for the entire family.

 

	Charlie Hunter

Based on one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature, "Ferdinand the Bull," by Munro Leaf, will be presented at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Mainstage. This is the story of Ferdinand—a little bull who would rather just sit and smell the flowers than fight. Children will enjoy watching giant puppets that sing and dance in the latest of an ongoing tradition of "narrated ballets" by the Hudson Vagabond Puppets. The performance is recommended for children ages 9 and under.

ArtsPower National Touring Theatre will bring to life Judy Blume's popular novel "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great" at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Mainstage. This new musical is about young Sheila Tubman, the unlikely but extremely likeable heroine whose life growing up is always unpredictable. Recommended for ages 12 and under.

Next up on stage will be "Pinocchio" at 2 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Mainstage. With a blare of trumpets and a ruffle of drums, the Fanfare Theatre Ensemble will parade down the aisle and onto the stage to make Pinocchio an unforgettable theatrical event. The whole family will enjoy watching all of Pinocchio's escapades in this original musical. Recommended for ages 8 and under.

 

	The Jack Frost Holiday Review

"The Peter Rabbit Revue" will be performed at 2 p.m. March 23 in the Mainstage. This show is a fun-filled, full-stage musical—featuring the world renowned Poko Puppets—of the famous rabbit and the classic children's tales of "Peter and the Wolf," "Tubby the Tuba" and "Peer Gynt and the Trolls." Recommended for ages 8 and under.

The School-Time Adventure Series will offer Western New York teachers and their students the opportunity to see a wide variety of theater, music and dance at affordable prices, with all seats only $5.

In addition to two 10:30 a.m. performances of "Ferdinand the Bull" on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 in the Mainstage, the School-Time Adventure Series will include:

• "The Jack Frost Holiday Revue," 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 in the Mainstage. Jack Frost will be the host for a musical extravaganza featuring the black-light, space-age adventures of "Little Red Rocket Hood" and a rollicking country-western "Three Little Pigs." Recommended for grades Pre-K-3.
• Motus O's "The Little Prince," 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 in the Mainstage. The Canadian theater company Motus O retells, through movement, the classic fable of a small prince on a tiny planet who travels to earth to find out what is really important in life. Recommended for grades K-4
• "Pinocchio," 10:30 a.m. Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 in the Mainstage.
• "The Peter Rabbit Revue," 10:30 a.m. March 21 and March 22 in the Mainstage

The CFA also will host a number of special events throughout the season.

Comic magicians Penn & Teller will make their first appearance in the CFA at 8 p.m. Oct. 17. Penn & Teller are a couple of eccentric guys who have learned how to do a few cool things. Together since 1975, their award-winning theater show has been a long-running hit on and off Broadway and continues to play to sold-out houses across North America.

Author and social observer Sarah Vowell will speak at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Mainstage. Vowell is best-known for her monologues and documentaries for public radio's "This American Life."

The CFA's music series will feature some of the country's best musicians.

Medeski Martin & Wood, the downtown avant-electric-jazz-hip-hop hybrid, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Mainstage.

The Charlie Hunter Quartet will make a triumphant return to the CFA at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Mainstage. Combining elements of jazz, rock and blues, Hunter plays a unique, eight-string guitar that allows him to simultaneously cover deep, rich, bass lines with chordal accompaniment and melody lines. He will be joined by Stephen Chopek (drums), Chris Lovejoy (percussion) and John Ellis (saxophone).

The Grammy award-winning group Béla Fleck and the Flecktones will appear in the CFA for an unprecedented fourth year. The group, which will perform at 8 p.m. March 4 in the Mainstage, appeals to fans of pop, funk, jazz, rock, folk, classical and bluegrass. This performance is made possible by The Bernice Poss Memorial Fund.

The Distinguished Speakers Series will feature the great scientist, conservationist, teacher and author Jane Goodall at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 in Alumni Arena; former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at 8 p.m. Nov. 15 in Alumni Arena, and celebrated filmmaker Ken Burns at 8 p.m. April 24 in the Mainstage.

The Off Center Series, sponsored by the Student Association, will feature entertainment that is unique, versatile and progressive.

The Second City National Touring Company will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Mainstage. Always original, daring and hilarious, Second City will offer an evening of classic scenes, songs and improvisations.

Scott Thompson, founding member of the comedy series "Kids in the Hall," will appear at 8 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Mainstage. Thompson has continued to enjoy success after "Kids in the Hall," appearing as a cast member on HBO's "The Larry Sanders Show" for three years, as well as in several TV movies and films.

Rick Miller, star of last season's hit "Machomer," will bring an all-new comic extravaganza to the CFA at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. April 26. "Slightly Bent" will feature Miller playing more than 150 characters, including "Bohemian Rhapsody" sung by 25 of the most annoying voices in the music industry, "The Simpsons" singing "We Are the World," the Madonna tribute album "Men Do Madonna," and the "Phantom of the Karaoke Bar."

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present dynamic and innovative performances by talented young actors, dancers and choreographers throughout the 2001-02 season.

The schedule will include the musical "Assassins" at 8 p.m. today, 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday, all in the Black Box Theatre; Zodiaque Dance Company Fall Dance Concert, "Wine, Women & Dance," Oct. 11-14 and Oct. 18-21, Drama Theatre; "Children of Eden," Nov. 8-11 and Nov. 15-18, Drama Theatre; "Cloud Nine," Nov. 14-18, Black Box Theatre; Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Black Box Theatre; Zodiaque Dance Company Spring Dance Concert, Feb. 14-17 and Feb. 21-24, Drama Theatre; "Berlin to Broadway," Feb. 20-24, Black Box Theatre; "The Bourgeois Gentleman," April 11-14 and April 18-21, Drama Theatre, and Young Choreographers Showcase, April 26-28, Black Box Theatre.

Tickets for all events are available in the CFA box office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Prices vary for each show and series.