PASA Celebrates its 20th year with an invigorating new season
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Doing anything for 20 years is pretty respectable. No doubt: It takes tenacity, dedication, skill, and commitment to go the long haul. Rookies, new fish, and pretenders to the throne, take note: PASA is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. CUE: the PASA Executive Director Jackie Lyle-led ceremonial victory lap around the Heymann Performing Arts Center parking lot.
This season’s 2009-10 entertainment schedule includes everything from dance to the classic drama of To Kill a Mockingbird to The Spaghetti Western Orchestra, which creates the uniquely atmospheric music from movies like The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly.
“This is our 20th year of bringing quality performances that add to the cultural diversity and growth of Acadiana,” says PASA Community Relations Director Apiyo Obala. “And we want everyone to know that with the performing arts and the programming we provide at PASA, there’s literally something for everyone throughout the season.”
True that. The series opens Sept. 20 with Evidence Dance Company, one of the nation’s most fantastically stupendous and pleasurably momentous ensembles. The Montana Repertory Theater Company soon follows in October in a dramatic and gloriously entertaining return to the Heymann Center with its production of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In January, the series blasts into 2010 like a space age space ship with a recital by classical pianist Ji-Yong. By March the series delves into the world of opera with the Gershwin masterpiece Porgy and Bess, after which the season wraps with the tumbleweed-noir of the Spaghetti Western Orchestra.
The deadline for buying season tickets is Sept. 20, so get yours now before they are all gone in the wind like the sad dusts of time. Tickets can be bought through the PASA office in downtown Lafayette or by phone. In addition, don’t forget to attend PASA’s Golden Gala Wine Auction and fundraiser on Nov. 6 and show your support.
PASA 20th Anniversary 2009-10 Season Schedule
Sept. 20
Evidence Dance Company
EDC blends African dance and modern ballet with hip-hop stylings. This season’s tour includes the National Dance Project-funded “Two-Year Old Gentleman,” a fascinating exploration through dance of cultural traditions.
Oct. 19
To Kill a Mockingbird
Montana Repertory Theatre Company arrives with its production of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird at the Heymann Center.
Nov. 17
Cirque Shanghai Bai XI (special event)
A spectacular troupe of Chinese acrobats, jugglers and dancers, Cirque Shanghai will perform a beautiful and daring symphony of acrobatics and theatrics in a heart-stopping, spectacular show with plate spinners, contortionists and knuckle-wisting theatrics.
Jan. 22, 2010
Pianist Ji-Yong
Pianist Ji-Yong kicks off the second half of the PASA series with a classical recital.
Feb. 25, 2010
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (special event)
Known to audiences worldwide for its trademark beauty and spiritually influenced choreography, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre has educated and entertained audiences worldwide for over 50 years.
March 7, 2010
Porgy and Bess
The international tour of the Gershwin’s classic tale of love, loss and triumph over despair comes to the Heymann Center. Set in the rural south of the 1930s, jazz phrasings and rare musical brilliance find a home in this breath-taking masterpiece that entwines pride, prejudice and passion.
April 13, 2010
The Spaghetti Western Orchestra
SWO brings a bucket-load of fun when it performs the theme songs of some of the classic spaghetti western movies. Members of the Spaghetti Western Orchestra play with over 100 different instruments and bring the old west to new life in a fun comedic twist.
For more information about the 2009-2010 PASA series, visit www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787. All PASA event single tickets are available through TicketMaster by calling (800) 745-3000, online at www.pasaonline.com , or by visiting the Heymann Center box office.