Performing Arts Series 2005-2006

Loudon Wainwright III - Saturday, September 10

"....poignant but humorous [Wainwright's] songs really make you laugh and cry (often within the same song!)...One of the greatest songwriters alive."
- Paint It Red, UK

" One of the greatest lyricists of the age."
- Q magazine

During his 35 year career, Loudon Wainwright III has recorded 20 albums and been nominated for two Grammy awards. The award winning acoustic singer/song writer and actor's most recent CD, So Damn Happy, presents more than an hour of sublime happiness.   His songs - sometimes irreverent, sometimes caustic, often heartwarming - have been covered by Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and, most recently, by son Rufus Wainwright.   Loudon has used his considerable storytelling talent in writing commentaries for The New York Times and in creating topical songs for National Public Radio and ABC's "Nightline.".

ARENA Dances - Saturday, October 1

"The breathtaking lifts, acrobatic tosses, and quicksilver turns have crystallized into dance that matters rather than dance that simply exists."   - City Pages

"A sense of beauty, the kind induced by Biblical angels..."
- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Minneapolis based choreographer/dancer, Mathew Janczewski has been hailed as a master of compelling, thought-provoking and inventive dance.   Mathew describes his work as a blend of emotion, musicality, and accessibility. Since 1992, he has choreographed more than 30 contemporary works - works recognized by the McKnight and Jerome Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Foundation for Contemporary Performing Arts.  

Red Priest - Friday, October 28  

"More fun than anyone could have expected-and at the same time more provocative...brought the venerated era to a bawdy, brilliant life."
- Daytona Beach New-Journal

"Red Priest has the fire, technical ability and sheer daring to bring it off.   Brilliant and inspired musicianship." - Gramophone

Named after the infamous flame-haired priest, Vivaldi, this extraordinary British ensemble has redefined the art of period performance.   The ensemble, founded in 1997, is comprised of recorder virtuoso Piers Adams, violinist Debbie Diamond, cellist Angela East and harpsichordist Howard Beach.   One of the major success stories on the international early music scene today, Red Priest combines authentic performance technique with daredevil virtuosity and wild, gypsy freedom.   Don't miss this special Halloween performance, Nightmare in Venice, with works by masters from Vivaldi to Purcell, from Von Gluck to Bach.

Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular - Friday, February 3

"Whether you're part of the contemporary MTV generation or are old enough to remember having to put the yellow plastic disc in the middle of the record to play your 45s, you'll move to this high-energy homage to 30 years of hip-hop."
- Toledo Blade  

"Irresistible!" - The New York Times

With their pure physical strength and agility, Break! dancers make every move look effortless:   headspins, windmills, flares, freezes, backflips and frontflips - their skill will dazzle you!   With standing ovations across five continents, Break! has performed throughout the world, on Broadway, and during the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show.   Founder and artistic director, Steve Love has put together a family-oriented evening of non-traditional dance that showcases the genre.

Aquila Theatre: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Saturday, March 18     

"The Aquila Theatre Company's productions are simply magical."  - Backstage

"... beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect."   - The New Yorker

The multitalented British/American performers of Aquila Theatre have been bringing high quality classical drama to audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Europe since 1991.   The company's mission is to allow audiences to enjoy great plays as live, visceral, and above all, entertaining theatre.  

Area audiences may well remember Aquila's 2001 outstanding performance at UMM of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.   For their encore visit, the company will present Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.   Stevenson virtually invented the genre of modern horror fiction with this gripping classic .   The story offers compelling views on the nature of human emotion and the bounds of scientific research, a fascinating detective story and a fictional parallel for the unsolved murders of 'Jack the Ripper.'  

All performances are at 7:30pm in Edson Auditorium, UMM Student Center.

For ticket information please contact the UMM Office of Student Activities at (320) 589-6080.