The tradition of summer arts announcements continues with UA Pulaski Technical College's release of its 2023-2024 CHARTS Live performing arts series.
UA-PTC's 90,000 square-foot Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS) is home to a 456-seat proscenium theater and the Windgate Gallery, and will play host to hit comedies, classic sounds and household names this season.
Here's what's coming to the stage.
"The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged"
with Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre
Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.
An irreverent snippet of Romeo and Juliet; a bawdy romp through Othello; and the aptly named The Comedy of Two Well-Measured Gentlemen Lost in the Merry Wives of Venice on a Midsummer's Twelfth Night in Winter: these are only the beginning of The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged, a comedically abbreviated take on all 37 of The Bard’s works in a single unforgettable performance.
Los Lobos at 50
Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.
It's a matter of time— 50 years to be exact — and in that time Los Lobos have created an unprecedented body of work, a legacy of greatness. The numbers are staggering: 100-plus gigs a year for five decades running, crossing millions of miles to rock millions of fans. And that's just at the live shows. In between they've recorded 17 studio albums, seven live LPs, three compilations, two EPs, two DVDs and contributed 40-plus guest appearances on their friends' recordings — all garnering five Grammys, an Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction, the ALMA Richie Valens Pioneer Award, NEA and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Honors, Congressional recognitions, plus countless keys to the city and "Los Lobos Day" celebrations. And those are just a few of the highlights. Find out why Los Lobos — David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez Jr., Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin — remain one of the most potent musical brotherhoods performing today.
"Ruben & Clay, Twenty the Tour": Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken Together
Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.
In 2003, 38 million viewers watched Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken battle it out to become the winner of season two of Fox’s “American Idol” show. Twenty years later, Studdard and Aiken will light up the CHARTS stage for their 20th anniversary tour. Between the two, they have recorded 12 albums, sold more than eight million albums worldwide, toured the country 14 times, starred together on Broadway, won four Billboard Music Awards, an American Music Award and have been nominated for two Grammys.
Twenty: The Tour will highlight the music that made Studdard and Aiken American Idol favorites and household names. From Aiken's iconic rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to Studdard’s soulful single “Sorry,” join America's favorite odd couple for an unforgettable evening of music and memories, delivered as only these true superstars can.
Sons of Serendip
Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Billboard-charting quartet Sons of Serendip won the hearts of fans and judges alike as finalists on America's Got Talent (NBC) with their ethereal and emotionally stirring interpretations of pop music, arranged with a unique blend of vocals, harp, piano and cello.
It was serendipity that brought the four members of Sons of Serendip together. Lead vocalist Micah Christian, cellist Nathaniel Taylor, pianist Cordaro Rodriguez and harpist Mason Morton met when they were graduate students at Boston University. But it was talent, dedication and a desire to share their music with the world that rocketed the quartet to fame.
"Simply Sondheim: Songs of American Composer Stephen Sondheim"
April 11, 7:30 p.m.
Revel in the magic of the music of Stephen Sondheim as four powerhouse singers bring you on a journey through all of the most memorable music of Sondheim’s career. From tender love songs to soaring ballads and raucous show stoppers, "Simply Sondheim" transports its audiences through some of the best and most famous songs written for the stage or screen.
Rich, soaring harmonies will bring you on a journey from the familiar fire escapes of "West Side Story" to the seedy streets of Victorian London, and on "Into the Woods" and beyond. Simply Sondheim combines the talents of four fantastic singers with the best known music of Broadway's most beloved composer to create a magical evening for the whole family.
Show descriptions provided by CHARTS.
Tickets to the CHARTS Live season are on sale now. Click here to get yours.
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