Lied Center announces 20th anniversary blockbuster season

The Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will celebrate its 20th anniversary season in 2009-10 by lowering ticket prices and presenting some of the world's most renowned artists, including trumpet great Wynton Marsalis, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and a blockbuster line up of Broadway shows.

The upcoming season will feature the national Broadway touring productions of "South Pacific," "Avenue Q," "Wizard of Oz," "Camelot" and "Stomp."

Season brochures and order forms will be available at www.liedcenter.org or by visiting the Lied Center Box Office, 301 N. 12th St., starting May 1.

In efforts to ensure that these great performances are enjoyed by more patrons, the Lied Center has reduced the average ticket price for the upcoming season. For some shows adult tickets prices start as low as $14.

"We have responded to patron comments requesting performances of stature, significance and accessibility," said Ann Chang-Barnes, Lied Center interim executive director. "I believe the upcoming season addresses those requests, while being mindful of the need for affordability."

For greater flexibility the Lied is also providing a payment program ("Lied layaway") and a payroll deduction option for UNL employees.

Chang-Barnes is encouraging early purchases for the best selection.

"We anticipate great demand for these programs and encourage our patrons to take advantage of the early season subscriber purchase period to secure seats to their favorite shows," she said.

Next season's programs should provide something for everyone, she said. Additional season highlights include: Gaelic Storm, a Celtic band made famous in the movie "Titanic"; Riders in the Sky, America's favorite group of singing cowboys; the world famous Paul Taylor Dance Co.; world music leader Los Lobos; Chicago's "Second City" comedy troupe; and several shows for families, including "Darwin the Dinosaur" and "The Hobbit."

Here is a complete listing of the shows, dates and descriptions. Shows are in the Lied Center unless noted by KRH (Kimball Recital Hall) or JCT (Johnny Carson Theater).

Wynton Marsalis -- Oct. 7: Nine-time Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra will kick off the season in style. Marsalis has been described as the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation.

Malcolm Bilson (KRH) -- Oct. 10: Pianist Bilson has been at the forefront of the period-instrument movement for more than 30 years and is a recognized leader in the study and performance of the classic repertoire for the fortepiano.

Troika Ranch Dance Co., "Loop Diver" (JCT) -- Oct. 15-16: Troika Ranch produces live performances, interactive installations, and digital films, which combine aspects of these forms to create artwork that reflects and engages contemporary society. "Loop Diver" has been commissioned by the Lied Center.

George Winston -- Oct. 20: Inspired by the seasons, Grammy award-winning pianist Winston plays more than 100 solo piano concerts a year internationally. His concerts feature a variety of styles, including his melodic folk piano, stride piano, New Orleans R&B piano and more.

"No Child" by Nilaja Sun (KRH) -- Oct. 21: Sun shines a light on the struggles and miracles of America's public schools. In this solo show, Sun takes on 16 roles in 70 minutes, transforming her eight years as a teaching artist into an enlightenment on heartbreak, humor and hope.

"Camelot" -- Nov. 3-4: One of Broadway's greatest shows of all time comes to Lincoln. A sumptuous tale set in a land where honor and chivalry reigns, a musical filled with enchanting songs such as "If Ever I Would Leave You," "I Loved You Once in Silence" and "Follow Me." This musical follows the love triangle of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Lancelot.

Paul Taylor Dance Co. -- Nov. 10: One of the top dance companies in the world, PTDC has challenged the accepted and jumped head first into controversy. "A Must See!" -- The New York Times.

Los Lobos -- Oct. 30: Built on the blues, rockabilly, jazz, Latin and their own Mexican-American heritage, Los Lobos has evolved into a respected artistic entity. Their enormous hit, "La Bamba," along with the rest of their catalog will rock the Lied Center all night.

Pablo Ziegler: Tango meets Jazz (with Nestor Torres) -- Nov. 13: Latin Grammy-winners Ziegler (original pianist for Astor Piazzolla) and flutist Torres blend classic tango rhythms with jazz.

Shaolin Warriors -- Nov. 14: Acrobatics combine with martial arts for a high-energy showdown of power. The 1,500-year-old rituals of the Shaolin Warriors demonstrate remarkable skill and stunning combat abilities.

Riders in the Sky: "Christmas the Cowboy Way" -- Dec. 3: This group stands "hat and shoulders" above the rest of the purveyors of C&W -- "Comedy and Western." The foursome and their hilarious antics mosey into the Lied Center for a spectacular Christmas show.

"Avenue Q" -- Dec. 4: This very funny 2004 Tony winner is the story of Princeton, a college grad who goes to New York City and ends up living on Avenue Q. Together, Princeton and his friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. (Not suitable for children.)

Second City -- Jan. 29: The comedy empire that boasts alumni John Belushi, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey comes to Lincoln with its "50th Anniversary: Best of Second City" Show. (Contains adult content.)

"The Hobbit" (FamFest) -- Feb. 5: Travel to the land of elves, trolls and wizards and enjoy "The Hobbit." This Giant Theatrical Puppet production tells the story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures. A show for all ages, and wizards.

"Stomp" -- Feb. 9-10: "Electrifying!" - Los Angeles Times. The international sensation is making its triumphant return and bringing some new surprises. See what all the noise is about.

Petar Jankovic (JCT) -- Feb. 13-14: Classical guitarist Petar Jankovic connects with audiences wherever he plays, here for a Valentine's treat, in the intimate Johnny Carson Theater.

Gaelic Storm -- Feb. 17: A decade ago, Gaelic Storm's career lifted off with its appearance in the blockbuster film "Titanic." The band's fan base continues to multiply with each new album, turning the one-time pub band into one of the premier touring acts in the Celtic/World music genre.

"South Pacific" -- Feb. 25-27: Now in its first Broadway revival, South Pacific won seven Tony Awards in 2008 and has been playing to sold-out houses since the first preview in March 2008. This first-run Broadway show is direct from New York and is playing exclusively in Nebraska at the Lied Center. This Broadway classic features numerous well-known songs, including "Some Enchanted Evening," "Nothing Like a Dame," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," Younger than Springtime" and many more.

Van Cliburn Gold Medalist -- March 2: Once every four years, a select few young pianists emerge victorious from the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Experience the thrill of the Cliburn while celebrating the gifts of a young virtuoso with a special solo performance by the to-be-announced 2009 Cliburn Gold Medal winner.

Abraham Inc. -- March 6: Klezmer clarinet virtuoso David Krakauer collaborates with long-time James Brown trombonist Fred Wesley and beat architect Socalled. The result is an all-out klezmer-funk dance party. Enjoy a concert of jazz, blues, hip-hop and funk.

"In the Mood" Live on Tour -- March 9: A special trip down memory lane, this Big Band celebration features the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra complete with singers and dancers.

"One Night of Queen" -- March 11: "One Night of Queen" is a stunning live recreation and celebration of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Queen. This show will rock you.

"Nobody's Perfect" -- March 19: Direct from the Kennedy Center, this exciting new musical is a reminder that despite first impressions, nobody's perfect. Based on the popular children's book, this show is performed simultaneously in spoken English and American Sign Language.

Yo-Yo Ma -- March 21: Multiple Grammy-winning cellist Ma remains one of the best-selling recording artists in the classical field. He will be joined by pianist Kathryn Stott.

"Reduced Shakespeare" -- March 30: "Pithier than Python. Irresistible." -- the New York Times. No time for Shakespeare? This three-man troupe blazes through the complete works of the bard in a single show.

Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra -- April 9: A performance of three of the most popular works in the piano/symphony repertoire: the famous Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt piano concerti. Music Director Edward Polochick will lead Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra for all three pieces with international piano soloists Gila Goldstein, Alexander Dossin and Arnaldo Cohen.

"The Wizard of Oz" -- April 10-11: This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, will sweep audiences away from the moment the tornado twists into Kansas.

"Darwin the Dinosaur" (FamFest) -- April 27: Darwin is a truly unique and innovative theater experience where electroluminescent crayon-like creatures light up the stage with a heart-rending tale of a dinosaur discovering the true meaning of love.

Moscow Festival Ballet: "Sleeping Beauty" -- April 30: Direct from Russia, Sergei Radchenko, legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, directs this timeless, beautiful classic story ballet.

Season brochures and order forms will be available at www.liedcenter.org or by visiting the Lied Center Box Office starting May 1. Season ticket orders of four or more events will be accepted by mail or fax via the order form only. Individual tickets for three or fewer shows go on sale at 11 a.m. Aug. 17 via mail, phone, fax or on the Internet. Season ticket packages for four events start as low as $61 for adults and $30.60 for students.

This year, the Lied Center is offering Lied Layaway payment option. This option is available through July 15 with final payment due in August.

Friends of Lied individual donors and current season ticket holders receive preferred seating assignments through May 29. Starting June 1, season ticket seating assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. All season ticket orders may be submitted starting May 1.

For more information, call the Lied Center ticket office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231, or visit www.liedcenter.org.