Lied Center announces 2014 holiday performance line-up

            The Lied Center for Performing Artat the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced its 25th anniversary season line-up of holiday artists, including "Elf the Musical” (Nov. 10-11), Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Nov. 25) and Christmas with the King's Singers (Dec. 18).

            Tickets will be available for purchase as part of a 2014-2015 season ticket package starting May 15. If the performances are not sold out through season ticket orders, any remaining tickets will be available for single ticket purchase starting Aug. 19. Call the Lied Center ticket office at 402-472-4747 for more information.

            "The Lied Center is central to many Nebraska families' holiday traditions," said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center. "The Lied's 25th anniversary season will feature marquee artists in every art form and this season's holiday programming is no exception."

            "Elf" is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern-day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.

            Based on the 2003 New Line Cinema hit, "Elf" features songs by Tony Award-nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin ("The Wedding Singer," "Aladdin"), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan ("Annie," "The Producers," "Hairspray") and Bob Martin ("The Drowsy Chaperone").

            Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has long been one of America's holiday favorites and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the group's annual tour. Grammy Award-winner Davis has created a show that features the Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.

            One of the world's most celebrated vocal ensembles, including two Grammy wins, the King's Singers have a packed schedule of concerts, recordings, media and education work that spans the globe. Instantly recognizable for their spot-on intonation, impeccable vocal blend, flawless articulation of the text and incisive timing, they are also consummate entertainers: a class act with a delightfully British wit.

            With a discography of more than 150 recordings, the group's contribution to classical recording was recognized when it was selected to join the Gramophone Hall of Fame in 2013. Deeply committed to new choral music, they have commissioned more than 200 works from prominent contemporary composers and choral luminaries. There are more than 2 million pieces of sheet music published by the King's Singers in circulation. Its arrangements are sung the world over by school and college choirs, and by ensembles both amateur and professional.

Writer: Carrie Christensen