Hitting the stage

Paramount Arts Center announces 2009-10 season

By LEE WARD / THE INDEPENDENT

ASHLAND — The Paramount Arts Series has released the shows making up its 2009-10 season.

Broadway

“Spirit of Christmas”

Dec. 13, 4 p.m.

Tickets: $48, $45

The most delightful, enchanting holiday extravaganza this side of New York City. Dazzling costumes and scenery, high-stepping dancers and singers. It’s a festive, family Christmas celebration.

“LeGrande Cirque”

Feb. 20, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $48, $45

Spellbinding and magical, this spectacular Cirque performance has played to more than 10 million around the world, smashing box office records all the way. It features an international cast of 50 world-champion acrobats and performers from 15 countries — beautiful costumes, dynamic lighting and music from the world’s most popular classical composers.

“Annie”

March 2, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $48, $45

Bet your bottom dollar that the entire family is going to love this timeless musical featuring Little Orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks and the gang.

Entertainment series

Bobby Vee & Friends

Aug. 27, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $35

Step back in time with Bobby Vee, Peter & Gordon, Shirley Alston Reeves (the original lead singer of the Shirelles), Johnny Tillotson, and The Killer Vees – an oldies but goodies multi-star extravaganza.

Billboard called Vee one of the most consistent chartmakers ever, with 38 top 100 hits and 6 Gold Records.

University of Kentucky

Symphony Orchestra

with conductor John Nardolillo and special guest Mark O’Connor

Oct. 27, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $35, $25

O’Connor is an acknowledged master folk fiddler, but his musical journey has led him to classical music concert halls. He’s written violin concertos and chamber music performed by some of today’s top classical music musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma and Renee Fleming. The LA Times calls O’Connor “One of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music — any music — today.”

RAIN: The Beatles Experience

March 11, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $45

There are acts that respectfully attempt to replicate a subset of the Beatles music, but only RAIN can perform the full range of the group’s discography live onstage. This multi-media, multi-dimensional event features five different scenes and costume changes, 3 video screens, live camera projections, TV commercials and historical footage from the 1960s.

Discovery series

Virsky: Ukrainian National Dance Company

Nov. 2, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $28, $25

The best of its native Ukraine with the wisdom of its people, the folk tradition of humor and optimism. The renowned dance ensemble famous for its brilliant colors, unified content and form and the vivid embodiment of its stage concept. A romantic, passionate, elevated and exciting performance.

Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra

Feb. 23, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $38, $35

Founded in 1978 as an outgrowth of the need for symphonic repertoire of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries to be broadcast through Russia for its citizens. The orchestra expanded its activities into Russian TV and created a major series in Moscow’s Tchaicovsky Hall and Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. This spectacular orchestra has performed for millions across the world.

Special event

David Copperfield: Grand Illusion

Oct. 14, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $47.50, $42.50

True to its title, “Grand Illusion” is the logical and incredible evolution of this conjurer’s art. Copperfield goal in “Grand Illusion” is to take one’s dreams (and maybe a few nightmares) and make them become reality using his state of the art wizardry.

The Big Read

Mark Twain’s Last Stand,

Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $10

A one-man theatrical production features Mark Twain’s anecdotes and stories interwoven with newly written humorous commentary on current events.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Sept. 29, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $10

This theatrical production is the quintessential tribute to American youth and is filled with the imagination and ingenuity found only in Tom Sawyer.

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