Subscription packages for 2019-2020 University Arts Series season are on sale now

The 2019-2020 season of the University Arts Series includes 18 nationally-touring professional performances in the WVU Creative Arts Center Lyell B. Clay Theatre. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will kick off the Series Sept. 20. 

Subscription packages begin at five events and are on sale now. The season includes: concerts by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Clint Black, Little River Band and the Indigo Girls. The national tours of Menopause the Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The SpongeBob Musical, RENT and Finding Neverland will all make one-night stops in Morgantown. The Series also includes The Champions of Magic, A Magical Cirque Christmas, Vicki Lawrence and Celtic Woman. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker returns for a December performance and Mountain Stage with Larry Groce will return for two shows – one in January and one in March.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue / Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Troy Andrews has been hailed as New Orleans’ brightest star in a generation. His latest album, “Parking Lot Symphony,” captures the spirit and essence of The Big Easy while redefining its sound. “Parking Lot Symphony” contains multitudes of sound – from brass band blare and deep-groove funk, to bluesy beauty and hip-hop/pop swagger – combined with plenty of emotion, all anchored by stellar playing and the idea that, even in the toughest of times, says Andrews, “music brings unity.” Come out and see for yourself why Trombone Shorty earned the coveted closing spot at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. 

Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience / Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
The Purple Xperience is widely considered the greatest Prince tribute act around. The five-piece group, led by Marshall Charloff, was founded in 2011 by Charloff and original Revolution band member Matt “Doctor” Fink. The group has entertained well over 300,000 fans, sharing stages with The Time, Cameo, Fetty Wap, Gin Blossoms, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Cheap Trick. Charloff, who has performed nationwide fronting world-class symphonies, styles the magic of Prince’s talent in appearance, vocal imitation and multi-instrumental capacity.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers / Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Since 1975, they have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, played more than 8,000 live shows and built an uncompromising catalog of hits that has certified George Thorogood and The Destroyers as one of rock’s most relentless entertainers. Now the bad-to-the-bone icon is bringing his “Good to Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock” to Morgantown for one night only. His signature hits – “Get a Haircut,” “I Drink Alone,” “Move It on Over,” “Who Do You Love,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” and the definitive anthem “Bad to the Bone” roll off the tongues of fans effortlessly. Thorogood received the 2018 B.B. King Award from the Montreal International Jazz Festival in recognition of the mark his talent has left on the blues scene. A portion of the proceeds from every date on this tour will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Champions of Magic / Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
The five world-class illusionists who make up this mind-bending theatrical production are coming to Morgantown on the heels of sold-out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a successful run in London’s West End. Audiences will recognize these talented magicians from their appearances on The CW’s “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” NBC’s “Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon,” “The Today Show” and “Access Hollywood Live.” The Champions of Magic team presents incredible mind reading; stunning close-up magic; and daring large-scale illusions, including a recreation of Houdini’s impossible water torture cell. 

Menopause the Musical / Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Menopause the Musical is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. After noticing similarities among one another, the cast jokes about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain and much more. This hilarious musical parody is set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical / Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical follows the early life and career of the legendary and groundbreaking singer/songwriter Carole King. The Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll – “I Feel the Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and more. 

Clint Black / Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Clint Black surged to stardom as part of the fabled Class of ’89 that included Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt, reaching No. 1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut album “Killin’ Time.” His second album, “Put Yourself in My Shoes,” also reached triple-platinum status. Black wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including “A Better Man,” “Nothin’ But the Taillights,” “When My Ship Comes In,” A Good Run of Bad Luck” and “Like the Rain.” Now 30 years later, he is celebrating one of the most storied careers in modern country music with the “Still … Killin’ Time 30th Anniversary Tour.

A Magical Cirque Christmas / Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
The producers of Broadway’s smash hit The Illusionists have brought together the world’s greatest entertainers for a spellbinding and incredible new holiday production – A Magical Cirque Christmas! Experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists from all corners of the world, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. 

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker / Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
The Moscow Ballet returns to the WVU Creative Arts Center with its “Gift of Christmas Tour,” featuring world-class artists, dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds. This magical holiday extravaganza will feature The Dove of Peace character, unique to the Moscow Ballet’s interpretation of the “Nutcracker” and performed by two dancers working in tandem to bring the bird’s breathtaking 20-foot wingspan to life. 

The SpongeBob Musical / Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Broadway’s best creative minds have brought the beloved Nickelodeon series to life with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a neon-sparkly, full-length musical celebrating friendship and cooperation, and the power of unity and inclusion. Be there when SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face catastrophe—until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage and find out if the power of optimism really can save the world.

Mountain Stage with Larry Groce / Jan. 19 and March 29 at 7 p.m.
Mountain Stage with Larry Groce has been the home of live music on public radio for more than 30 years. The West Virginia Public Broadcasting staple features performances from both seasoned legends and emerging stars in genres ranging from folk, blues and country to indie rock, synth pop, world music, alternative and beyond. The shows are all recorded before a live audience and aired on more than 240 stations across America via NPR music. Each show will feature five acts who will be announced closer to each performance. 

Little River Band / Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Little River Band is one of Australia’s prominent musical exports of the 1970s. The band is best known for its mega hits “Cool Change,” “Take It Easy On Me,” “Reminiscing,” “Help is on its Way,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Man on Your Mind,” “The Other Guy,” “The Night Owls,” “Lady” and “Happy Anniversary.” This high-energy, fantastically tight band still keeps the audience on their feet. They perform the hits the way fans remember them but with more feeling, vibe and energy than ever before. 

RENT / Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
RENT, a reimagining of Puccini's La Bohème, follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love. RENT won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world.

Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show / Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Emmy Award-winner Vicki Lawrence is one of the most beloved television personalities of her generation. The multi-talented actress, comedian and singer is known for the many characters she originated on CBS’ “The Carol Burnett Show,” where she appeared from 1967 to 1978. Her most famous character, Thelma Harper, aka Mama, became the central character of the ever-popular television series “Mama’s Family.” The show features a mixture of stand-up comedy, music and Lawrence’s observations about real life.

Finding Neverland / March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Finding Neverland, based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award winning film, tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event.

Celtic Woman / April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Celtic Woman is both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective. Celtic Woman celebrates Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage, while continuing to introduce some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians onto the world stage. The show is a joyful fusion of all things Celtic – from bagpipes to bouzouki to Irish dances – but it is also a universal celebration of life.

Indigo Girls / May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Amy Ray and Emily Sailers are the Grammy Award-winning duo Indigo Girls. Together they write, arrange, record and perform music which, over the past 25 years, has become a vital part of the lives of their legion of devoted fans around the world. Since their 1989 self-titled break-out album, the Indigo Girls have racked up a slew of Gold and Platinum records and earned the respect of high-profile peers-turned-collaborators from Michael Stipe to Joan Baez. Their body of work contains such contemporary classics as “Galileo,” “Shame on You,” “Closer to Fine,” “Kid Fears,” “Love of Our Lives,” “Making Promises,” “Get Out the Map,” “Moment of Forgiveness,” “Least Complicated” and “Go.”

Subscription packages begin at five events and are on sale now at https://am.ticketmaster.com/wvuarts/. Subscribers choose the events they want to see as well as the seat location they prefer. The subscription deadline is Aug. 23. WVU Student discounts are available at 304-293-SHOW (7469). All University Arts Series events will go on sale as single events Aug. 26 at 10 a.m.

The University Arts Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment and presented by University Toyota. Stay connected with the latest event updates through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @wvuevents.

-WVU A&E-
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