COLLEGE STATION, April 23, 2010 – Broadway shows “Mamma Mia!” and “The Color Purple,” along with Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” head a stellar 2010-11 line-up for MSC OPAS as the Texas A&M University-based cultural and entertainment organization enters its 38th year of service to the institution, Bryan-College Station community and beyond.
Other “Main Stage” presentations – those offered in the 2,500-seat Rudder Auditorium – include “The Manhattan Transfer,” a multi-Grammy-winning vocal jazz quartet that kicks off the new MSC OPAS season Sept. 25, “Burn the Floor, “a fast-moving ballroom dance program, and “An Irish Christmas with Ronan Tynan,” the world-renowned tenor.
The coming season’s “Intimate Gatherings” performances are “Bus Stop,” “Time for Three,” “American Bluegrass Masters” and “Nat King Cole Remembered,” all of which will be presented in Rudder Theatre, except for the latter, which will be at Miramont Country Club.
Rounding out the 2010-11 season will be two children-oriented OPAS Jr. programs: “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake” in Rudder Theatre and “The Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company” in Rudder Auditorium.
Of the new season, OPAS Executive Director Anne Black states, “There is no stronger voice to the volunteers who serve on our program advisory committee than those belonging to our patrons. Last fall, we surveyed audiences seeking input as to what types of events they preferred on future seasons. The overwhelming trend in their answers concerned Broadway and concert titles. This season was built on that feedback. In fact, of the more than a dozen Broadway titles on the survey, we are pleased that three of our patrons’ top four selections are included on our 2010-11 season.”
The program advisory committee was led by Dr. Benton Cocanougher, incoming president of the board of directors.
“Variety is something we hear repeatedly in our surveys and focus groups as well,” Black explains. “The committee worked hard to come up with a series that includes something for everyone. There are very few presenting organizations out there who offer a 4-event series that include a solid piece of theater like “Bus Stop,” a concert starring Bluegrass legends, a Nat King Cole cabaret event and a recital by a young, fast-rising classical trio.”
More detailed information about each program – along with times, dates and ticket information – is listed at www.MSCOPAS.org.
Announcement of the new season also came with the announcement of new and renewing corporate sponsorships. The downturn in the economy caused OPAS sponsorships to be down for the 2009-2010 OPAS season. However, this season’s corporate sponsorships are on the rise and include partnerships with Aggieland Credit Union, Allstate, Ashford Square Realty, Blue Bell Creameries, St. Joseph Express, Sterling Auto Group and Wells Fargo. Also, the OPAS JR series is supported by OPAS Encore! – formerly known as The OPAS Guild.
“The cost of presenting the caliber of performing arts events, for which our audiences have become accustomed, is rising every year. The support of our corporate partners, as well as OPAS Encore, is more crucial to our success than ever,” Black notes.
Contact: Contact: Anne Black, Executive Director, MSC OPAS, at (979) 845-1661 or Lane Stephenson, News & Information Services, at (979) 845-4662
Tags: Anne Black, OPAS