Southeastern's Columbia Theatre announces new season
Friday, September 16, 2016 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
NEW COLUMBIA SEASON ANNOUNCED - The 2016-17 season of Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts offers something for everyone with everything from live music to dance to theatre. The 2016-2017 season includes a dance production by Eisenhower Dance on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing
Arts launches its 2016-17 season, offering everything from live music to dance to
theatre.
The season also boasts entertainment genres, such as campus ensembles and silver
screen cinema showings featuring the best of independent and classic movies on the
big screen at the theatre, said Roy Blackwood, director of the Columbia Theatre and
Fanfare, Southeastern’s annual festival of the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Movie screenings and campus ensemble performances will be scheduled throughout the
season. Dates and additional information will be available soon at columbiatheatre.org.
Blackwood said the season is dedicated to the late Marjorie Morrison of Hammond,
a long-time friend and supporter of both Southeastern and the Columbia Theatre.
“An avid supporter of the arts, Mrs. Morrison served as a member of Southeastern’s
Arts and Cultural Committee and was a member of Fanfare’s Board of Directors since
its inception over two decades ago,” Blackwood said. “We are forever grateful for
her steadfast support and dedication to enriching the culture of the region.”
The Columbia season officially opens Sept. 29 with Southeastern Opera/Theatre
Workshop’s presentation of “A Little Night Music,” Stephen Sondheim’s sexy and sophisticated
tribute to the foibles of love. The production is scheduled on Sept. 29 and 30 at
7:30 p.m..
Next on tap is a performance from entertainer Lynn Trefzger on Oct. 7 at 7:30
p.m.
“Lynn Trefzger is a ventriloquist and comedienne with a trunk full of zany characters
that have accompanied her to stages throughout the country,” said Blackwood. “She,
and her many voices, have appeared on ABC, TNN, A&E, and Lifetime. Recently she was
featured in a comedy/documentary about the art of ventriloquism with Jay Johnson and
Jeff Dunham called ‘I’m No Dummy’ by NBC Universal. Her off-the-wall audience interplay
is riotously funny, and her performances are tailored for both family and adult audiences.
”
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will begin its series of performances at
Columbia on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. with Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. The program
begins with a series of light-hearted overtures, including Nicolai’s “Overture to
the Merry Wives of Windsor,” Beethoven’s “Overture to Corolian,” and Korgold’s “Overture
to Much Ado About Nothing.”
Additional LPO concerts include the Yuletide Celebration on Dec. 2 and the New
World Symphony on March 3. Both concerts are scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
Missoula Children’s Theatre will make a return visit the week of Oct. 24 - 29
with a production of “Peter and Wendy” for area youth. Upon their arrival on Oct.
24, Missoula will hold auditions and cast approximately 50 to 60 area children. Rehearsals
will begin that day, and a full scale production will be presented Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. For additional information, contact the Columbia Theatre administrative
office at 985-543-4366.
Also in the theatre category is Aquila Theatre presenting “Murder on the Nile”
on Feb.17. Based on Agatha Christie’s own novel “Death on the Nile,” the production
is set on a paddle steamer cruising the Nile River in the 1940s. Passengers are abuzz
when famous heiress Kay Ridgeway boards the ship. Class, money and reputation are
all at stake for the passengers and, before they know it, deceit, theft and murder
quickly make waves on the river.
A pair of musical concerts highlights November. First up is a benefit concert
for Fanfare on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. by Southeastern’s all-professor rock band, Impaired
Faculties.
“Impaired Faculties will celebrate Guy Fawkes Day, Halloween’s brother holiday
celebrated by America’s ally, friend, and mother country, Great Britain, with bonfires,
effigies, fireworks, libations, satire, and no shortage of tricks and treats at the
Columbia Theatre,” Blackwood said.
Scheduled Nov. 22 is the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Jeremy Davis
and Clay Johnson founded the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra to bring the greatest songs,
original arrangements and musicianship to the stage.
“This group has toured all over North America, performing in the style and swagger
of legendary entertainers, such as Frank Sinatra,” Blackwood said. “Davis and Johnson
put their own stamp on the Great American songbook, graced with a touch of Motown,
Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Elvis, offering a freshness and relevance that speaks
to everyone.”
Two dance ensembles are also scheduled this season. First up on Dec. 9 and 10
at 7 p.m., is Hammond Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker.” The classic holiday ballet
features professional guest artists and excellent all-star local dancers.
Later in the season, Eisenhower Dance will perform on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Eisenhower
Dance, Blackwood said, has spent the last 25 years giving life to a repertoire of
internationally known choreographers, as well as the highly acclaimed work of Artistic
Director Laurie Eisenhower. Established in Detroit by Eisenhower in 1991, the company
tours internationally, performing works by choreographers such as Edgar Zendejas,
David Parsons, Lar Lubovitch, Ron de Jesus, and Gina Patterson.
Aeolus: Classical String Quartet will perform Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. “Dedicated
to bringing music into the community, the Aeolus Quartet has been widely recognized
for their highly innovative and engaging outreach programs,” Blackwood said. “Since
its inception, the all-American quartet has been awarded prizes at nearly every major
competition in the United States.”
Rounding out the season is a Pajamas and Play performance of “The Boy Who Cried
Wolf” on April 29 at 7 p.m. In this children’s story, a boy learns an important life
lesson about integrity, honesty, and the consequences of “crying wolf.” Kids are encouraged
to wear their pajamas to this musical retelling of a classic tale. Milk and cookies
will also be served.
A compliment to the Columbia Theatre season, Fanfare, will feature many “home-grown”
artists. Fanfare will once again showcase music, theater, dance, lectures, children’s
events, and art exhibits, highlighting the myriad of talent university faculty and
students have to offer in Fanfare’s 31st season. The complete Fanfare schedule will
be posted soon and updated regularly at southeastern.edu/fanfare.
For Columbia Theatre season or individual ticket information, contact the administrative
office at 985-543-4366 or log on to columbiatheatre.org.
