Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts announces a 2006-07 season filled with exciting dance, music, comedy and family shows sure to please audiences of all ages and tastes. Performances include: evenings of dance with Momix and Moscow Festival Ballet ; the unbridled comedy of Forbidden Broadway ; and concerts by singer/songwriter Aimee Mann, jazz great Chick Corea, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and bluegrass legend Doc Watson with David Holt & Richard Watson . In addition, the Quick Center will present its popular live radio dramas, Young Audience series and an International Literature Festival with readings, panel discussions, food tastings and more.

Live Radio Dramas

The 17th season opens on Friday, Sept. 29, with the latest installment of the Quick Center's Live Radio Drama series , which recreates vintage dramas complete with live music, sound effects and commercials . Tickets are $15 or $36 for all three radio dramas this season. They are:

" Gangsters, Killers and Communists"
Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
A batch of suspenseful stories filled with snappy dialogue, intriguing mysteries and an evil secret agent or two.

" Odd Comedies"
Friday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
This show features rare skits and sitcoms brimming with biting satire.

" Vintage Horror and Sci-Fi"
Friday, March 9 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Creepy situations and sound effects abound in this collection of weird programs.

Concerts, Comedy And Special Events

The Quick Center's concerts and special events are as varied as they are exciting, ranging from blues and folk to jazz and a cappella.

Aimee Mann
Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35
A long way from her years singing with Til Tuesday, Mann is now revered as one of the country's top singer/songwriters. Whether penning tunes for her many solo recordings or writing the evocative, Oscar-nominated soundtrack to the film "Magnolia," her spare, straightforward tales continue to make critics and fans take notice.

Rockapella
Special Concert Opening with Close Harmony
Friday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
The undisputed kings of contemporary a cappella music continue to amaze fans of the PBS' "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" and countless films and albums. Close Harmony, an a cappella group from Fairfield Ludlowe High School under the direction of Kevin Cotellesse, will open the evening.

Chick Corea
Friday, October 20 at 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
A 12-time Grammy winner, Corea has filled four decades with imaginative, joyful jazz, always stretching the limits of the form with amazing intuition and confidence. This is a rare opportunity to see the master in a solo concert. There will be a free wine tasting, sponsored by Wine Seller Spirits, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Flying Karamazov Brothers
Friday, November 3 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
"Life: A Guide for the Perplexed," the latest and most ambitious show from these masters of hilarity, finds "The Flying Ks" singing, dancing and juggling their way through a mid-life crisis turned vaudevillian romp.

The John Scofield Trio
Friday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Scofield's compositions and inimitable guitar work have established him as an influential and innovative player and memorable collaborator with Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Government Mule, Joe Lovano and other jazz luminaries. There will be a free wine tasting, sponsored by Wine Seller Spirits, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Steve Tyrell
Friday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35
This acclaimed jazz vocalist sings standards with a sexy swagger that's "a sublime treat," according to Entertainment Weekly magazine. Topping the jazz charts for an astounding 100 weeks beginning in 1999, Tyrell is much in demand and sure to wow listeners with his hip vocal stylings.

Joshua Kane
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m.
$15, $12 for children
Conceived and performed by Joshua Kane, "Borders of the Mind" is a new psychic show featuring the mindreading and strange happenings that made Kane the surprise hit of the 2005 Mohonk Festival of the Arts. Kane entertains the whole family as he seeks to unlock secrets and help audience members tap into their own powers of intuition.

Forbidden Broadway
Friday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Creator Gerard Alessandrini unveils another batch of musical parodies of Broadway shows in "Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit." First seen in 1982, this raucously hilarious show is now New York City's longest running musical comedy revue.

Natalie MacMaster
Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Taking Celtic music to new heights, this Grammy-nominated fiddler has shared stages with Carlos Santana, The Chieftains, Paul Simon and Pavarotti, always adding innovation, technical brilliance and boundless energy.

La Guitara with Patty Larkin, Ellen McIlwaine and Badi Assad
Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Innovative singer/songwriter Patty Larkin's latest project, "La Guitara" highlights women guitarists from around the world, offering listeners a melting pot of styles and genres from McIlwaine's unique slide guitar to Assad's Brazilian-tinged jazz. There will be a wine tasting, sponsored by Wine Seller Spirits, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Doc Watson with David Holt and Richard Watson
Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35
Winner of seven Grammys and the National Medal of Arts, Doc Watson is a living legend who blends traditional Appalachian musical roots with bluegrass, country, gospel and blues in his expansive repertoire. The influential picker will be joined by banjo and string artist David Holt and his own grandson, guitarist Richard Watson, in "Hills of Home."

Reduced Shakespeare
Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
This bawdy band of Bard lovers strikes again with "Complete Hollywood (abridged)," a scorchingly funny look at Tinseltown. The company rummages through beloved films, taking each a quicksilver - and quick-witted - spin.

Classical Concerts

The Quick Center has a full slate of classical concerts, including a series of performances by several up-and-coming contemporary artists and three top state orchestras. The season also features three concerts by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, which has made the Quick Center a home away from home for 15 years. Several subscription options are available for these concerts.

The 5 Browns
Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30 ($15 for those 17 and under)
Co-sponsored in part by Steinway Piano Gallery Westport
This youthful, close-knit quintet of siblings boasts a love of classical music and a five-fold virtuosic talent at the piano. Each of the Browns is a stellar solo pianist, but when they combine their distinctive styles in various ensembles and in full quintet, it's a wonder to behold. Journalist Robert Sherman will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Saturday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m.
$30
Six members of the Chamber Music Society will offer selections by Brahms and Korngold and the Connecticut premiere of Leon Kirchner's "For the Left Hand." Journalist Robert Sherman will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

Anonymous 4 with special guests Darol Anger and Scott Nygaard
Friday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
A hit on the international festival scene, this quartet interweaves music, poetry and narrative for a truly memorable evening. They'll be joined by fiddler Darol Anger and guitarist Scott Nygaard for "Long Time Traveling." Journalist Robert Sherman will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
$35, $30
Associate Conductor Gerald Steichen leads the orchestra through a pops concert that has become a holiday tradition for many area music lovers. Carols, classical works and modern songs form the program of this enchanting evening.

Bulgarian State Opera
Friday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m.
$50, $45, $40
Formerly Opera Verdi Europa, this distinguished ensemble of singers, dancers and musicians offer their rendition of Puccini's beloved "Tosca." Always a dazzlingly beautiful opera, this version reveals its modern intimacy and emotion. Howard Kissel, the New York Daily News chief drama critic, will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.
$30
A quintet of musicians will play works by Walton and Elgar. Journalist Robert Sherman will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

Orchestra New England
Saturday, March 17 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Conductor James Sinclair leads the orchestra in "Pardon My English: A Gershwin Portrait," which considers the American master through song, instrumentals and narration by an actor portraying Gershwin's brother/collaborator Ira Gershwin. The finale, an authentic re-creation of the sizzling original performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" allows listeners to step back to 1924 and watch history being made.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m.
$30
Eight Society members offer a varied program, featuring Haydn, Schumann, Bruckner, Strauss and Britten and the Connecticut premiere of Nicholas Maw's "Sextet for Strings." Artistic Advisor Kristin Lancino will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra
Friday, May 4 at 8 p.m.
$35, $30
Diane Wittry conducts as the orchestra reunites Grieg's unforgettable music with Ibsen's play for a unique performance of "Peer Gynt." The evening includes actors and musicians and a stirring live performance of "In the Hall of the Mountain King." Diane Wittry will lead a pre-concert Art to Heart discussion from 7 to 7:40 p.m.

Live Music Project

The Quick Center's own resident conductor-less orchestra returns for another season of informal and informative concerts featuring classic and contemporary works. Founded by composer Daniel Smith and violinist Netta Hadari, the ensemble will play two evening concerts and offer a family-oriented event as part of the Quick Center's International Literature Day Festival. Subscriptions are available for the two evening events.

"Dark Music and Scary Stories"
Friday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.
$25
Eerie melodies and dramatic readings combine to kick off the Halloween season in style. The program features the darker side of Mozart and Purcell and more.

"Music and Literature"
March 24 at 2 p.m.
$15 adults, $12 children
Part of the Quick Center's International Literature Festival, this family program includes a collection of interesting stories, music and demonstrations of several musical instruments.

"The Amazing World of J.S. Bach and His Family"
Friday, April 20 at 8 p.m.
$25
For the first 100 years after J.S. Bach's death, his sons were the best-known composers in the family. This concert explores the lives and works of one of history's greatest musical family dynasties.

Walsh Art Gallery

The Walsh Art Gallery, located in the Quick Center, will present four exhibits and four Director's Choice lectures in the coming season. Admission is free to the exhibits.

The National Sculpture Society 2006 Annual Awards Exhibition
Sept. 21 through Dec. 10
About 50 works will be included in this juried exhibition, which features intriguing pieces by NSS Fellows, Sculptor Members and Associates.

Multiple Visions - Traveling Art Boxes from Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay
Jan. 25 through March 11, 2007
The gallery presents a mesh of high and low culture, intellectual and popular expression by more than 20 artists born in different cities in these three countries.

Suzanne Chamlin: Painting the Landscape and Other Views
April 12 through May 27, 2007
This exhibit features landscape and still life paintings by artist Suzanne Chamlin, assistant professor of Studio Art in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Fairfield.

Emptiness
June 17 through July 29, 2007
"Emptiness" reflects Michael Rivera's view of his work process in welded steel. Creating sculpture through repetitive actions, Rivera's extraneous thoughts disappear, leaving him with a sense of being fully in the moment.

Director's Choice Lecture Series
Four lectures on Modern and Contemporary art given by Diana Mille, Ph.D., director of the Walsh Art Gallery. Tickets are $5 and participants are invited to bring their lunches. Lectures will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, Dec. 6, Feb. 7, and April 18.

Dance America

The Quick Center's ongoing celebration of dance continues with four programs featuring everything from ballet to modern to traditional Philippine movement. Subscriptions are available and a post-show Art to Heart lecture with the company will follow each performance.

Mark Morris Dance Group
Saturday, October 28 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Since 1980, this company has been known for the innovative movement created by Mark Morris, "our Mozart of modern dance," according to the Washington Post. Performing solely to live music, MMDG creates a unique fusion of movement and melody.

The Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company
Saturday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Founded in 1957 by Helena Z. Benitez, this company explores the multifaceted nature of Philippine culture. With dance as its medium, the troupe offers tales of religion, war and love that are stunning to watch.

Momix
Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Moses Pendleton has spent the last 25 years experimenting with the original use of light, props, music and the human form to create a unique dance experience. In "Lunar Sea," his latest full-length multi-media creation, he juxtaposes arresting images, gravity-defying poses and classical lines for another inventive evening.

Moscow Festival Ballet
Friday, April 13 at 8 p.m.
$40, $35, $30
Artistic Director Sergei Radchenko leads this accomplished company through an enchanting version of "Cinderella." Combining the best of the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets, this company carries on the high standards and tradition of classical Russian ballet.

International Literature Festival

Two-Day Celebration
Saturday, March 24 & Sunday, March 25
$40 full-day pass for adults, $12 full-day pass for children
Individual ticket prices will be available for each event.

The Quick Center brings a schedule of events celebrating literature from around the world. The Live! Lit series, a set of short-story readings by professional actors, will take place over the two-day festival. The Live Music Project will perform stories geared to all ages, with musical accompaniment. In addition, visitors can enjoy panel discussions, food tastings and more. The event is co-sponsored with Words Without Borders.

For ticket information or a copy of the Quick Center's 2006-07 brochure, call the box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. Discounts for Quick Center events are available to subscribers and groups. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.

Posted On: 06-12-2006 10:06 AM

Volume: 38 Number: 237