Come Curious - Leave Inspired

With single ticket sales beginning at 10 a.m. today, Friday, July 22, 2011, Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts invites visitors to come curious and leave inspired as it announces its 2011-2012 Arts & Minds performance season. Diversity and excellence are the hallmarks for the Quick Center's 21st season that will include well over 100 events from September 2011 to July 2012. World class performances are grouped in a multitude of series ranging from opera, dance, and theatre, to classical, jazz and folk music, to young audience performances, lectures, and student ensembles.

Fairfield University takes great pride in its artistic and cultural offerings, and this season promises to be an especially engaging one, with notable appearances by John Malkovich, Luciana Souza, the Ahn Trio, Paula Cole, Philadanco, and the National Acrobats of the People's Republic of China. Open VISIONS Forum speakers include Chuck Todd, Ben Brantley, Lara Logan, Rex Reed, and Meadowlark Lemon. And the ever-popular Met Opera: Live in HD series allows ticket holders to experience premier opera performances live without having to contend with New York City parking or prices, while National Theatre Live brings the London stage to Fairfield.

"The Quick Center has a longstanding tradition of offering enriching and enlivening programming," said newly appointed Regina A. Quick Center director Gary Wood. "But perhaps more than any other, the 2011-2012 series offers truly dynamic variety."

Variety comes in the form of differing genres. "Theatre" has at one of its centerpieces a one-night-only performance by stage and screen superstar John Malkovich. Live Radio Dramas, National Theatre Live in HD, and performances in the Wien Experimental Theatre fill out the schedule. "Opera" features live performances in High Definition on the big screen of The Metropolitan Opera, including a world premier, presented in collaboration with Fairfield University. New this year is a free talk held 45 minutes before each Live presentation.

"Music" has Sweet Sounds, Classical and Jazz mixings of bluegrass, blues, pop-rock and Celtic, with classical celebrities, international chamber orchestras, and a Grammy-winning jazz artist. "Dance" stars come to the Quick from all over the world with styles ranging from ballroom to Flamenco, modern to classical ballet. "Holiday" performances are magical with seasonal favorites and big name talents like the Rebirth Brass Band celebrating Mardi Gras, Herman's Hermits on Valentine's Day and Jim Brickman on Mother's Day. "Kids!" has a Young Audience Sunday series and Arts Bound Schoolday series designed to educate, enlighten and entertain. "Awesome Fun!" is just that with a grouping that includes inspired illusion and comedy, plus acrobats from China and dancers from Uganda.

"Forum" is highlighted by the signature Open VISIONS Forum that brings together prominent artists, authors, newsmakers and taste-makers presenting a broad range of perspectives and interests. "Lecture" offers a vibrant array of free lectures by some of the world's most respected thinkers, presented by Fairfield University's academic centers, including the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, the Center for Catholic Studies, and others.

"Scholar-Artists" feature student performances and exhibitions throughout the school year that reinforces art as a critical component to the holistic educational experience at Fairfield University. Theatre Fairfield, the Glee Club, Cinefest 2012, Studio Art, Interior Design, the Jazz Ensemble, Fairfield University Orchestra, Black Box Poetic Exhibition, and Young Artist Series are but a handful of these student endeavors.

All single tickets are as marked, and programs subject to change. Single tickets and subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Box Office at (203) 254-4010, or toll-free number is 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7386). Comments can be e-mailed to boxoffice@quickcenter.com , or by fax at (203) 254-4113. Tickets are available for purchase online at fairfield.edu/quick

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Free, secure parking is available. For general questions, e-mail info@quickcenter.com . Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. Entrance to the Quick Center for the Arts is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7386, or visit fairfield.edu/quick .

Posted On: 07-22-2011 11:07 AM

Volume: 44 Number: 8