OXFORD, Miss. – The hit Broadway play “Beauty and the Beast” is among three major shows coming in February to the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi.
The upcoming performances, including beloved classics and shows for children and their families, “are just a taste of what our spring-season lineup will bring,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director.
While theater lovers will have to wait until Feb. 7 to see the sold-out Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast,” another live performance featuring Elvis Presley’s original arrangements performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra is slated for Friday (Feb. 1).
“Aloha! Elvis-40th Anniversary Concert” is a re-creation of the 1973 television broadcast of Presley’s “Aloha from Hawaii” concert. It was the biggest entertainment special of its time and was broadcast via satellite to 40 countries. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Terry Mike Jeffrey Band will celebrate the anniversary of the special with music that defined rock ‘n’ roll.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert are from $39 to $50 for various seating and available by calling 662-915-7411 or by visiting the UM Box Office in the Student Union from noon to 4 p.m.
“Beauty and the Beast” is a Broadway musical for all generations, said Kate Meacham, assistant director of marketing for the Ford Center.
“This eye-popping performance has won the hearts to millions of people worldwide,” Meacham said. “We are excited to bring it to the next generation of little princes and princesses.”
A Feb. 12 concert featuring renowned violinist Hilary Hahn rounds out month’s events.
Winner of two Grammy Awards and multiple other awards, Hahn is noted for her probing interpretations, technical brilliances and love for classical music. She has released 12 feature albums, three DVDs and an Oscar-nominated movie soundtrack.
“Although Hilary Hahn is only in her 30s, she has amassed a huge fan base and has gained international fame and recognition,” Easterbrook said.
Tickets for Hahn’s 7 p.m. concert are $28 to $33.50.
Other upcoming events at the Ford Center include “Biloxi Blues” by the Montana Repertory Theatre on March 5, “Don Quixote” by the Russian national Ballet on April 25 and “The Addams Family” national Broadway tour, set for June 2.