Georgia Southern University’s Performing Arts Center Announces 2008-2009 Lineup

The Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center (PAC) will open its 2008-09 season at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with a performance by Capitol Steps, the hilarious group that puts the “mock” in democracy.

Seven more exceptional performances are planned throughout the season. Renewal sales of season tickets will begin on July 8 and end on July 25. Sale of new season tickets will begin on August 5, and sales of single performance tickets will begin on August 26.

This season’s performance schedule features eight acts. In addition to Capitol Steps, Columbia Artists Theatricals will present two much-loved musical theatre productions:‘Wizard of Oz’ is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5; and ‘Oliver!’ is set for Friday, Feb. 6, 2009.

The PAC will welcome the Grammy Award-winning Pointer Sisters on Friday, Oct. 17. From pop sounds to rhythm and blues, this group has performed with the Boston Pops, in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, at the closing of the Atlanta Olympics, and in “A Capitol Fourth” in Washington, D.C. The Pointer Sisters’ performance will be open to season ticket holders only; no single tickets will be available for this performance.

The world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir will return on Friday, Dec. 5, for a holiday concert, followed in January by the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a group of young African-American stringband musicians. With the banjo as lead instrument, this group takes an old-school approach that draws praise from around the world.

Adding to this array of talent is pianist, George Winston will visit the PAC on Friday, Feb. 20. Best known for his melodic rural folk piano style, Winston has made no secret of the debt his playing owes to the musicians of New Orleans. His style includes the stride piano sound reminiscent of Thomas “Fats” Waller and the late Teddy Wilson, and his own style of melodic instrumental music on solo piano, called folk piano.

Finally, PAC welcomes the artists of the North Carolina Dance Theatre Saturday, April 4. Known for their high energy, precision and speed, this troup’s breathtaking beauty, boundless energy, and amazing athleticism have dazzled audiences and critics the world over.

Season subscriptions are available for the 2008-09 year for $230. Patrons who purchase season subscriptions will realize a 15 percent savings over the cost of individual tickets. Existing PAC season subscribers receive priority for renewals, which will be on sale Tuesday, July 8, through Friday, July 25. New season subscription sales will begin Tuesday, Aug. 5. Individual ticket sales will begin Tuesday, Aug. 26.