The 20th Anniversary Season for the 2017 – 2018 Performing Arts and Leadership series was announced today at North Iowa Area Community College on Tuesday, May 2nd.

“Oh, What a Night – each and every night with the Performing Arts and Leadership Series at NIACC,” said Elizabeth Gales, Director of the NIACC Performing Arts and Leadership Series. Over the last twenty years “Together, we have experienced world leaders, Nobel Peace Prize winners, Tony Award-winning productions, Grammy- and Oscar-winning performers. We’ve had local musicians and actors share the stage with legendary performers.”

“The College annually engages individuals in awe-inspiring discoveries and unforgettable experiences with an impressive slate of performances, speakers, and visual arts from around the globe,” Gales continues. “It is my pleasure to present our 2017 – 2018 Performing Arts and Leadership Series. I look forward to sharing this season with you. Remember, this is the place that “once in a lifetime opportunities happen time and time again.”

Sponsors for the 2017 – 2018 Performing Arts and Leadership Series include:

Broadway Sponsor
Pritchard Auto

Platinum Sponsor
Principal Financial Group, Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, First Citizens Bank, Elizabeth Muse Norris Foundation, Samuel and Patricia Congello, Mason City Clinic, Globe Gazette

Gold Sponsor
The Historic Park Inn Hotel, First State Bank of Belmond, Neurosurgery of North Iowa Drs. Beck and Bhangoo, MBT Bank and the Hanson Family Foundation, Dean Genth and Dr. Gary Swenson, Henkel Construction Company, Northwoods State Bank, Petroblend, North Iowa Eye Clinic, Dr. Bryan and Alicia Navarette, Sukup Manufacturing Co., Stratford Foundation, Holiday Inn Express, KIMT, North Iowa Broadcasting, KGLO

The 2017 – 2018 season performances:

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Thank you, North Iowa, for your support. Bring your blanket, cooler and join us at Central Park in downtown Mason City for an evening of the Beatles under the stars–free!

No wigs…no accents… the entire Beatles library. Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is the ultimate experience for any hardcore Beatles fan or a light listener of the famed group. Yesterday and Today is an audience-driven show where you are able to request your favorite tune so no two shows are ever the same.

Friday, July 28, 2017
Free Admission
7:00 p.m.
Mason City Central Park
Friday Night Live

The Historic Park Inn & North Iowa Broadcasting Proudly Present
The Purple Xperience
Featuring Marshall Charloff

The Purple Xperience hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They bring the memories of Prince and The Revolution to audiences of all generations. The Purple Xperience embodies the spirit and sounds of Prince, with front-man Marshall Charloff channeling the vocals and movements from the icon himself. The Purple Xperience brings the greatest and most authentic Prince tribute show in the world, leaving no one disappointed.

Friday, September 15, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.purplexperience.com

First State Bank of Belmond & Dean Genth and Dr. Gary Swenson Proudly Presents
Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser is the real deal–the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that moves people in a fundamental sense–all with a sense of humor. On the road, Straight No Chaser has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.sncmusic.com

Mason City Clinic and Neurosurgery of North Iowa, Drs Beck and Bhangoo Proudly Present
Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin has been delighting audiences since the first time she muttered “one ringy-dingy” on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin is a hilarious one-woman show, featuring Tomlin performing more than a dozen of her timeless characters, from Ernestine to Mrs. Beasley to Edith Ann.

Thursday, October 5, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.lilytomlin.com

First Citizens Proudly Present
Michael Feinstein

Michael Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American Songbook to the world. From recordings that have earned him five Grammy®
Award nominations to his Emmy®- nominated PBS-TV specials, acclaimed NPR series, and concerts spanning the globe–in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and Sydney Opera House– his work as an educator and archivist define Feinstein as one of the most important musical forces of
our time.

Saturday, October 14, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.michaelfeinstein.com

The Pritchard Broadway Series Proudly Presents
Motown The Musical

It began as one man’s story… became everyone’s music… and is now Broadway’s musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives, and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

Wednesday, October 25, 2017, and Thursday, October 26, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
http://www.motownthemusical.com/

Principal Financial Group Foundation & Mercy Medical Center North Iowa Proudly Present
NIACC 2017 Common Read
Joshua Davis, Author of Spare Parts

Joshua Davis is a writer, film producer, and co-founder of Epic Magazine and Epic Digital. He is the author of the 2017 NIACC Common Read book, Spare Parts, which was adapted into a film by Lionsgate starring George Lopez, Marisa Tomei, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Joshua Davis’ Spare Parts begins in 2004 when four Latino teenagers arrive at a national underwater robotics championship at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Oscar, Lorenzo, Cristian, and Luis were all born in Mexico but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where they grew up in constant fear of deportation. Their high school–hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, with no pool, little money to spare, and more than 80 percent of its students below the poverty line–was the last place you’d expect to find kids building an underwater robot. But two big-hearted teachers believed that the four unusual students–a disciplined JROTC cadet, a rebellious would-be gang member, a brainy nerd, and a quiet towering giant–needed something different in their lives.

Join us for a free viewing of the documentary Underwater Dreams – Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at 7 p.m. in the NIACC Auditorium.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017
7:00 p.m.
All Tickets $20
No Charge for NIACC College Credit Students
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.joshuadavis.net

Disenchanted

Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. Who needs ’em?! Not Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in the hilarious hit musical that’s anything but Grimm. Forget the princesses you think you know– the original storybook heroines have come back to life to set the record straight. After multiple sold-out runs nationwide, these royal renegades tossed off their tiaras to bring their hilariously subversive, not-for-the-kiddies musical to you – and what you thought about princesses will never be the same! The not-for-children musical revue Disenchanted! gives a saucy makeover to Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and other fairy-tale princesses.

“DELICIOUSLY SMART!” – Chicago Daily Herald

“A Sassy take on Disney Princesses” – NY1

” A girls’-night-out rebellion!” – The New York Times

“FUNNY AND A TOUCH WICKED! DISENCHANTED! DELIVERS!”- The Huffington Post

Not appropriate for children, parental guidance recommended ages 13 and older

Friday, November 17, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.disenchantedmusical.com

Holiday Inn Express Proudly Present
Shopkins

Shopkins Live! lights up the stage in this first-ever production packed with show-stopping musical performances featuring the Shoppies! Get up close with Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, and your Shopkin friends. This is one show you won’t want to miss!

Wednesday, November 29, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
Not a Season Ticket Event

North Iowa Eye Clinic & Henkel Construction Company Proudly Present
Home Free
A Country Christmas Tour 2017

Home Free is bringing new music, new production, and more country and holiday favorites as they come to town in A Country Christmas Tour! The five-man band has become known for their show-stopping performances that mix their signature no-instrument, all-vocal music with their quick-witted humor. Home Free has become a household name for peppering Nashville country standards with country-dipped pop hits (and having a great time doing so).

Friday, December 1, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.homefreemusic.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over 50 years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation featuring all of your favorite characters and classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree, and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

“All the right notes” – The Chicago Tribune

“It’s like watching the television special come to life!” – Around the Town Chicago

Regardless of age, everyone is required to have a ticket.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
6:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

Sukup Manufacturing Co. & MBT Bank Proudly Present
Mannheim Steamroller
The Ultimate Holiday Tradition!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his ground-breaking Fresh Aire series which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to America. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller!

Tuesday, December 19, 2017
4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.mannheimsteamroller.com

Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Based on the novel by Richard & Florence Atwater

Direct from a Smash-Hit New York and London West End Season

Painter and decorator by day, Mr. Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep and a penguin waddles out! With original songs and performing penguin puppets, this delightful, action-packed musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book (also made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey) is the perfect family treat!

Running time: 60 minutes, no intermission
For ages 4 –104

“Funny, warm, and unbelievably touching” – The Huffington Post

“Ingenious life-size puppets and plenty of visual surprises… its cuteness is hard to resist” – The New York Times

Regardless of age, everyone is required to have a ticket.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
3:00 p.m.
All tickets $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

The Historic Park Inn Proudly Present
One Funny Mother
Starring Dena Blizzard

This is a great “Girl’s Night Out” or date night for anyone who is a mom, has a mom, or is married to a mom. Have you ever gone unshowered for days, fought with your husband over who works harder, or had a kid pee on you? Dena Blizzard’s hilarious new show, One Funny Mother, will make you realize you’re not crazy…motherhood is!

See Dena live on Facebook on Tipsy Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Chardonnay Go live on Fridays at noon!

Saturday, January 27, 2018
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.onefunnymother.com
www.chardonnaygo.com
www.denablizzard.com

Samuel and Patricia Congello Proudly Present
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

The Grammy®- winning Estonian National Symphony Orchestra started out as a small radio orchestra in 1926. Over the years, it has become Estonia’s representative orchestra and has powerfully increased its international scope, particularly in recent decades. Estonia is a small country by most standards, but the 80-piece Estonian National Symphony Orchestra displays colossal musical talent.

Guest conductor Arvo Volmer is widely acclaimed for his powerful performances in both opera and concert. Featured soloist Triin Ruubel is an Estonian violinist who performs throughout Europe as a soloist and chamber musician. Orchestral selections for the program will include works by Mendelssohn and Dvorak.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.erso.ee

Alpha Media Proudly Present
Classic Albums Live
Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

The world-class musicians of Classic Albums Live perform rock albums live. Note-for-note, cut-for-cut, Never Going Back Again? Why not? Revisit the ultimate album of 1977, Fleetwood Mac’s passionate look at love, loss, breakups, betrayals—and Dreams. Go back in time with this perfect re-creation of an unforgettable classic album.

Saturday, February 17, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.classicalbumslive.com

The Pritchard Broadway Series Proudly Presents
Jersey Boys

“Too good to be true!” raves The New York Post for Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony,® Grammy,® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons–Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds, and sold 175 million records worldwide–all before they were 30 years old! Jersey Boys features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Jersey Boys contains authentic, profane Jersey language and is recommended for ages 12 and older.

Sunday, February 25, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice

Mason City Clinic Proudly Present
Gaelic Storm

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early! Gaelic Storm returns for another year of blazing Celtic-inspired rock-and-roll. Don’t miss this spectacular celebration at the NIACC Auditorium! Their latest album, Matching Sweaters, follows in their hard-working tradition, dishing up all of the ingredients fans have come to expect from Gaelic Storm–the drinking songs, sea shanties, furiously strummed instrumentals, and sing-along melodies—while spiking the mix with newer flavors. Eat it up, but make sure to save some room! There’s plenty more where this came from. www.gaelicstorm.com

Friday, March 2, 2018
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.gaelicstorm.com

NSB Bank & KIMT Proudly Present
Brian Regan

Brian Regan is a unique comedian whose material is relatable to generations of fans and revered by comedians as the best in the business. Setting a comedic standard of excellence that others continually try to follow, Brian Regan made history on September 26, 2015, with the critically acclaimed live broadcast of Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. On May 8, 2015, Brian made his 28th and final stand-up performance on Late Show With David Letterman, the most of any comic since the show moved to CBS in 1993.

“He is one of my favorite, favorite stand-up comedians.” – Jerry Seinfeld

“No comedian in the world says, ‘Yeah, I want to follow Brian Regan.'” – Chris Rock

“Brian Regan is one of my favorite comedians ever. He is unbelievably funny.” – Jimmy Fallon

Thursday March 22, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.brianregan.com

Shattered Glass

Shattered Glass is an exciting new classical music group based out of New York City–young, innovative, and virtuosic. These young musicians have studied at prestigious music schools including Juilliard, the Manhattan School of Music, and Boston Conservatory. At the core of Shattered Glass is a commitment to the special relationship it creates between audience and ensemble. By performing without a conductor and tailoring each performance with exceptional attention to audience and venue, listeners can’t help but experience a connection with every one of the musicians. Barriers typical of the classical music experience are, well, shattered!

Thursday, April 5, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.shattered-glass.org

Dr. Bryan and Alicia Navarette Proudly Present
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of all-singing, all-strumming ukulele players–using instruments bought with loose change–which believes that all genres
of music are available for reinterpretation, as long as they are played on the ukulele.

A concert by the Ukulele Orchestra is a funny, virtuosic, awesome, foot-stomping affair of classics, country, rock-n-roll, and melodious light entertainment, featuring only ukuleles and a menagerie of voices in a collection of toe-tapping oldies. There are no drums, pianos, backing tracks, or banjos, and no electronic trickery–only an astonishing revelation of the rich palette of orchestration afforded by ukuleles and singing (and a bit of whistling). Audiences will experience an enjoyable time with the Ukulele Orchestra!

“They extract more from their music than seems humanly possible.” – The New York Times

“Most people have to die before they become immortal. These ukulele superstars have no such worries.” – New Musical Express

Tuesday, April 10, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $20
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.ukuleleorchestra.com

First Citizens Bank & Petroblend Proudly Present
Kenny G

In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, Grammy® Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop, and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premier artist in contemporary jazz. Since the early ’80s, his combination of unparalleled instrumental chops and indelible melodies has resulted in sales of more than 75 million records worldwide (45 million in the U.S. alone) and more than a dozen climbs to the top of Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.

Friday, April 27, 2018
7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.kennyg.com

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald presents an evening of song with a trademark mix of show tunes, classic songs from movies, and pieces written expressly for her by leading contemporary composers. She is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actress, and Audra was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2015 and received a 2015 National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama. Raised in Fresno, California, the Juilliard-trained soprano is equally at home on Broadway and opera stages as she is in roles on film and television. Of her many roles, her favorites are those performed offstage: passionate advocate for equal rights and homeless youth, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother to her children.

“She is a one-of-a-kind musical super-talent… as a singer she is an irreplaceable resource.” – The New York Times

• Record-breaking winner of 6 Tony® Awards
• 2-time Grammy® Winner
• Emmy® -Award Winner

Wednesday, July 11, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $30
Call For Tickets 641-422-4188
www.niacc.edu/boxoffice
www.audramcdonald.net

Mercy Medical Center North Iowa & Stratford Foundation Proudly Present
Literature to Life School Series
“A-Buck-A-Kid” School Shows

Doktor Kaboom!

Doktor Kaboom! performs original interactive science comedy shows for audiences of all ages. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join Kaboom! for a side-splitting journey of increasingly spectacular (and often successful) science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate, and entertain.

Recommended for Grades 4 – 8
Thursday, November 9, 2017
10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
School Show

Moon Mouse

Marvin the mouse wants to be popular. Constantly bullied and picked on by the “cool” rats, he is labeled as a loser and a geek. To get away from the continuous badgering, he retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy. He longs to have adventures…and to be the hero.

Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime–a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures and learns of infinite peril and awesome beauty. Will Marvin make his dreams come true and win the glory and acceptance he craves?

Lightwire Theater is proud to present Moon Mouse, a cosmic adventure about celebrating differences.

Recommended for Grades K – 4

Wednesday, April 4, 2018
10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
School Show

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