MERIDIAN —

    Costumed characters from some of the world's most cherished fairy tales – including Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother and puppeteer Geppetto and the son he created, Pinocchio, – announced the 2010-11 season of the Arts & Letters Series at Meridian Community College Wednesday.

    The new season, which kicks off Sept. 16 with Bits 'N Pieces Giant Puppet Theatre's "The Ugly Duckling," will feature 12 performances throughout May 2011. In addition to the costumed characters, vignettes of several scheduled performances were also presented at the announcement of the series' new season.

    "This is an opportunity for the community to see quality family entertainment for an affordable price," said Leia Agnew Hill, MCC Foundation program coordinator.

    All events will be held in the McCain Theater in Ivy Hall on the Highway 19 North campus. Tickets are $10, adults, and $5, children; several performances are free.







The 2010-11 season will include:



Fall Lineup



Bits 'N Pieces Giant Puppet Theatre, "The Ugly Duckling"

Sept. 16, 7 p.m.



    Bits 'N Pieces Giant Puppet Theatre performs Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Ugly Duckling," in this original musical adaptation. This high-energy production features towering 9-foot giant puppets, costumed characters, traditional puppetry and children from the audience singing and dancing along with Pinky Flamingo, played by lead actor Holly Rubin.

    When unexpected weather forces the Stork to make his Florida delivery to the South Pole, Pinky, a perky, hot-pink flamingo, is hatched by a couple of very proper Polar Penguin parents. During her incredible journey to find her tropical roots, Pinky Flamingo learns just how hard it is to be different. With the help of friends, Pinky discovers the key to acceptance lies within. It's the story of finding your true self and happiness with who you are.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Ballet Magnificat! – Deliver Us!

Sept. 28, 7 p.m.



    From the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to Singapore's historic Victoria Theatre, thousands throughout the world have experienced Ballet Magnificat!, America's premier Christian ballet company.

    Under the direction of founder and artistic director Kathy Thibodeaux, Ballet Magnificat!'s mastery of dance rivals that of any other professional company in the world. Graceful shapes soar. Fluent hands inspire. Radiant face rejoice as dancers weave a tapestry of spiritual, technical and artistic excellence.

    The story begins as Pharaoh's oppressive regime of bondage is challenged by one man, Moses. Moses finds a hope that can never run dry – a trust in the Almighty Creator. Bolstered by the strength that only God can provide, he returns to Egypt, faces the corrupt Pharaoh and leads the Hebrew people to freedom. The ballot shifts to transport the audience to a pivotal point in history: Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Christ's death leads to resurrection from death, emancipating mankind into powerful freedom. Audiences will be drawn into a story they will not soon forget.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Cinderella

MCC Fine Arts Production

Oct. 14-17 p.m.; Oct. 17, 2 p.m.



    The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella," enchanted edition, which hallmarks originality, charm and elegance.

    Passed down from generation to generation, the story features the transformation of a kitchen maid into a princess. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, "Cinderella" was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. As adapted for the stage – with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity – the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits.

    in this classic fairy tale, Cinderella is endlessly abused by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters and not allowed to attend the Royal Ball. With help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, meets the Prince, falls in love and lives happily every after.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Meridian Community College Jazz Band Reunion Concert

Nov. 11, 7 p.m.



    For the past 30 years, the MCC Jazz Band has been under the direction of Carey Smith. During that time, numerous talented performers have passed through to lend those talents to the ensemble.

    This year, they are coming back for a reunion concert that will be talked about for years. Musicians from local groups, staff musicians with the United Artists, a curator for the Blues Museum and various others will grace the McCain Theater stage once again for a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Nash Street

Nov. 16, 7 p.m.

   

    Brought together at a young age by their love of music, the Starkville group Nash Street strives to artfully bridge the gap between country music and traditional bluegrass.

    Winners of the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown, the band was named "Best New Act in County Music." Nash Street has a distinct sound, stage presence and ability to connect with varying audiences. The group utilizes the inspiration of influences such as Chris Thile, The Eagles, Ricky Scaggs, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Allison Krauss as a pleasant addition to the soulful melodies of Mississippi and the leisurely rhythm of Southern life.

    The quintet provides a hybrid gene which is being hailed "Grassroots Country." The band consists of: Daniel Hare, upright bass; Hannah and Caroline Melby, fiddle and mandolin, respectively; Ben Mathis, rhythm guitar; and Clay Lezon, lead guitar.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



MCC Chorus Fall Concert

Nov. 30, 7 p.m.

Free



    The Meridian Community College Chorus, under the direction of Tammy Miles and Twyla Hurst, will present an evening of choral literature from various composers, time periods and cultures. Traditional Christmas repertoire will be included.

    In addition to the concert choir, MCC's vocal ensemble, Dimensions, will entertain the audience with pop, rock and R & B selections.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Jacob Marley's "Christmas Carol"

Dec. 9, 7 p.m.



    "Scrooge? I have to redeem old Scrooge? The one man I knew who was worse than I was? Impossible!"

    So begins the real story behind Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" – the story of Jacob Marley's heroic, behind-the-scenes efforts to save old Scrooge's soul – and in the process, save his own. Aided by a Bogle, a malicious little hell-sprite with an agenda of his own, their hilarious journey takes them from the Jaws of Death to the Mouth of Hell – and beyond!

    This irreverent, funny and ultimately deeply moving story retells Dickens' classic with warmth and infectious zest. MCC's Fine Arts Department present this thrilling performance which is sure to become a holiday classic for generations to come.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Spring Lineup



2nd Mile

Jan. 20, 7 p.m.



    2nd Mile, a gospel quartet, offers simple but sincere Southern gospel music that speaks to the heart of the listener. In 1996, 2nd Miles scored their first Singing News Top 80 chart song with the moving ballad, "In Your Hands."

    A 2nd Mile concert will feature new tunes as well as some traditional hymns of the church from their latest recording, "Hymns and Things." This project is a first for the group in that it features only hymns and classic songs, such as "I'd Rather Have Jesus," "Sheltered in the Arms of God" and "Grace Greater Than Our Sin." Group members include Reggie Lovorn, Richard Ferguson, Robby Bennett, with musician Tim Buchanan providing instrumental support.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Bluegrassarama with Mississippi Chris Sharp

Feb. 8, 7 p.m.



    Join Meridian's own singer/songwriter/recording artist Mississippi Chris Sharp and Friends for a night of bluegrass and acoustic roots music.

    From the stage of the nationally syndicated radio program "The Sucarnochee Revue," straight to the McCain Theater on MCC campus, Mississippi Chris and Friends will entertain with a high-energy acoustic roots musical performance. This homegrown Meridian-born performer has been a crowd favorite, regular cast member and producer on "The Sucarnochee Revue" since its inception. His music has been called, "Spicy Americana at its best!" When asked about that, Mississippi Chris said, "I'm just glad to be here."

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



Disney's "My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto's Musical Tale"

MCC Fine Arts Production

April 1-2, 7 p.m.; April 3, 2 p.m.

Free



    MCC's Fine Arts Department presents this classic tale of an aging toy maker and his puppet, Pinocchio. The story takes on timely issues in "Disney's My Son Pinocchio, Geppetto's Musical Tale."

    Grammy Award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz adds a compelling score of original songs to the beloved classics "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "I've Got No Strings." Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond the toy shop to discover what makes "the perfect child."

    This family-friendly musical is a mix of heartwarming fairytale and action-packed adventure. Audiences will love following Pinocchio's journey from an awkward wooden puppet o a real, live boy and will be charmed by Geppetto's transformation from demanding creator to a real, live father.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



MCC Community Band

April 8, 7 p.m.

Free



    The Meridian Community College Band was organized in January 1981 under the direction of Carey Smith. The ensemble is comprised of 65-80 members – college and auditioned high school players, as well as members of the community at large. The season for the concert band runs from January to July, with two concerts – one each April and another in late June.

    The MCC Band had the distinct honor of playing for President George Herbert Walker Bush in December 1991 during his visit to Meridian.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.



MCC Chorus Spring Semester Concert

May 3, 7 p.m.

Free



    The Meridian Community College Choral Music Department will present a compilation of the year's repertoire.The MCC Chorus and Dimensions will perform traditional choral literature and a variety of other musical styles.

    The MCC choirs and ensembles are directed by Tammy Miles and Twyla Hurst. Mitch Brantley and Daniel Boles are instrumental/technical directors.

    Suitable for audiences of all ages.

More Information



    For more information about the Arts & Letters Series at Meridian Community College, contact Leia Agnew Hill, MCC Foundation program coordinator, at (601) 484-8696. Full list of 2010-11 season events on page B8.