Luther College 2019-20 Center Stage Series subscriptions are now available

The Luther College 2019-20 Center Stage Series will present 10 unforgettable acts as well as two school productions: a variety of comedic, musical and thought provoking acts, including artists from across the world and close to home.

“With performers coming from as close as Des Moines, and as far as Zimbabwe, the 2019-20 season continues the Center Stage Series’ tradition of supporting Luther’s commitment to embracing diversity and creating a welcoming environment to people of all backgrounds and cultures,” said Paul Atkins, director of campus programming. “We look forward to another season of engaging our broader local community in this aspect of Luther’s mission.”

Tickets for Center Stage Series events may be purchased as a subscription package through Friday, Aug. 30. Subscribers can build an individualized entertainment season by choosing tickets to a broad range of exceptional performances.

Anyone can create their own personalized package by becoming a subscriber and selecting five or more different events. Subscribers receive 10 percent off 5-6 events, 15 percent off 7-8 events and 20 percent off 9-10 events.

Other subscription benefits include incurring no ticket fees””saving subscribers $2 per ticket””priority seating, guaranteed seating even for sold-out performances, ticket insurance so tickets can be easily replaced, and an invitation to a subscribers-only celebratory dinner for the season-opening show on Saturday, September 14..

Season subscribers have first opportunity to renew each year. Current subscribers should respond by Friday, July 12, to retain or select new seats.

Subscriptions can be purchased through Luther College’s Ticket Office or online at tickets.luther.edu. Center Stage Series  patrons with special requirements and those who would like assistance ordering may contact the Ticket Office, (563) 387-1357 or tickets@luther.edu.

Brochures can be picked up on the Luther College campus, 700 College Dr., Decorah, Iowa, at the Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life or at the Welcome Desk in Dahl Centennial Union. Call (563) 387-1357 to have one mailed to a residence.

Ticket order and mailing information is in the brochure and online at tickets.luther.edu.

The Passing Zone “Saves the World”””Sept. 14

Renowned comedy juggling duo Jon Wee, Luther class of ’88, and Owen Morse of The Passing Zone wow audiences with their skills, combining dexterity, danger and hilarity. These five-time Guinness World Record holders and 18-time international Jugglers’ Association gold medalists attempt to save the world with their hilarious and unbelievable stunts.

Russian Renaissance””Sept. 28

Through electrifying performances in a variety of genres, audiences experience new heights of musicianship with Russian Renaissance, winners of the largest prize for chamber music in the world. From tango to folk to classical to jazz, Russian Renaissance redefines the possibilities of traditional Russian folk instruments as they captivate audiences worldwide.

Jayme Stone’s Folklife””Oct. 12

Defined by “Globe and Mail” as “the Yo-Yo Ma of the banjo,” Jayme Stone and his collection of versatile musicians cultivate a variety of folk music, including vibrant Sea Island spirituals, Creole calypsos and stomp-down Appalachian dance tunes. As they plant these sturdy seeds into modern soil, their inventive performances prove that folk songs are truly perennials for the people.

Theater Re: The Nature of Forgetting””Oct. 26

Theater Re will bring the powerful and compelling production “The Nature of Forgetting,” to campus as they tell the story of Tom, a middle-aged father in the early stages of dementia. With captivating live music and the intersection of art and science, this highly physical piece is a life-affirming journey into the human condition and a life well lived.

The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra””Nov. 8

The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra returns to the Luther College stage to pay homage to northeast Iowa’s rich cultural heritage. This performance will feature world-renowned Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker and will include iconic Piano Concerto in A Minor by Edvard Grieg, celebrated Norwegian composer, and the famously melodic Symphony No. 8 in G Major by Antonín Dvořák, a Czech composer influenced by time spent in Spillville, Iowa.

Nobuntu“”Nov. 22

Nobuntu, the female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe amazes audiences with dazzling voices and vibrant rhythms. With performances enhanced by minimal percussion and traditional instruments like the mbira, Nobuntu is internationally acclaimed for their immersive performances that celebrate Afro jazz, gospel and traditional Zimbabwean music.

Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway””Feb. 14

Back by popular demand, five of Broadway’s finest stars will perform songs from the best, most beloved Broadway musicals. “101 Years of Broadway” recreates the greatest moments from the best musicals of the century. This performance features actual stars from hit shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Mama Mia” in a magical night to remember.

Catapult””March 7

Featured on “America’s Got Talent,” the shadow-illusion dance troupe, Catapult, uses teamwork and athleticism to transform human bodies into everything from dragons to flowers to helicopters to works of architecture and even to vast landscapes.In the process, these artists tell surprising, imaginative and powerful stories that transform their audiences and their incite imaginations.

Seeds””March 14

A dramatic reenactment of the seven-year legal battle between Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser and the multinational biotech corporation Monsato Inc., “Seeds,” tackles the question of “Who Owns Life?” While debates about genetically modified organisms are multiplying everywhere, life-changing experiments are being conducted on our food. This documentary play leads us through a suspenseful labyrinth of legal conflicts, scientific debates and property clashes between farmers and the biotech industry over the implications of genetically modifying our food.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet””April 17

The sons of jazz giant Dave Brubeck, Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together for decades. Sixty years after their father’s U.S. State Department goodwill tour to Europe during the Cold War, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet commemorates their musical legacy with performances that integrate funk, blues and world music played with uncompromising dedication to melody, rhythm, culture, technique and the spontaneous spirit of jazz.

School performances

This season of Center Stage Series also includes two school matinee performances, “Sugar Skull” and “ArcAttack!”

Friends of Center Stage 2019-20

The Friends of Center Stage initiative, which aims to continue nurturing the performing arts, keeps ticket prices affordable and helps to continue the tradition of bringing nationally and internationally acclaimed performances to Luther.

Supporters who make a donation of $1,500 will receive four complimentary show tickets, two free dinner series tickets, two free tickets to the invitation-only season-opener dinner and their name or business logo on all show programs, on the digital sign in the Center for Faith and Life lobby during Center Stage Series performances and on the Center Stage Series webpage.

Supporters who make a donation of $1,000 will receive two complimentary show tickets, two free tickets to the invitation-only season-opening dinner and their name or business logo printed in all show programs, displayed on the digital sign in the Center for Faith and Life lobby during the Center Stage performances and on the Center Stage Series webpage.

Supporters who donate $500 will receive two complimentary show tickets and their name or business logo printed in all show programs, displayed on the digital sign in the Center for Faith and Life lobby during the Center Stage performances and on the Center Stage Series webpage.

Supporters who donate $250 will receive their name or business logo printed in all show programs, displayed on the digital sign in the Center for Faith and Life lobby during the Center Stage performances and on the Center Stage Series webpage.

Donations are tax-deductible.

The 2019-20 Center Stage Series is generously sponsored by Gundersen Health System, West Music, Winneshiek Medical Center, and Decorah Bank and Trust. Center Stage Series would also like to thank their media supporters: Decorah Newspapers, KDEC 100.5 and KVIK. Direct questions about all performances to the Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life, (563) 387-1357 or boxoffice@luther.edu, or see tickets.luther.edu for subscription and ticket information.