Oct. 14, 2002--The 2002-03 Performing Arts Series and the Family Performing Arts Series offer an eclectic mix of concerts and performances this season, ranging from a one-woman comedy cabaret show to a symphony orchestra to a stage version of ‘Tom Sawyer.’

All performances are in Mitchell Hall, located on The Green across from the intersection of South College Avenue and Amstel Avenue. Performing Arts Series programs begin at 8 p.m., and Family Series programs are scheduled in late morning and early afternoon.

B.J. Ward in Stand-Up Opera

Delaware native B.J. Ward returns home with her one-woman show mixing stand-up comedy, a cabaret sensibility and classic arias on Friday, Oct. 25. The show is directed by Gordon Hunt, award-winning television and stage director and father of Helen Hunt, with Joseph Thalken accompanying on piano. An acclaimed actress and singer, Ward is a former member of The Groundlings comedy troupe, has appeared on network television in shows such as “Mad About You” and “Frasier,” among others, and is the voice of Betty Rubble on “The Flintstones” and Velma on “Scooby Doo,” in addition to hundreds of other cartoon voices and commercials.

Naturally Seven

Naturally Seven

This group of seven young men from the New York metro area will showcase its own unique harmony, blending jazz, gospel, R&B, and even classical styles on Friday, Feb. 21. Hailed by critics as "deep, intense and brilliant," this sensational ensemble captured the National Champion title in Harmony Sweepstakes' 16th annual A Cappella Festival. Naturally Seven's faith-infused music reaches across denominations, striking common chords of human experience among religious and secular audiences alike. A free master class for campus and community vocal groups (observers welcome) will be presented at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, in Room 209 Trabant University Center, and a free workshop is scheduled at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, in Bayard Sharp Hall.

Cherish the Ladies

Cherish the Ladies

Performing on Thursday, March 13, this ensemble of musicians and performers without peer has won many thousands of fans. With a unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, Cherish the Ladies combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts it forth in an immensely humorous and entertaining package. A free workshop is scheduled at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13, in Bayard Sharp Hall.

Syracuse Symphony Orchestra

This performing ensemble of national acclaim will be joined by the 2001 Van Cliburn Piano Competition Gold Medalist Olga Kern as part of a major East Coast tour, including a return to Carnegie Hall. The program on Saturday, April 12, will be conducted by Grant Cooper, resident conductor, and will feature the “Russlan & Ludmilla Overture” by Glinka, “Piano Concerto No. 3” by Rachmaninoff and “Symphony No. 5, OP. 100” by Prokofiev.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

This lively musical about discovering the person within will be presented at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8. Based on the novel by award-winning author Judy Blume, the show is produced by ArtsPower National Touring Theatre.

Pinocchio

Pinocchio

This classic tale of learning right vs. wrong is told with live music, lavish costumes and colorful storybook settings, beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18. Performing will be The Gingerbread Players and Jack.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Bravery, rescue, love and friendship come to life with this piece of Americana, produced by American Family Theatre, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9.

Ramona Quimby

The latest madcap capers of the world's most animated and mischievous elementary school student is brought to the stage in Theatreworks USA's production of the book by noted author Beverly Cleary at 2 p.m., Saturday, May. 17.

Tickets for each of the Performing Arts Series events are $15 for the general public, $10 for UD faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens, and $6 for students and children. Tickets for Family Series events are $10 for the general public, $8 for UD faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens and $6 for students and children. A 10 percent discount is available with the purchase of tickets for 5 or more shows or for group sales of 10 or more tickets per show.

For tickets, call the Hartshorn box office at (302) 831-2204. (Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.) For general information, visit [www.udel.edu/performingarts], send e-mail to [performingarts@udel.edu] or call 831-8741.

The University of Delaware 2002-03 Performing Arts Series and Family Series are made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware, as well as support by Barba & Reynolds Insurance Agency, Embassy Suites-Newark/Wilmington South and Arby's.