Mattie Kelly Arts Center enters 20th season

NICEVILLE — The Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College begins its 20th anniversary season with a theme of “Broadway’s Best.”

Ten nationally touring Broadway/Artist shows are featured, as well as two anniversary special events and various guest events.

Season packages go on sale Aug. 22, with single tickets on sale Aug. 29. A portion of all sales support student scholarships at the college.

A 10 percent discount is available for season packages of six or more Broadway/Artist shows, and a group discount of $5 off each ticket is available for groups of 10 or more tickets to a single show.

Anniversary and guest events may be added to a season package but are not discounted.

To purchase, call 729-6000 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

For a complete calendar, videos, updates, and ticket sales by web, see the center’s website at www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.

Season performances are as follows:

"Second City Comedy & Slate Present – “Unelectable You,” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, $35: Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, Second City is legendary for producing cutting-edge satire and launching the careers of comedy superstars. In this irreverent look at America’s electoral insanity, the satirical muscle of Second City will harness the often contrarian and cutting-edge voice of Slate to take aim at the election, the candidates and the spin, with political satire and improvisation by Chicago’s best. Artist Series.

Sinatra: The Ultimate Tribute Concert, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, $35 for concert, $30 for 6 p.m. anniversary reception: The Anniversary Special Event celebrates the season of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and also includes a separate pre-concert gala 30th anniversary reception. Las Vegas Star Brian Duprey (The Rat Pack Is Back), performs a knockout recreation of Frank Sinatra in a concert backed by the NFSO.

The Aluminum Show, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, $35: A sensational hit around the world that combines amazing special effects, acrobatics, jazz and dazzling aluminum costumes and lighting. Since its debut in Jerusalem in 2003, the show has mesmerized hundreds of thousands of people across the globe and is suitable for all ages and languages. Artist Series.

Cirque Holidaze, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22, $45: This dazzling holiday extravaganza features the amazing aerial and visual artistry of renowned Cirque performers from across the globe – with over 300 costumes, 20 acts, illusions and gravity defying feats — all staged in a winter wonderland. Broadway Series.

Eisenhower Dance: In Power & Passion, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. $25: Direct from Detroit, one of the nation’s finest contemporary dance companies presents a breathtaking program with a stunning collection of repertory by nationally-recognized choreographers. Artist Series.

An Evening with Jason Alexander, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, $65: The highlight of the season features TV, film and Broadway star Jason Alexander to help celebrate both the 20th anniversary of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center and the 30th season of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Long before becoming world renowned as the iconic George Costanza on "Seinfeld," Jason Alexander was a Tony Award-winning Broadway song and dance man. His evening at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center brings a hilarious re-telling of his journey to and on the Broadway stage — which features a program of great music from the theater — along with comedy and audience interaction. It’s a much heralded night of music, laughter and fun — all backed by the NFSO. Anniversary Special Event.

'Pippin,' 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24, $45: This nationally touring Broadway show is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. The hit musical is full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of "Wicked." Its revival has been described by USA Today as, “A combination of epic theater, burlesque and soulful spectacle.” Broadway Series.

'42nd Street,' 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, $45: This national touring production is directed and choreographed by the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning revival. The musical comedy includes favorites such as “We’re In The Money,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “42nd Street!” Broadway Series.

The Piano Men: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, $35: A musical celebration of the 1970’s, hit by hit, this concert is an amazing tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John by award-winning Jim Witter and his sizzling band from Montreal, Canada. Artist Series.

Erths’ Dinosaur Zoo Live, 7 p.m. Feb. 21, $15 adults and $10 youths: This family-friendly event features an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures all presented in a theatrical show to thrill audiences of all ages in a fun, unique and educational experience. The one-hour show features an early start time of 7 p.m. and family pricing. Artist Series.

'Once,' 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, $45: The winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, "Once" features an ensemble of actor-musicians in the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman discovers his haunting love songs. It’s a captivating night of love, laughter and gutsy Irish music making. Broadway Series.

One Night of Queen: by Gary Mullen and The Works, 7:30 p.m. April 13, $35: The world premiere Queen tribute band presents a hit concert experience that has sold out across Europe and New Zealand. The pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest live band of all time is featured along with hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions” and more. Artist Series.

National guest events

These 2016 performances include a specially commissioned appearance of the national historical drama “Black Angels Over Tuskegee” on Oct. 7 about the famous WWII Tuskegee Airmen; rising country music star Hunter Phelps in a Niceville Chamber-sponsored concert under the stars in the center’s amphitheater on Oct. 20; and jazz favorite “A Peter White Christmas” on Dec. 10.

Tickets for all guest events are now available and may be added to a season package.

A host of regional cultural events are also a major part of the art center's 20th anniversary, including performances by the Northwest Florida Ballet and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra; a full schedule of free touring art exhibitions in the center’s two galleries; and theater, music and dance performances by the renowned NWFSC Fine & Performing Arts Division. A daytime series of national touring shows for school groups includes “Pete the Cat”; “The Lightning Thief”; and daytime school performances of “Eths’ Dinosaur Zoo Live” and “Black Angels Over Tuskegee.”

School groups may reserve space in all school shows by calling 729-6065.

For a complete schedule, more information and videos, go to www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.