2012—13 Lake Michigan Mailers Spotlight Series
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The Lake Michigan Mailers Spotlight series this season offers a variety of entertainment you won’t want to miss, including family and childrens’ shows, dance, entertainers and comedians. And, as always, we’ll continue to add to our lineup, even as we get into the season, so become a subscriber and get first choice for the best seats in the house.
Capitol Steps
Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 @ 8 p.m.
“We didn’t start satire; it was always burning since the world was turning…” The Capitol Steps plan to bring down the house…and Senate with their unique blend of music and political comedy. They have performed for five U.S. Presidents, traveled to all 50 states (to perform, not sight-see) and if their wish came true tomorrow, Donald Trump would be elected President. This performance can proudly claim to be the only place in America where you will find the two candidates running for President onstage singing show tunes. Founded by Congressional staffers, the group is currently celebrating its 30th year of existence while having recorded 32 albums. The Capitol Steps—they put the “MOCK” in Democracy!
Cirque Chinois
Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 @ 8 p.m.
Direct from China, the National Circus of the People’s
Republic of China performs Cirque Chinois. The group
was founded in 1953, making it one of the longest
running and most distinguished circus troupes in China.
The National Circus of the People’s Republic of China
is especially acclaimed in China because of the unique
acts in their program such as Great Teeterboard,
Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, Straw Hats
Juggling, Girls Balance with Bowls and many other
outstanding acts.
Welcomed by Zhang Financial
In the Mood
Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 @ 3 p.m.
The greatest international Big Band Musical Revue and much more than a concert, IN THE MOOD presents a retro 1940s musical revue featuring the IN THE MOOD Singers and Dancers with the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra. The music and the arrangements are as authentic as it gets. This was a time that all of America was listening and dancing to the same kind of music.
In the 1940s, the combination of up-tempo big band instrumentals and intimate, romantic ballads set the mood for a future filled with promise, hope and prosperity. All this from a time when the music moved the nation’s spirit!
Jazz Masters with New York Voices
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating their 20th Anniversary in 2009, New York Voices is the Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz. Their interests are rooted in jazz and big band, but often Brazilian, R&B, classical and pop influences are infused. They will perform with WMU’s awardwinning University Jazz Orchestra and Gold Company.
Menopause the Musical
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 & 4, 2012
This is the story of four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! It’s the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!®
Step Afrika!
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012
Step Afrika! was the first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The company is critically acclaimed for its efforts to promote an understanding of and appreciation for stepping and the tradition’s use as an educational tool for young people worldwide. Step Afrika! has performed on prestigious stages in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m.
Experience the magic with America’s favorite holiday celebration for over 25 years. Grammy Award® winner Chip Davis has created a show featuring the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The season comes alive with the sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history!
Handel’s Messiah
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012 @ 3 p.m.
Messiah is without a doubt one of the most popular and oft-performed choral masterpieces. It features lively instrumental writing, picturesque solo arias, and exuberant choruses. The WMU Grand Chorus, University Symphony Orchestra and distinguished faculty soloists in conjunction with Miller Auditorium proudly present selected pieces from this classic choral work.
The Nutcracker
Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 @ 8 p.m. &
Sunday, Dec. 9 @ 3 p.m.
Michigan’s only professional ballet company, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company, announces the return of the holiday spectacular, The Nutcracker, now touring to Kalamazoo’s Miller Auditorium for two performances only! The Nutcracker has been a West Michigan tradition for more than 40 years. What better way to celebrate the holidays than with the festive sights and sounds of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra when they unite to bring this holiday classic to life.
Clara's Nutcracker Brunch
Packed with excitement for the whole family, this special event is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. Brunch and storytime with some rambunctious Nutcracker characters make this a fabulous addition to your holiday traditions. $18 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under.
Bill Cosby
Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 @ 8 p.m.
The legendary Bill Cosby has been making people laugh for nearly five decades, most notably as the Emmy winning star of the landmark sitcom “The Cosby Show.” Also a nine-time Grammy winner for his hilarious comedy albums, Bill Cosby was voted one of “Comedy Central’s Ten Greatest Stand-Ups of All-Time.”
Gold Company 35th Anniversary Spectacular
Dr. Steve Zegree, Director
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 @ 2 & 8 p.m.
Recognized as one of the most successful collegiate vocal groups in the world, Gold Company is celebrating 35 years at Miller Auditorium and you’re invited to the party! In addition to acclaimed shows throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa, the group continues to accumulate milestones including performances at Walt Disney World, Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. The 35th Anniversary Spectacular promises surprises and special guests and will feature the trademark musical flair that audiences of all ages know and love.
Kathleen Madigan
Friday, Feb. 15 @ 8 p.m.
In her 22 year career, Kathleen Madigan has never been hotter. With her new Showtime special, Gone Madigan, in constant rotation and the DVD-CD of the special topping the Amazon and iTunes charts, Madigan has the entire year booked with over 100 theater gigs across the country and numerous television appearances. After 300 nights on the road, her goal remains to move to Ireland and drink Guinness while feeding her sheep herding dogs.
Cornell Gunter’s Coasters,
Bobby Hendricks Drifters & The Platters
Friday, March 8, 2013 @ 8 p.m.
An evening filled with the classic sounds of the 50’s and 60’s. The Coasters perform showcasing their string of hits, such as “Young Blood” and “Along Came Jones.” The Platters have never stopped performing and sell out wherever they go. The Platters recorded just under 400 songs and have sold over 80 million records. The Drifters linked 50’s rhythm & blues with 60’s soul music. They epitomized the vocal group sound of New York City. Don’t miss their original hits, like “Under The Boardwalk” and “On Broadway!”
Wild Kingdom’s Peter Gros
Sunday, March 24, 2013 @ 3 p.m.
All Animals, All the Time. On Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom on Animal Planet, Peter Gros provides the link between the original series, where he served as co-host and the new specials. In his popular live presentations, Peter shares his exciting animal world, travel experiences and timeless tales. He highlights his many adventures with a mix of video clips and bloopers while introducing friendly exotic animals to audience members and telling inspirational stories dealing with issues of conservation, travel and wildlife filming. Peter’s fascinating stories have been thrilling and educating audiences across the country for years.
Welcomed by Zhang Financial.
Celtic Woman: BELIEVE
Friday, April 5, 2013 @ 8 p.m.
Celtic Woman’s breathtaking new show, BELIEVE, features the all-female singing sensation performing classic Irish tunes, such as “The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes,” “A Woman’s Heart,” and “The Parting Glass,” timeless pop anthems such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Sailing” and inspirational songs including “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Ave Maria,” with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. Celtic Woman’s aweinspiring vocalists and mesmerizing violinist will be backed by a dazzling six-piece band, the Aontas Choir and renowned championship Irish dancers.
