The Donald W. Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts showcases a wide range of national talents during its upcoming winter calendar.
The Centre’s staff and Patrons are presenting a full slate of performances for the Coweta community. The upcoming calendar includes a return of the Golden Dragon Acrobats on January 22, followed by a performance on February 4 by the Masters of Soul.
The Centre is located at 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan. For more information about the Centre, visit www.thenixoncentre.net or call at 770-254-2787 (254-ARTS). In addition to general admission ticket prices, special student and senior admissions are also available.
Major upcoming performances include:
“The Golden Dragon Acrobats” – Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. (tickets $15) – The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.
In November 2005, the Golden Dragon Acrobats made their Broadway debut to a sold out audience at the New Victory Theater, New York’s ultimate theater for kids and families. The run was highlighted by the Golden Dragons receiving two most prestigious New York Drama Desk nominations — Danny Chang for Unique Theatrical Experience and Angela Chang for Best Choreography.
The reputation of the company is solidly rooted in a commitment to the highest of production values and an attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form. World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.
“Masters of Soul” – Saturday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. (tickets $15) – In the early 60’s some of the most iconic names in the history of popular music were discovered in the Motor City of Detroit. Masters of Soul is a celebration of these artists, their music and style. The show features stylishly costumed and fully choreographed tributes to both male and female groups backed by a live band.
Grapes of Wrath – Tuesday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. (tickets $10) –Tom Joad returns from prison to find the Oklahoma family farm in ruins. As the Joad clan gathers their possessions to leave the Dust Bowl behind, there’s both hope and fear about prospects in California. A story of perseverence against the odds, Steinbeck’s Great American Novel is the perfect story for National Players’ intimate yet powerful style.
Mark Randisi and the Motor City Horns” – Sunday, March 5 at 3:00 p.m. (tickets $15) – When Andrea Bocelli first heard Mark Randisi sing, he believed he was listening to a Frank Sinatra recording. Close your eyes or turn your head. You’ll swear the voice you hear is the original Chairman of the Board, it’s really the voice of Mark Randisi, keeping the classic sound and style of Sinatra alive. Randisi has appeared on stage with diverse performers and celebrities such as Ray Charles, James Darrin, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Debbie Reynolds, Fabian, Connie Stevens, Rich Little and more. What he does is an incredible tribute, not a mere imitation. His devotion to the music is apparent, and you’ll be swept up in the emotion he brings to each of his quality performances.
“A Lamb Chop Celebration!” – Sunday, March 12 at 3:00 p.m. (tickets $5) – Mallory Lewis (daughter of Shari Lewis) and Lamb Chop’s performance resonates with audiences from toddlers to seniors who grew up watching Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop on TV. Lewis’ high energy is extremely well received and the nostalgic performance is filled with contemporary music, topical comedy and hilarious audience participation as well as vintage footage of Shari and Lamb Chop.
VoicePlay – Friday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. (tickets $15) – As Seen on Season 4 of NBC’s “The Sing-Off”. Original. Imaginative. Ridiculous. Origimagidiculous. Based in Orlando, Florida VoicePlay performs their own incredible brand of entertainment across the country and around the world. What began quite literally as a street corner barbershop act has now evolved into an internationally acclaimed touring sensation.
The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts is located at 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan. For directions, or to get more information about these or other upcoming Centre events, call 770-254-2787 (770-254-ARTS).
In addition to serving Coweta students, The Centre’s core mission – adopted under its original Fine Arts Director, Don Nixon – is to serve as “an extension of the classroom no matter the age of the student.” The Centre is the Coweta County School System’s premier arts facility, and has followed a mission of artistic and educational excellence, and community involvement and outreach, since its opening in 2004.
Thanks to the Centre Patrons, several upcoming winter and spring performances will include special performances for students or master classes for student artists.
Those interested in becoming a member of the Centre patrons can find out more by visiting CentrePatrons.org. For a full calendar of performances – by students or for students – visit www.thenixoncentre.net.
