Some guitar-fueled rock and a little fancy footwork have been added to the stage of Cape Fear Community College’s performing arts venue.
The college recently announced tickets are on sale now for three new shows in its 2016-17 season for the Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.
First up this fall is iconic ’70s band Kansas, which will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Known for hits like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son,” the band boasts eight gold albums, and numerous platinum albums, three of which hit that mark six times over.
Kansas appeared topped the Billboard charts for a total of more than 200 weeks during its decades-long reign, and has played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan.
Tickets to the local show range from $31.50 to $65.
On tap for early 2017 is the eye-dazzling Irish stepping that is “Riverdance.” The dance phenomenon makes a stop in Wilmington at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 as part of its 20th anniversary tour of the globe. The North American leg of the tour will come on the heels of a sold-out run across Europe and Asia.
Drawing on traditional moves, “Riverdance” incorporates innovative styles that have helped modernize both the Irish folk music and dance from which it draws inspiration.
“Riverdance” tickets are $31.50-$75.
And coming next spring is a much-loved production from two showtunes kings. New York’s Gilbert and Sullivan Players will perform “HMS Pinafore” at the Wilson Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6.
The maritime musical tells the story of lowly sailor Ralph Rackstraw, who falls in love with his captain’s daughter, Josephine, who has been promised to the arrogant Sir Joseph Porter. A comedy of errors unfolds as Ralph and Josephine try to navigate a secret love–and plans to elope.
The play, along with Kansas and “Riverdance,” join an already full schedule of arts and entertainment happenings at the CFCC site, including lyrical satirist Weird Al Yankovic, funny woman Paula Poundstone and a stage version of the kids’ show, “Octonauts.”
Tickets to “HMS Pinafore” range from $32.40 to $64 and, along with the other two recently added shows, can be purchased online or in Wilson Center lobby. The ticket office is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
