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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit performing arts centers and Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, Ordway filled its 2009-2010 season calendar with ambitious productions reflecting the breadth of American artistry and emerging global talent.
“We feel privileged to offer our audiences a season of productions that span the full range of human emotion,” says Patricia Mitchell, Ordway President and CEO. “The 2009-2010 season was chosen with our deepest values at heart: bringing joy to Ordway patrons through artistic performance. And we’re convinced the shows will deliver on that promise.”
The first production to reach Ordway’s Main Hall stage is Little House on the Prairie The Musical, which launches its first national tour in Saint Paul. This musical is onstage from October 13 through 25 and includes renowned actress Melissa Gilbert as “Ma.”
Looking for an interactive holiday celebration? If so, don’t miss Sister’s Christmas Catechism at Ordway’s McKnight Theatre from November 18 through December 27. In this search to find the Magi’s Gold, Sister employs techniques from her favorite T.V. show, “Forensic Files,” and creates a living nativity with the help of audience members.
Also during the holiday season, Ordway creates its own version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast promising memorable entertainment for the entire family. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to create a new production of this popular story,” says James Rocco, Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director at Ordway. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs from December 15, 2009 through January 3, 2010.
Steppenwolf’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning August: Osage County comes to the Ordway in a limited engagement starring Estelle Parsons as the unsettled, pill-popping matriarch Violet. This musical contains adult themes and is at the Ordway from March 16 through 21, 2010.
Rounding out Ordway’s theater season is the Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, winner of seven 2008 Tony Awards including “Best Musical Revival.” Patrons can enjoy South Pacific from May 4 through 16, 2010.
For 2009-2010, the Ordway continues to explore the latest currents in world music and dance with the Target® World Music and Dance Series. These dynamic artists bring their amazing talents to the Ordway stage for single-performance engagements throughout the year. The 2009-2010 season features Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance, October 30, 2009; Yasmin Levy, November 1, 2009; DanceBrazil, February 19, 2010; Dreaming the Duke, featuring Nnenna Freelon, Harolyn Blackwell and Mike Garson, February 21, 2010; Shidara, February 24, 2010; Diavolo, March 25, 2010; and dre.dance, May 20, 2010.
Also celebrating an anniversary year, the annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival will bring talented and versatile artists from all over the world to downtown St. Paul during the weekend of June 5-6, 2010. Performances will be available on stages in Rice Park and inside the Ordway. 2010 marks the 10th year Ordway presents the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival.
At the Ordway, joy is at the center of all we do.
