Indiana State University Newsroom

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Indiana State University Performing Arts Series will feature a wide variety of programs for its 2009-2010 series ranging from dance and drama to musical performances.

The season begins with a Native American dance company performing at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in Tilson Auditorium.

The Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre was founded at the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota with the support of traditional Lakota Indian educators, healers, community leaders, championship pow-wow dancers, singers, and storytellers. Set against a backdrop of spectacular video imagery and accompanied by live traditional, sacred, and courting songs, narratives and creation stories are woven into the fabric of the performance.

A classic novel will be brought to life on stage Nov. 7 when "To Kill a Mockingbird" comes to Indiana State.

Harper Lee's Pulitzer-Prize winning novel was first brought to the screen in an Academy Award- winning adaptation by Horton Foote in 1962 and was later adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel. Though over thirty five years old, this stage adaptation, performed by members of the Montana Repertory Theatre, continues to compel and delight viewers world wide with its warmth, wit and wisdom. The audience is transported to a sleepy Southern town in the 1930s, and discovers that the issues of that time - prejudice, racism, and human values - are universal issues.

A Christmas classic will come to Terre Haute Dec. 8. "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," performed in the style of a live studio radio broadcast in 1946, lovingly honors America's collective gratitude to Frank Capra, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and everyone who originally brought the story to life. Five actors portray dozens of characters as well as produce the sound effects.

The a cappella singing sensation The Blanks will provide an evening of music Jan. 22, 2010. The quartet of friends act and sing on the television show "Scrubs" as 'Ted's Band'. The group performs television and movie themes such as, "Charles in Charge," "Six Million Dollar Man" and Scrubs, "I'm No Superman."

The season wraps up March 20, 2010, with "Oh Mr. Sousa!," a staged band concert show, highlighting major historic and amusing events in the life of John Phillip Sousa. Some of the world's most beloved music will be heard during the two hour show, which will feature an appearance by the Terre Haute Community Band.

All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Tilson Auditorium.

Season tickets are $65. ISU students are admitted free with a valid student ID and are invited to participate in a punch card program. Tickets are available at the Hulman Center Ticket Office or by calling 1-877-ISU-TIXS.

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Contact: Jennifer Cook, Hulman Center, (812) 237-3770

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu