Mammoth Blog

Individual ticket sales start today for all of the shows in the Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center's 12th season of 2008-09 Broadway touring productions.

The early-ticket option was introduced last season and will continue this year. Individual tickets for any of the season's national touring Broadway, Artist or Family shows may be purchased through the center's online ticketing system starting at 9 a.m. today and by phone or in-person from the box office starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 8.

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center has instituted a new Web address, mattiekellyartscenter.org. The previous Web address for the center, owc.edu/arts, still works but will be phased out.

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center's box office phone and in-person hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 729-6000 or toll free 1-888-838-ARTS (2787). The online box office is open 24 hours a day.

The slate of national shows will appear in the main stage theater at the arts complex at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd. Season ticket sales began Aug. 25.

"From award-winning national tours of Broadway shows, to international guest artists from China and Russia, to family shows - it's really going to be another fabulous season," said Cliff Herron, the center's executive director.

Herron noted that all of the national Broadway and Artist shows will appear only one night, except for the Family event "Oliver," which will have a special two-night run Dec. 16 and 17.

Broadway Season package sales continue through Nov. 8 and offer season patrons priority selection of seating, a discount over single-ticket prices, and the first opportunity to add additional individual show tickets to their package purchase.

Season tickets are available by phone, in-person or by mail only from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office.
The Broadway Package includes four shows for $165, a discount over the $45 per adult individual ticket price.

The Broadway/Artist combo package includes seven shows for $225, also a discount over individual ticket prices.
The two Family Events, "Oliver" and "Moscow Cats Theatre" may be added to package purchases, but are not included in the season packages.

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center 2008-09 Broadway, Artist & Family Season includes (in date order):

Jungua: Descendents of the Dragon - Nov. 8. Described as a high-impact, theatrical entertainment experience for all audiences, Jungua celebrates Chinese culture in an explosion of Kung Fu, acrobatics, music, dance, scenery and costumes. Tickets for this Artist Series show are $25 each.

"Nunsense" - Dec. 4. The hit musical comedy celebrates its 25th anniversary with this special national tour starring two-time Emmy Award winner, Sally Struthers. Don't miss this zany evening with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in the show that has become an international phenomenon, boasting more than 5,000 productions worldwide. Tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45 each.

"Oliver!" - Dec. 16 and 17. Hailed the world over as one of the best-loved family musicals of all time, this national touring production brings to the stage some of Charles Dickens' most unforgettable characters, along with one of Broadway's most memorable scores. Hits such as "Consider Yourself At Home," "Food, Glorious Food" and "Where is Love?" surround this heartwarming tale of the young orphan. Tickets for this special Family Event are $40 for adults and $30 youth 18 and under.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" - Jan. 12, 2009. This Tony-Award winning new musical comedy follows six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, as they learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. This show has an adult audience advisory for some mature themes. Tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45 each.

"The Drowsy Chaperone" - Jan. 21, 2009. Boasting the most 2006 Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway, this new musical comedy begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called "The Drowsy Chaperone," and the show magically bursts to life. You'll be instantly immersed in the glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day. Tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45 each.

American Spiritual Ensemble - Feb. 7, 2009. A phenomenal and moving repertoire of dynamic renditions of classic spirituals, jazz, Broadway numbers and more that highlight the black experience and keep the American Negro spiritual alive. Magnificent soloists in their own right, the members of the American Spiritual Ensemble have sung in theaters and opera houses around the world. Tickets for this Artist Series show are $25 each.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago - Feb. 23, 2009. Chicago's leading contemporary dance company celebrates 30 years as one of the most renowned dance institutions in the world. Critically acclaimed for its exuberant, athletic and innovative repertoire, the company features dance artists who display unparalleled versatility and virtuosity in performances that inspire, challenge and engage audiences. Tickets for this Artist Series show are $25 each.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" - March 11, 2009. Set on the glamorous Riviera, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is a musical comedy that follows two con artists as they take on the lifestyles of the rich and shameless - and end up with a lot more than they bargain for. Tickets for this Broadway Series show are $45 each.

Moscow Cats Theatre - March 21, 2009. Imagine 35 cats, one dog and five clowns. Making its U.S. debut in New York City two years ago, Moscow Cats Theater has appeared on "Good Morning America," "Inside Edition, Montel Williams," "Regis and Kelly Show" and more. It's the only entertainment of its kind in the world that features non-stop action by a group of felines performing original and astounding acrobatic feats, integrated into a non-verbal, colorful and fun-filled family show. Tickets for this special Family Event are $20 for adults and $15 youth 18 and under. source>>>