There are many signs of growth this year. The Bologna Performing Arts Center not only continues to strive to be the number one arts facility in the Delta but in the entire state of Mississippi. We have extended ticket office hours (11 am to 5:30 pm). Our lobby now offers concessions at every event, and a new merchandise shop. Another new offering is our seven pre-show dinners. Patrons can have dinner at the Delta State Alumni House with friends and quickly hop across the street for a performance.

The Season kicks off with Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003 at 7:30pm. Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence was plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior to be on the "Carol Burnett Show." At 24, she created Thelma Harper, or "Mama." Lawrence went on to star in "Mama's Family," consistently topping the ratings for its entire six-year run. According to Lawrence - "Where Mama is concerned, there's really nothing she can't do. I hope people will be pleasantly surprised by a side of Vicki they may never have seen...I know they will be looking forward to Mama, and for her part, that crazy old gal will be up to the challenge." Bluegrass vibrates through the Center as Nickel Creek takes the stage, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003 at 7:30pm. Though Nickel Creek was originally created as a bluegrass band, their music expands on those influences by incorporating Beatles-flavored psychedelic, alternative rock, pop, folk and more. After four nominations, the band recently won their first Grammy for BEST CONTEMPORARY FOLK ALBUM.

The spirit of the Andes manifests itself in the form of Inca Son, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003 at 7:30pm. Dressed in authentic, colorful Inca attire, performing traditional songs and original compositions on instruments made by the musicians, Inca Son music and dance of the Andes is a vibrant music and dance ensemble introducing people to the riches of Andean culture. The opera Rigoletto explores deception and the despair of revenge on Oct. 6, 2003 at 7:30pm. It is the story of a father's quest for revenge over the callous master who seduces his daughter then discards her and gets away with it. Included is a live orchestra of 40, this company of 100 is certain to deliver an unforgettable performance. The Audience Votes, presented by the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003 at 7:30pm. The first 250 ticket buyers will be given a three-piece set of CD, booklet, and voting guide featuring the 21 works Chamber Orchestra Kremlin offers. On October 28, concert attendees will cast their votes to determine which selections will be performed for the concert. The sounds of Bluegrass once again take the stage when Ricky Skaggs performs Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003 at 7:30pm. Ricky has been dazzling audiences by playing mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo for decades. Billboard Magazine placed Ricky both in the Top 20 artists of the decade and Top 100 of the past 50 years. The accolades continued to pour in, including number one hits and awards, and receiving eight Country Music Association awards and four Grammy's. His dedication to the preservation and continuance of roots-country and bluegrass made him the defacto leader of the neo-traditionalist movement. Detroit's internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet icon, Marcus Belgrave, will perform A Tribute to Louis Armstrong on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003. He will be playing arrangements of Armstrong's classic solos and recordings from the 1920's and 1930's era plus his giant hits from the 50's and 60's. Belgrave brings to life Armstrong's bravura trumpet innovations as well as vocalizing in Satchmo's inimitable "swing and scat" singing style.

Russia invades the U.S. with The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. The all-Russian cast of 42 members featuring international ballet competition gold medallists storm Delta State University, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003. The company has been praised by the press for its novel Russian style and its embodiment of the classical traditions of Russian dance.

Celebrate the holidays in grand style with the Mantovani Orchestra and Chorus, Friday, Dec 12, 2003 at 7:30pm. Mantovani's Christmas concerts are filled with music that runs from dramatic pieces like Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite to festive fun with Santa's Sleigh Ride to inspirational music like Ave Maria. Holiday favorites are made special by the maestro's cascading strings, and the beautiful addition of the chorus. Don't miss an evening of holiday music that evokes the spirit of the season...Mantovani Style.

An American tradition, Singin' In the Rain, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004 at 3:00pm, is generally regarded as the finest film musical ever made. The title song is one of the most famous numbers ever filmed. From an extraordinary movie an extraordinary musical was born. Though 52 years have passed, the show is still hilarious and the songs retain a simple charm that has made this piece simply timeless. Monica Mancini pays homage, Tuesday, Jan 27, 2004 at 7:30pm to her father's music in a multi-media tribute to Academy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini. The program includes clips from some of Mancini's greatest movies plus rare behind-the-scenes video and the award-winning instrumental music performed by the Henry Mancini Institute Alumni Orchestra. Nominated for an unequalled 72 Grammy Awards and the winner of 20, the late Henry Mancini is undoubtedly one of America's greatest composers.

Experience the splendor of the Austrian Alps, Monday, Feb 9, 2004 at 7:30pm with Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved classic, The Sound of Music. It is the true story of Maria and Georg Von Trapp and their budding romance as well as the family's daring flight from Nazi rule. With its heartwarming story, wonderful music and charming cast of characters, The Sound of Music will always be one of our favorite things. The soulful sounds of Lou Rawls will be moving through the audience, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004 at 7:30pm. His voice is as distinctive and instantly recognizable as any in music. One constant in Lou Rawls' career has been a voice that one critic has called "sweet as sugar, soft as velvet, strong as steel, smooth as butter." In 40 years as a recording artist, Rawls has spanned an astonishing 60-plus albums, 13 Grammy nominations, three Grammy wins, one platinum album, five gold albums and a gold single. The Titanic may have sunk, but The Unsinkable Molly Brown survived. Come and watch this spirited tale of a legendary, real-life American original, Monday, Mar. 8, 2004 at 7:30pm. The Unsinkable Molly Brown charmed Broadway and film audiences with its irresistible, outrageous title role, in the tradition of Dolly Levi and Auntie Mame. The Unsinkable Molly Brown is funny, light, uplifting and uniquely American. No one disputes the influence that Frank Sinatra had on popular music. "Old Blue Eyes" recorded more than 1,000 songs. Highlights from the crooner's extensive discography are the focus of My Way - A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sunday, Mar. 14, 2004 at 7:30pm. A fitting tribute to the music that made Sinatra a pop icon, My Way combines almost 60 great songs with witty and charming dialogue and a flair that the Chairman of the Board would have applauded. Come feel The Spirit of Ireland, Saturday, Apr. 3, 2004 at 7:30pm. This diverse production offers the audience a spectacular evening of traditional Irish, woven into a blend of both traditional and contemporary Irish musical and vocal arrangements. The music is performed by some of Ireland's most celebrated young virtuoso's, most of them, like the dancers - All Ireland Champions.

Christian vocalist, Sandi Patty brings her concert to Bologna, Tuesday, Apr. 6, 2004 at 7:30pm. After nearly 20 years on the center stage of Christian music, she has achieved an unprecedented 11 Female Vocalist of the Year awards, 39 Dove Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, five Grammy awards, three platinum records and five gold albums that have captured her a place in many hearts, and has caused her to become known as a powerhouse vocalist whose music stirs souls. Beauty, Hydrangea, Stainsworth, Mrs. Thornbush and, of course, the Beast invite you on a musical adventure with the age-old fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2004 at 7:30pm. Staying true to the traditional storyline, Beauty sets out searching for her father who has gone astray seeking a single red rose for his daughter. Upon arrival at the Beast's castle, some unusual characters including the Beast greet Beauty. As the story will tell, Beauty and the Beast fall in love and are soon reunited with Beauty's family in a joyous wedding celebration. The Guys, Friday, Apr. 16, 2004 at 7:30pm, is a new play produced by New York City's off-Broadway Flea Theater. The Guys is a dialogue between a fire captain named Nick and Joan, an editor who helps the captain write the difficult words that he will say at the funerals of his eight men who did not return to the firehouse after September 11th. Playwright, Ann Nelson, will be in residence at Delta State prior to the performance to discuss her experiences writing this moving tribute to the firemen, The Guys, of September 11th. To receive a full brochure outlining the 2003-2004 season at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, please call the business office at 662.846.4625. If you are interested in purchasing tickets to one of our performances or have questions, please call our ticket office at 662.846.4626, Tuesday - Friday, 11am to 5pm. Due to the nature of the entertainment business, all artists, programs and dates are subject to change.