Encounter with the Arts
Fall 2009 highlights two main stage opening night musical productions and a studio production pre-opening dress rehearsal. Expand your experience of theater with these “value-added” opportunities. Each Encounter option includes a ticket.

Always, Patsy Cline
Join the opening night festivities for Traverse City Civic Players’ 50th Anniversary season. You may have missed this summer’s “American Idol”-style search for a leading lady but you can enjoy the pre-show reception and meet veteran director, Jeanette Mason, as she tells about crafting a new star. Hear favorites like Walkin’ After Midnight, Crazy, and many other songs recorded by Country Music Hall of Famer, Patsy Cline. Top off the evening with a backstage tour.

Fri., Sept. 11, 7-10:30 p.m.
Old Town Playhouse
Evening Host: Margaret Schaal
Cost: $39, includes ticket
($36 with LIFE Discount)
Code: 5939

Book of Matthew
Enjoy lunch and an afternoon studio theater production of The Book of Matthew, a new play which premiered in California last spring. During lunch meet Equity actress and volunteer director, Jennifer Weil, and learn about the play and production process. The Book of Matthew follows the life of Matt, the 40 year old pot-boiler TV show writer while he delivers pizza and waits tables but is writing the next better-than-Tom Wolfe novel and may even win his ex-wife back in the process. Attend the matinee as a group and conclude with a backstage tour. Cost includes ticket and lunch.

Sun., Oct. 18, 1-4:30 p.m.
Meet at Cuppa Joe Café,
(lower level of Horizon Bookstore)
Host: Margaret Schaal
Cost: $39 includes ticket
($36 with LIFE Discount)
Code: 5943

Cats
Can’t get enough of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and his felines? Get a preview to performance in an afternoon session where you will examine Webber’s use of T.S. Elliott’s poetry and explore all sorts of “Cats” trivia through recordings and clips of this famous blockbuster musical. The next day, attend opening night where the costumed kitties will entertain you after the opening night reception. Post-show backstage tour included.

Thurs., Nov. 5, 1-3 p.m.
University Center Rm. 209
  and Fri. Nov. 6, 7-10:30 p.m.
Old Town Playhouse
Instructor and host: Margaret Schaal
Cost: $45 includes ticket
($41 with LIFE discount)
Code: 5945

Opera Notes!
Don’t miss the Met which comes to Traverse City regularly with Simulcast Live via satellite at the State Theater. Enlighten your opera experience with two pre-event classroom explorations that will familiarize you with the plot, music, personalities, and notable highlights through video excerpts, music, and discussion. Make it an event by opting for a convenient box lunch or bring your own. (Opera ticket prices not included) Register for both sessions and save $5.

Fall Operas
Get ready for Tosca, (Oct. 10), Aida (Oct. 24), and Turandot (Nov. 7), in this lively presentation and discussion of three bigger-than-life performances.

Fri., Oct. 9, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $19 without lunch . . .Code: 5946
Cost: $28 with box lunch . . .Code: 5947

Holiday Operas
Be introduced to two well-known operas during the holiday season—Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffman (Tales of Hoffman) Dec. 19 and Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier (Jan. 9).

Fri., Dec. 18, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $19 without lunch . . .Code: 5948
Cost: $28 with box lunch . . .Code: 5949

Both meet at the
University Center Rm. 209
Instructor: Margaret Schaal
(LIFE Discount price: $16 or $25 with lunch)

Two American Masters:
Aaron Copland and Andrew Wyeth
What is it about a Wyeth painting or a Copland composition that makes their work so accessible and memorable? These two titans of 20th century art have been recognized worldwide for their genius. Copland, the musical experimenter/composer and Wyeth, a painter who has been both praised and criticized, have consistently challenged their audiences to carefully consider what constitutes great art. Join career teachers Dave Parrish and Lyn Salathiel for lively discussion and insight into these “giants” whose works have come to define American life and culture.

2 Tues., Nov. 17 & 24, 1-3 p.m.
University Center Rm. 5
Instructors: David Parrish & Lyn Salathiel
Cost: $45 ($38 with LIFE Discount)
Code: 5950

Music Appreciation—
Renaissance to 20th Century
Enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of many styles of music with a brief look across time. Explore four musical eras—the composers, instruments, and styles along with the architecture, fashions, and politics that influenced the music. Follow the development of the orchestra as you listen your way into the 20th century. You’ll develop a new “ear” for music and fresh appreciation for concert going. Register for any session or take all four at a savings.

Series meets 4 Mon., 1:30-4 p.m.
Renaissance: Oct. 12 . . . Code: 5951
Baroque: Oct. 19 . . . Code: 5952
Romantic: Oct. 26 . . . Code: 5953
20th Century: Nov. 2 . . . Code: 5954
University Center Rm. 6
Instructor: Kathleen Leach
Cost: $29 per session ($25 with LIFE Discount)
Cost for series: $95 . . . Code: 5955
($78 with LIFE Discount)