Backstage

Here's to a Fun and Eventful 2006!

Happy 2006 everyone! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. We’re still celebrating the New Year at the Frank Erwin Center, where fun is number one! Our calendar is already booked with exciting events – so we’re definitely going to have an event-full 2006.

Amazing feet will hit the stage at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center on January 6 when the Lord of the Dance brings their world-renowned Irish dancing to Austin. Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance brought Irish dancing into the international spotlight. More than 50 million people in 45 countries have seen these dancers perform this grand scale showpiece. State-of-the-art staging and lighting, elaborate costumes and music all work together to showcase these highly accomplished dancers. Tickets for Lord of the Dance are on sale now.

After the Celts leave, the comedians step in. Mike Epps and Friends will win you over with their stand-up performances Sunday, January 15. Rickey Smiley and JJ from BET’s ComicView will be here, along with Epps and Nephew Tomey. These pros are guaranteed to get laughs big enough to fill our Theatre. Tickets for this show are on sale now.

After the closing curtain for Mike Epps and Friends, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring the sound of “Sweet Georgia Brown” with them into the arena on February 9. Decked out in their trademark red, white and blue uniforms, the Globetrotters aren’t just a basketball team – they’re an American icon. Go ahead and take our trivia test inside to see how much you know about the most famous sports entertainment team of all time. Tickets are available now whether you want to buy some for yourself or a few more to introduce the Trotters to their next generation of fans. For your pre-game entertainment, Chica, a Latina trio making their way to the top, will perform and then sing the National Anthem.

Sunny days will be here again when Sesame Street Live sends Austin a new hero. Super Grover! Ready for Action. Super Grover will be arriving in Austin at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center February 16 and departing February 19 to spread his superness to the next city. Grover’s super hero schedule is jam packed with helping teach little people about healthy habits. Get online, give the box office a ring or zoom to a Texas Box Office outlet to get your tickets!

The sounds of Scotland will fill the air when The Black Watch and The Band of the Welsh Guards march into the arena February 24. The unique sound of their bagpipes and drums is as intriguing as their regal costumes. Find out more about the significance of their uniforms inside this issue of Applause. What you may not know about The Black Watch is they are a fully operational battalion of the British Army, and they have served in many wars throughout their long history. They don’t come around to Austin very often, so don’t miss your chance to see them.

Wishing you all a GREAT New Year! Hope to see you soon.

Leslie Lyon
Editor