Lyceum Series includes student performing artists

Barbaina Houston Black
October 02, 2012

The Elizabeth City State Lyceum Series will add another segment to its selection of events this year– the Chancellor series. It will showcase talented student performing artists. Students with the University Players, the University Concert Choir and Essence of Praise Gospel Choir will take center stage of the Floyd L Robinson Auditorium in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center for three different events. Patrons can purchase tickets for single events or purchase season tickets for the Lyceum Series. The first of the series is &quotThe Lively Cabaret&quot featuring the University Players, the student theatrical group, under the direction of Billicia Hines, an associate professor in the ECSU Art Department. Hines said the show will contain songs from musicals spanning from the 1920s to 2004, including selections from &quotThe Color Purple,&quot &quotThe Wiz,&quot &quotHairspray,&quot &quotRent,&quot &quotSmokey Joe’s Cafe,&quot &quotRagtime,&quot and other award-winning productions. Hines has been working with other staff and faculty members on the production. Kenneth J. Tate, auditorium director for ECSU, designed the set for the show. Local educator and Community Music School instructor Dennis Figgs serves as musical director. Dr. Walter Swan, director of the Concert Choir and an associate music professor in the ECSU Music Department, serves as singing coach. The cast will include about 18 student performers, while 10 students will serve in technical positions. Derek Graham, a senior majoring in music with a concentration in sound recording and minoring in theatre, is the sound designer. Graham also serves as the playwright for the majority of the speaking pieces in the show. See the show on October 4, 5, and 6 at 7:30 p.m. The second in the series is &quotHallelujah Broadway&quot featuring the University Concert Choir with nationally renowned guest artists Rodrick Dixon, a tenor, and Alfreda Burke, a soprano, under the direction of Dr. Walter Swann. Show dates are February 1, 2, and 3 at 7 each evening. The third presentation will be the Essence of Praise Fashion and Comedy Show presented by Essence of Praise Gospel Choir. The gospel choir is under the direction of Larry Wilson, a student services specialist in the ECSU Admissions Office and Donna James-Whidbee, director of ECSU’s Office of Human Resources and Payroll. The performance will be held in the Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium on March 23, 2013 show time is at 7 p.m. This year’s Lyceum Series will also include its first gospel concert. &quotAn Evening of Gospel&quot features James Fortune and Amber Bullock of &quotSunday Best,&quot and Essence of Praise Gospel Choir. The host for the evening is Michael Chandler, President/CEO of the REJOICE Musical Soulfood Gospel Music radio network. The concert will be held on October 17 at 7 p.m. at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. This year’s series also includes the first lecturer, Dr. Christopher Emdin. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teacher College, Columbia University. He is the author of the book, &quotUrban Science Education for the Hip-hop Generation&quot Hear this thought provoking presentation on November 30 in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m. Admission:

• ECSU Students with ID $5
• Children 12 and under $5
• General Public $10

Season Tickets:

• ECSU Students with ID $20
• Children 12 and under $20
• General Public $40

Tickets Available:

• ECSU Cashier Office
• Online www.etix.com
• Clown’n Around (209 Charles St., Elizabeth City, NC)

For more information contact the Division of Student Affairs 335-3279 or 335-3276 or visit http://www.ecsu.edu/lyceum . Tickets will be sold at the entry door as well.