The Eisemann Center and the City of Richardson announced the 2012-2013 Season of Eisemann Center Presents (ECP) at the Annual Season Preview Party on Friday, May 11, 2012. We will continue presenting our popular and established ViewPoint Bank Theatre Comedy Series (four (4) shows); the Family Theatre Series (six (6) shows) and Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations® (four (4) concerts). In addition we have nine MainStage Shows featuring a wide diversity of programming and artistic disciplines and two Special Attractions. Some of our more popular productions and artists from the past ten years are returning to join in the celebration – The Oak Ridge Boys, The Romeros, comedian Steve Solomon, “Sister” in her newest show in the Late Nite Catechism series, and The Paul Taylor Dance Company. They will be joined by some outstanding new shows for the Eisemann Center, including Ed Asner as FDR; Video Games Live; The Swingle Singers; Sir James Galway and Monty Python’s Spamalot, a 70- minute parody of all seven Harry Potter books.

MAINSTAGE SHOWS

Featuring an eclectic mix of music and dance programming in the Eisemann Center’s Hill Performance Hall, the MainStage Shows kick off with Ed Asner as FDR on Sat., Oct. 13, 2012 at 8:00 pm. FDR explores the life of one of America’s best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. This powerful play follows the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II. Ed Asner, recipient of seven Emmy Awards (Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant) and 16 nominations, five Golden Globe Awards and a member of the TV Academy Hall of Fame, stars in the solo performance drama, based upon Dore Schary’s Broadway hit Sunrise at Campobello, which ran 70 weeks on Broadway.

A favorite of Eisemann Center patrons, The Oak Ridge Boys return to the Eisemann Center on Sat., Oct. 27, 2012 at 8:00 pm. One of the longest-running groups in country music, The Oak Ridge Boys started life as a gospel quartet in the 1940s before gradually modernizing their style and moving into secular country-pop. The lineup which produced their most well-known country and crossover hits consists of Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban. Golden and Allen joined the group in the mid-1960s, and Sterban and Bonsall joined in the early 1970s. Aside from a seven-year gap (1987–1995) when Golden left the group and was replaced, this lineup has been together since 1973 and continues to tour and record.

Ricky Nelson Remembered, playing Thu., Nov. 15, 2012 at 8:00 pm is a unique multi-media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson's hit songs (including “Hello Mary Lou," "Travelin' Man,” “Garden Party") performed by Ricky's own twin sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. The production includes never before seen big screen video footage of the Nelson family with interviews from the many celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson.

The Romeros with Massimo Paris and Concerto Málaga will grace the Hill Performance Hall stage on Tue., Dec. 11, 2012 at 8:00 pm. The guitar quartet The Romeros, known as the “Royal Family of the Guitar” and Concerto Málaga, conducted by Massimo Paris, present works celebrating Christmas from the CD recently recorded in Málaga, Spain, in new arrangements with tunes from Spain, Germany and the United States. The history of the Christmas carol extends back to the Middle Ages, producing a rich tradition which continues to the modern era. This selection of new and familiar Christmas music presents the genre in unique musical colours.

Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event on Sat., Jan. 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm, featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Created, produced and hosted by well-known game industry veteran and superstar Tommy Tallarico, this performance will feature the RISD All-City Orchestra and Chorus performing along with exclusive synchronized video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, well known internet solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Pre- and post-show activities include a costume contest, Guitar Hero competition, prize give-a-ways, interactive game demos and the very popular meet-and-greet with top game composers, designers and industry talent.

The Swingle Singers are an international a cappella phenomenon. For over four decades, the unmistakable sound of "Swingle singing" has defined the art form: virtuosic vocal agility and blend demonstrated by their signature close-microphone technique, combined with high-level entertainment that has thrilled audiences around the globe. The latest lineup of young and talented voices represents the group's transformation from pioneering classical/jazz crossover artists to contemporary vocal super-group appearing Fri., Feb. 22, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Their repertoire encompasses classical, jazz, Latin, pop and rock, all accompanied by their own vocal rhythm section. The Swingle Singers will be joined onstage by the UT Dallas Chamber Singers' Glee Choir. The residency is presented in partnership with the UT Dallas School of Arts & Humanities.

Sir James Galway joined by his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway comes to the Eisemann Center with his Legacy Tour on Sat., Mar. 2, 2013 at 8:00 pm. the living legend of the flute, Sir James Galway is regarded as both the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer whose appeal crosses all musical boundaries. Sir James has made himself a modern musical master whose virtuosity on the flute is equaled only by his limitless ambitions and vision. Through his extensive touring, over 30 million albums sold and his frequent international television appearances, Sir James has endeared himself to millions worldwide and is a tireless promoter of the arts.

Lovingly "ripped-off" from the internationally famous comedy team's most popular motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols), as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight. Two performances are scheduled on Tue., Mar. 19 and Wed., Mar. 20, 2013 at 7:30 pm, respectively.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company, established in 1954, is a national treasure and one of the world’s most sought-after dance troupes. Mr. Taylor has become an American cultural icon and a living legend, celebrating his 80th birthday in July 2010 and one of history’s most celebrated artists. His two dance companies (Taylor 2 was created in 1993) travel the globe, bringing his ever-burgeoning repertoire to theaters and venues of every size and description in cultural capitals, on college campuses and in rural areas. The Paul Taylor Dance Company was first seen at the Eisemann Center in October 2002, performing among other works, the critically acclaimed Dream Girls, commissioned by the City of Richardson to commemorate the Eisemann Center opening and this will be their sixth appearance as part of an Eisemann Center Presents season on Sat., Apr. 13, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Residency activities will include a Master Class on Fri., Apr. 12 and an Open Educational Rehearsal prior to the performance on Sat., Apr. 13, 2013. The presentation of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and The Uncommitted was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and additional funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

VIEWPOINT BANK THEATRE COMEDY SERIES

The Comedy Series opens with Deer Camp: The Musical! running Oct. 17-21, 2012 featuring Tony Papenfuss, "My brother Darryl," and John Volstad, "My other brother Darryl" from the Bob Newhart Show! Deer Camp: The Musical! follows four fearless deer hunters on their hilarious annual trek to deer camp. But things are looking bleak this season. After decades of hunting trips, the guys have yet to bring home a single deer and the wives are getting suspicious. This season they need to show their wives that they are the mighty hunters they claim to be. This is not so easy when the thought of drinking beer and hanging out in the deer shack is more appealing than freezing in a deer stand. Luckily for our guys, what happens at deer camp stays at deer camp.

Broadway’s Next H!T Musical abandons the same ol’ song and dance to create a brand new, fully improvised musical comedy every performance Nov. 7-11, 2012! Every lyric, melody and jazz hand is made up on the spot to create a show that is spot-on, energetic and absolutely hilarious. The show’s first act is an award ceremony spotlighting songs from four “Best Musical” nominees based on audience-created song titles and the second act is the ENTIRE musical based on the winning song from act one.

Late Nite Catechism: Sister Rolls the Dice is the latest class in the sinfully funny Catechism series. The convent needs a new roof, so the order has decided to pool their salaries together and send Sister with her teaching certificate in-hand, (along with her extensive gambling experience running the Church Bingo for the last 25 years) to Las Vegas! Sister will tackle topics ranging from Magicians and Show Girls to live animal acts in six performances Feb. 6-10, 2013. Her new class will cover the entire history of gambling, as she tries her luck at some Texas Hold 'em.

Alan Safier stars in Say Goodnight Gracie, the hit Broadway play that invites you to spend a hilarious, heart-warming evening in the uplifting company of the world’s favorite and funniest centenarian. George Burns, who spanned over 90 years of American entertainment history, is now alive and kicking — and singing and dancing — in a stunning tour de force solo performance for Alan Safier, playing Apr. 3-7, 2013. With vintage photographs and video clips from film and television performances, Say Goodnight Gracie brings to life Burns’ fascinating story. In Say Goodnight Gracie, we discover George in limbo between this world and the next, unable to join his beloved wife and partner Gracie Allen until he gives the Command Performance of his lifetime for God.

FAMILY THEATRE SERIES

Eisemann Center Presents’ Family Theatre Series is a Sunday matinee series for children and families of all ages. The Family Theatre Series brings professional touring children’s productions to the Eisemann Center with a lineup of shows that promises to excite, entertain, educate and amaze our youngest patrons. All Family Theatre Series performances take place in the Hill Performance Hall.

The series kicks off with Aga-Boom on Sun., Oct. 14, 2012 at 3:00 pm. This unique European theatrical clown performance comes to life on the Hill Performance Hall stage and provides endless entertainment for guests of all ages and cultures with the art of slapstick, humor of physical comedy and the delighted excitement of childhood. Aga-Boom is a high energy, interactive performance delivering pure family fun that is sure to have everyone doubled over with laughter! Story Time at Barnes & Noble on 15th St. in Plano takes place on Fri., Oct. 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm.

Produced by the Griffin Theatre Company, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, deconstructs the tradition of the fairy tale on Sun., Nov. 18, 2012 at 2:30 pm. Poor Jack. He's got to use his wits to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairytale characters keep messing up his plans−and then there's that annoying Stinky Cheese Man. Characters slide in and out of tales; Cinderella rebuffs Rumpelstiltskin, and Goldilocks meets the Three Elephants. Story Time at Barnes & Noble on 15th St. in Plano takes place on Fri., Nov. 16 at 7:00 pm.

Seven delightful stories come to life in Theatreworks USA’s musical revue If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books, playing on Sun., Jan. 20, 2013 at 2:30 pm. Performed by a multi-racial cast, the stories represent various issues, themes and ideas relevant to a broad and diverse audience of children. Books featured in the show include: Amazing Grace, Borreguita and the Coyote, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Imogene’s Antlers, Master Man, Math Curse and Owen. Story Time at Barnes & Noble on 15th St. in Plano takes place on Fri., Jan. 18 at 7:00 pm.

Ramona Quimby is coming to the Eisemann Center on Sun., Feb. 10, 2013 at 2:30 pm. Hold onto your hats as you follow the latest breathless adventure of the world's most animated elementary school student. Ramona, the exasperating but lovable third-grader, has delighted young readers for over fifty years through the books of Newbery Medal-winning writer Beverly Cleary. Now, she comes to life on the stage in the Theatreworks USA presentation of Two Beans Production’s Ramona Quimby. Ramona's life is a mess! Her older sister Beezus is a pain, her Aunt Bea may marry a dork, and her Dad just lost his job. She even thinks that her teacher hates her. Life is no picnic and growing up isn't easy. But with the help of her loving and patient family and friends, Ramona faces these challenges. Story Time at Barnes & Noble on 15th St. in Plano takes place on Fri., Feb. 8 at 7:00 pm.

Skippyjon Jones is a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams and he’s coming to the Eisemann Center on Sun., Mar. 17, 2013 at 2:30 pm. Sometimes he pretends to be a bird, sometimes he pretends to be a llama, and sometimes he pretends to be a whale…Anything BUT a Siamese cat! His Mama sends him to his room so that he can think about behaving like the cat he really is. While bouncing on his big boy bed, Skippyjon’s wild imagination takes over again as he catches his reflection in a mirror. “Holy guacamole,” Skippyjon exclaims. “My ears are too big for my head, my head is too big for my body. I am not a Siamese cat – I am a CHIHUAHUA!” Based on the book by Judy Schachner, and from the creators of Theatreworks USA’s Junie B. Jones and Click, Clack, Moo, Skippyjon Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams. Story Time at Barnes & Noble on 15th St. in Plano takes place on Fri., Mar. 15 at 7:00 pm.

"Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr. Seuss's best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Adapted from the Broadway version, this adaptation especially for young audiences features thirteen actors and enhanced production values. Seussical is TheatreworksUSA' biggest show ever coming on Sun., Apr. 7, 2013 at 2:30 pm! The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) in this romp through the Seuss classics. When the sweet, good-natured elephant Horton hears a small cry for help coming from a small speck of dust, he promises to rescue and guard it because "a person's a person, no matter how small." Story Time at Barnes & Noble on 15th St. in Plano takes place on Fri., Apr. 5 at 7:00 pm.

JEFFREY SIEGEL’S KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS®

Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations® are piano concerts with broad, popular appeal and lively commentary, making the music more accessible and meaningful for all. Each piece is performed in its entirety and there is a question and answer session following the concert. Gain a whole new perspective and enrich your life with great music! If you’re a newcomer to classical music, you’ll be captivated to hear pianist Jeffrey Siegel talk about the great composers' lives and illustrate musical themes from each featured work. If you’re a seasoned listener, you’ll delight in Siegel’s fresh and intriguing insights into the music and be thrilled by his virtuoso performances.

Spellbinding Bach on Mon., Oct. 22, 2012 at 7:30 pm highlights the high-voltage, romantic compositions Bach wrote to “wow” his listeners with his stunning virtuosity and deeply expressive music. Program includes the exhilarating Toccata in D, the vivacious Italian Concerto and the soul-stirring Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue.

Claude Debussy: Clair de lune, Fireworks and Beyond! takes place on Mon., Dec. 10, 2012 at 7:30 pm. In addition to the beloved Clair de lune and dazzling Fireworks, the program offers the humorous homage to Samuel Pickwick, the enchanting Girl with the Flaxen Hair and the climatic Isle of Joy.

Schubert in the Age of the Sound Bite takes place on Mon., Mar. 4, 2013 at 7:30 pm. In this robotic, impersonal computerized age, the glorious melodies, incandescent harmonies and heavenly visions of Schubert’s music affect us ever more deeply.

Listen to the Dance: Waltzes, Marches, Polkas and Tangos! fulfills the promise of dances for the ears on Mon., May 6, 2013 at 7:30 pm. The program will include the music of Schubert, Strauss, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Albéniz and John Philip Sousa’s stupendous Stars and Stripes Forever.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Steve Solomon, the star and creator of one of the longest running one-man comedy shows in history: My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy, returns to the Eisemann Center for four performances Dec. 7-9, 2012 of My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Home for the Holidays. A time of peace; a time of joy and a time of remembering why you left home in the first place. Steve’s back with more wild and hilarious stories and characterizations about his family, friends and the other folks we meet whose sole purpose was to drive him into therapy in the first place.

Playing to sold out houses all over the world, Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience, takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes, playing for seven performances Mar. 5-10, 2013. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic! Written and performed by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the show is a must-see for Potter addicts and a great introduction to the series for anyone who’s ever wondered what all the fuss is about. Even if you don’t know the difference between a horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. This brilliant family entertainment is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MULTI-SHOW DISCOUNT PROGRAM

Subscriptions for the ViewPoint Bank Theatre Comedy Series are on sale to the public with a 15% discount on full series subscriptions ranging from $125.80 to $136.00. The Family Theatre Series subscriptions range from $62.40 to $112.00, a savings of 20% off single ticket prices. The Keyboard Conversations® series subscriptions range from $85.00 to $102.00 at a 15% discount off single ticket prices.

Due to the artistic diversity of the MainStage Shows and our Special Attractions, these events are not packaged as a subscription series. All of these shows, as well as the other shows in the season qualify for this unique new discount program, in which you can create your own entertainment package and enjoy savings up to 20%. The Multi-Show Discount Program does not guarantee the same seats, but offers you great flexibility of choice economically (different price levels and quantity of seats on a show by show basis), as well as artistically (shows of choice). If you are a subscriber to one or more of our subscription series, those shows will also count towards this discount package making it even easier for you to get discounts on other shows of interest. All shows must be ordered at the same time in order to receive the discount benefits offered.

Single tickets may be purchased online at www.eisemanncenter.com, by telephone and in person beginning Monday, August 6, 2012. The “Friends” members' Priority Pre-Sale begins July 26 and runs through August 5, 2012. For more information, call the Eisemann Center Ticket Office at 972-744-4650. The Ticket Office is open Monday throughSaturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and one hour prior to curtain time for all events. The Ticket Office fax number is 972-744-5830. Series subscriptions are not available online, but orders are accepted by mail, fax, telephone, and in person at the Ticket Office. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more patrons. Group Sales can be reached at 972-744-4657.

The Eisemann Center is a City of Richardson facility located in the Galatyn Park Urban Center at 2351 Performance Drive in Richardson, Texas. Eisemann Center Presents 2012-2013 Season sponsors include ViewPoint Bank, ticket sponsor PegasusNews.com, Five for Five sponsor Opportunity Bank and media partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA-TV, WRR Classical 101.1 FM and KLTY 94.9 FM. Additional support provided by Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA), the New England Foundation for the Arts, Altrusa International of Richardson, Texas, Inc., Texas Commission on the Arts and the Richardson Woman's Club.