Arts Center’s 20th Anniversary Season to feature Jason Alexander, Sinatra Tribute & more

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of bringing “Broadway’s Best” to the Emerald Coast, the non-profit Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville will feature a mega season of 12 nationally touring events (2 Special Anniversary Events & 10 Broadway/Artist Series shows) in 2016-2017. Enjoy everything from a Las Vegas star crooning the best of Frank Sinatra to a London-based tribute honoring the rock legend Queen, as well as hit Broadway shows and Guest Artists from across the globe!

The Season’s two Anniversary Special Events (Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert and An Evening with Jason Alexander) go on sale July 18, 2016.

BROADWAY & ARTIST SEASON PACKAGES for the 10 national touring shows go on sale on Monday, August 22, 2016 New this year, Broadway/Artist Season Packages will be available by web. Phone and in-person hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm central time.

Build your custom season package by selecting at least 6 of the 10 Broadway/Artist shows and receive a 10% discount off the ticket price of each show. The season’s two Anniversary Special Events may be added as single tickets to your Season Package as these events do not offer a discount.

SINGLE TICKET SALES for the 10 Broadway and Artist events are on sale August 29, 2016 exclusively through the non-profit Mattie Kelly Arts Center.

In addition to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center’s 20th Anniversary, the college will also celebrate another anniversary milestone in 2016-17 – the 30th Season of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra — a fully professional orchestra which performs in residence at the arts center and is operated under the auspices of the college.

A joint SPECIAL EVENT celebration for NFSO’s 30th and Mattie Kelly Arts Center’s 20th Anniversaries will be held January 21, 2017 to recognize both milestones. “AN EVENING WITH JASON ALEXANDER” – features the TV, film and Broadway star. Tickets are on sale starting July 18, 2016.

Long before becoming world renowned as the iconic George Costanza on SEINFELD, Jason Alexander was a Tony Award winning Broadway song and dance man. His evening Jan. 21 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center brings a hilarious re-telling of his journey to and on the Broadway stage which features a program of great music from the theater along with comedy and audience interaction. It’s a much heralded night of music, laughter and fun — all backed by the NFSO! The event includes a joint 20th/30th Anniversary special tribute for all attendees during intermission. Tickets for “An Evening with Jason Alexander” are $65 each and go on sale starting July 18, 2016 and may be purchased either individually or as part of an NFSO Symphony Season Package. A separate “Meet & Greet with Jason Alexander” is available exclusively for event sponsors. For sponsorship information, contact Jeanette Shires, Mattie Kelly Arts Center Director, at (850) 729-6004.

Also on sale July 18 is the NFSO’s separate 30th Anniversary Special Event – “SINATRA: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE CONCERT” with Las Vegas star Brian Duprey (The Rat Pack is Back). Duprey returns to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center to perform a knockout recreation of Frank Sinatra in a tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes that’s backed by the NFSO. Hailed as the best Sinatra singing voice in the world today, Nancy Sinatra noted of Duprey, “This guy has it down!” Showered with awards and recognition for his live and recorded vocal performances, Brian Duprey’s voice is the closest you’ll ever hear to Frank Sinatra in his prime. “The Rat Pack is Back” with Brian Duprey appeared at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in the 2014-15 Season to a sold-out house and rave reviews – so the NFSO is proud to bring Duprey back for his new solo show featuring the very best of legend Frank Sinatra! Tickets are $35 each. A separate NFSO 30th Anniversary Gala reception proceeds the concert and may be purchased for $30 each. Purchase Sinatra NFSO 30th Anniversary Special Event separately or as part of an NFSO Symphony Season Package.

BROADWAY & ARTIST SERIES EVENTS 2016-17 20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON: Select at least six (6) of the following 10 Broadway/Artist shows for a 10% discount on each show in your Season Package!

SEPT. 21 – Second City Comedy – “Unelectable You!” – (Artist Series) Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, Second City is legendary for producing cutting-edge satire and launching the careers of comedy superstars. Howl at this irreverent look at America’s electoral insanity, with political satire and improvisation by Chicago’s best! $35.

NOV. 1 – The Aluminum Show (Artist Series) A sensational hit around the world, this stunning production combines amazing special effects, acrobatics, jazz and dazzling aluminum costumes and lighting. La Tribune (France) enthuses “An extraordinary performance!” $35.

NOV. 22 – Cirque Holidaze (Broadway Series) Enjoy a dazzling holiday themed show with the amazing aerial and visual artistry of renowned Cirque performers from across the globe! This critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a new cirque show, a Broadway musical and family Christmas spectacular all in one! A holiday spectacle with over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 artists from every corner of the world. $45.

JAN. 13 – Eisenhower Dance: In Power & Passion – (Artist Series) Direct from Detroit, thrill to an extraordinary evening of artistry, athleticism and fun as one of the nation’s finest contemporary dance companies presents a breathtaking program. Dramatic, gorgeous and awe-inspiring – Eisenhower Dance presents a stunning collection of repertory by nationally-recognized choreographers. You won’t want to miss this electrifying evening of dance! $25.

JAN. 24 – PIPPIN – (Broadway Series) PIPPIN is a high-flying, death-defying hit Broadway musical full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked. This unforgettable new nationally touring production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” (NY1), it’s unlike anything you have ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. $45.

FEB. 9 – 42nd Street – (Broadway Series) The quintessential musical comedy classic with some of the greatest songs ever written, the Broadway show “42nd Street” includes musical favorites such as “We’re In The Money,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “42nd Street!” This sparkling new national touring production is directed and choreographed by the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning revival. $45

FEB. 11 – The Piano Men: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John – (Artist Series) A musical celebration of the 1970’s — hit-by-hit – this concert is an amazing tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. The nationally touring Artist Series concert features Dove Award and Canadian Juno Award nominee Jim Witter and his sizzling band from Montreal, Canada. $35.

FEB. 21 – Erths’ Dinosaur Zoo Live -(Artist/Family Series) A breathtaking tour through pre-historic Australia “Dinosaur Zoo Live” is an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical show to thrill audiences of all ages! Fun, unique and educational, this show will appear twice at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center – a daytime performance for school groups and an evening event with adult and youth pricing – $15 adult/$10 youth (evening show). Group discount: $5 off each ticket for groups of 10 or more tickets purchased together ($10 adult/$5 youth). Early family friendly start time 7:00 pm. One hour show. For daytime school groups show contact Suzanne Flood at (850) 729-6065.

FEB. 27 – ONCE – (Broadway Series) The smash-hit winner of 8 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, “Once” features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, in the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman discovers his haunting love songs. $45.

APRIL 13 – One Night of Queen by Gary Mullen and The Works – (Artist Series) Gary Mullen and The Works are the world’s premiere Queen tribute band. This stunning concert recreates and celebrates the music of Queen. This smash hit has sold out across Europe and New Zealand and has played the world famous ‘BBC Proms in the Park’, to a 40,000 strong audience in Hyde Park, London! $35.

PLEASE NOTE: Ticket Sales for Mattie Kelly Arts Center events are NOT authorized through any other person/vendor. Re-selling Mattie Kelly Arts Center tickets is strictly prohibited and any ticket that is re-sold may be denied admission. Patrons are advised to purchase only through Northwest Florida State College’s non-profit Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center. Be advised that some unauthorized persons/vendors have attempted in the past to re-sell Mattie Kelly Arts Center tickets at inflated prices. Mattie Kelly Arts Center patrons are advised that the face value of Mattie Kelly Arts Center tickets are $45 for Broadway Series events, $35 for Artist Series events, $25 for Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, with Special Events $37 and $67. A portion of our ticket sales support NWF State College scholarships. Please be advised that the Mattie Kelly Arts Center is instituting an upgraded electronic ticketing and event admission system for the 2016-17 season that will identify tickets which are not officially paired to the original purchaser. Therefore tickets which are re-sold will be both tracked and may be rejected event admission.

Contact the official Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office exclusively at (850) 729-6000 or toll free at 1-888-838-ARTS (2787).