“ANYTOWN: Stories of America” hits Phillips Center stage Oct. 15

October 6, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Shapiro & Smith Dance’s trademark physicality joins forces with the music of rock ‘n’ roll legend Bruce Springsteen, his wife, Patti Scialfa, and E Street Band member Soozie Tyrell in “ANYTOWN: Stories of America,” which plays at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.

Company co-director and choreographer Danial Shapiro will lead a post-performance discussion, which is free and open to the public.

Founded in 1987, Shapiro & Smith Dance is led by the husband-and-wife team of Shapiro and Joanie Smith. The company’s combination of no-holds-barred physicality and emotional depth has earned them an international reputation; they have enjoyed enthusiastic receptions for performances and residencies across the United States, Canada and Asia, and have presented at major festivals and venues around the world.

“ANYTOWN” is a contemporary dance piece that takes its keen storytelling, down-to-earth tone and musicality directly from its songs. Evoking the plight and promise of “regular folks,” it takes audiences inside the intertwined lives of three families, exploring their entanglements with humor and compassion. While the setting does not refer to a specific town or time frame, Shapiro and Smith imagine the work as a compression of Depression-era and present-day America.

“ANYTOWN: also boasts local connections. University of Florida Performing Arts co-commissioned its production. Additionally, two professors from University of Florida’s College of Fine Arts are involved: Kelly Drummond Cawthon, who is a member of the company and performs in the show, and Katie Whitlock, who serves as sound director.

Tickets are $30 for front orchestra, mezzanine and mid-orchestra; $25 for rear orchestra; and $20 for balcony.

Tickets to University of Florida Performing Arts events are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-ARTS (2787) or (800) 905-ARTS (2787) or by faxing orders to (352) 846-1562. Tickets are also available at the University Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group ticket sales are available.

$10 student tickets are available anywhere in the house for University of Florida students and in the balcony for other students. Students must purchase tickets in person with student ID at the Phillips Center Box Office or at University Box Office in the Reitz Union. Each student may purchase only one student ticket per performance, for himself or herself only. Student tickets are based on availability.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open Monday – Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.