UF Performing Arts adds international hit 'Tap Dogs,' and Grateful Dead cover band to lineup

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida Performing Arts has added the international theatrical sensation “Tap Dogs” and Grateful Dead cover band Dark Star Orchestra to its 2005-06 season lineup. Tickets for both performances go on sale at noon Thursday, Dec. 8. They may be purchased individually or as part of a create-your-own (6-for-10) package.

“Tap Dogs” will play at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Part theater, part dance, the performance features six Australian men who turn tap upside down on a construction site set. “Tap Dogs” was created and choreographed by Dein Perry, designed and directed by Nigel Triffitt and features music by Andrew Wilkie. Tickets are: $35, front orchestra and mezzanine; $30, mid-orchestra; $25, rear orchestra; $20, balcony.

Grateful Dead fans should gather for the Dark Star Orchestra’s tribute concert at the Phillips Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Before each concert, the orchestra’s members decide which show of the more than 2,500 original Grateful Dead performances to recreate. The orchestra presents the complete original set list, song by song, and in order, with uncanny interpretation – even the stage plot is based on the year of the Dead show that they are performing. Tickets are: $25, front orchestra and mezzanine; $25, mid-orchestra; $20, rear orchestra; $15, 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.

Student tickets for $10 may be available. Students must purchase tickets in person with student ID at the Phillips Center Box Office or at University Box Office in the Reitz Student Union. Each student may purchase only one student ticket per performance, for himself or herself only. Student tickets are subject to availability.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and two hours prior to performance time. The Box Office will close on December 22, 2005 and reopen January 9, 2006.

Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change. Check the UFPA web site, www.performingarts.ufl.edu, for the most up-to-date information regarding performances. Images of UFPA performances are available on the web site by clicking “Media” on the top menu bar, then “High-Resolution Photos.“