UFPA to present 14 November performances, including ‘West Side Story’

November 2, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida Performing Arts will host 14 performances in November, featuring world-renowned artists from different countries and various genres.

The Warsaw Philharmonic – the national orchestra of Poland – kicks off UFPA’s November lineup on Sunday, followed by the political satire comedy troupe, The Capitol Steps, on Monday, the eve of the presidential election.

Emmy-winning Benise’s fiery Spanish guitar and his International Dance Troupe perform “En Fuego!” on Wednesday. Benise combines the cultures of the world by taking classic songs from artists including Led Zepplelin, Queen and the Eagles, and marrying them with Spanish guitar and dance, and Broadway caliber sets.

A performance by 12-member Russian classical ensemble Siberian Virtuosi at University Auditorium (Nov. 11) leads into a pair of performances by Haitian musician, artist and activist BélO at Squitieri Studio Theatre (Nov. 13 and 14).

UFPA’s Specticast presentation of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” – a story of forbidden love – will be projected onto the Phillips Center main stage on Nov. 18, while Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music welcomes the audience to dress up and join in the singing fun during a screening of the Julie Andrews classic on Nov. 21.

“West Side Story,” the musical that changed theater forever, soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Phillips Center will host two performances of this Broadway classic on Nov. 27 and 28.

Rounding out the month will be a special holiday performance from Grammy-winning cowboys Riders in the Sky on Nov. 30 at University Auditorium.

Other UPFA performances in November are pianist Charlie Albright (Nov. 15, Squitieri Studio Theatre); The Chucho Valdés Quintet (Nov. 23, University Auditorium) and David Finckel and Wu Han (Nov. 25, University Auditorium).

Ticket prices range from $15-50 for reserved seating, depending on the show. UF student tickets for November performances are on sale and available for $10 to all shows except West Side Story, which will offer $15 student tickets.

For more information on performances or ticket prices call 352-392-2787 or visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu.