From Christmas Spectacular to Hamlet: University of Mobile Announces the 2024-2025 Alabama School of the Arts Season

MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile invites audiences of all ages to experience a season of unforgettable performances during the 2024-2025 Alabama School of the Arts season.

"In the Alabama School of the Arts, students get to take what they are learning in the classroom and put it on the stage. That's why we offer a wide range of performance opportunities every year," said Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts.

"From the beloved tradition of Christmas Spectacular to the enchanted world of the Broadway musical 'Anastasia,' we are delighted to present a lineup that highlights the immense talent of our students and offers something special for everyone to enjoy."

The season kicks off in September with a full schedule of innovative, inspiring and family-friendly performances featuring theatre, opera, jazz, classical masterpieces, original compositions and more.

The Christian university offers something extra this Christmas season in addition to its popular Christmas Spectacular, a four-night musical extravaganza now in its 22^nd year. A beloved tradition from the university's early years as Mobile College returns with the "Boar's Head Festival" medieval Christmas feast. The popular outdoor Spring Spectacular showcases the university's students as the year comes to a close.

ASOTA Season Overview

The Alabama School of the Arts season opens in September with an evening of gospel-centered music presented by the Alabama School of the Arts Worship Choir.

In October, audiences will take an unforgettable journey from the fall of the Russian Empire to the glitz and glamour of 1920s Paris with the musical "Anastasia." Concerts include the excitement of live music with the Symphonic Winds, and a celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the UM Jazz Band.

November opens with the UM Piano Ensemble's "Piano Pop's" concert featuring a fun mix of popular tunes and new twists on classic melodies.

The Christmas season begins November 21 with the first of four performances of the university's signature "Christmas Spectacular" celebration. From timeless carols to contemporary holiday favorites, Christmas Spectacular is an impressive variety of musical styles and performances, including choral pieces, a full orchestra, a jazz band, a Celtic string ensemble and more. Tickets sell out fast for this regional Christmas tradition.

In December, the "Boar's Head Festival" returns to the University of Mobile. This medieval-themed Christmas celebration that was an annual tradition from 1971 to 2000 includes madrigal songs, a themed dinner and a short performance of "The Second Shepherd' Play."

In February 2025, young artists from across the community take center stage with UM Honor Band. Also in February, a unique production of "Hamlet" takes a fresh approach that reimagines Shakespeare's classic tragedy in a Princess Diaries theme, while a Black History Month Celebration Concert offers an unforgettable evening of music and culture celebrating the rich legacy of Black artists.

Students in the Alabama School of the Arts Young Artists Program will have the experience of a lifetime in March when they perform at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Closer to home, the Symphonic Winds presents a spring concert in the university's Burnett Event Center.

April marks a busy month for the arts at the University of Mobile, with three performances of Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" as University of Mobile students present this well-known story of love and adventure through the dreams of a young girl in an Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure. "Piano Goes to the Movies" offers a chance to hear the magic of the movies, from classic film scores to modern hits, performed by the UM Piano Ensemble. The UM Jazz Band's "Brass Machine" concert is a perfect blend of rock and jazz featuring classic American rock with a jazz twist.

In May, the Young Artists Program of the Alabama School of the Arts will highlight the exceptional skills and growth of emerging artists. A summer production to be announced is scheduled for June.

2024-2025 Alabama School of the Arts Season Schedule

Following are dates, locations and ticket information for the 2024-2025 Alabama School of the Arts Season. Unless noted otherwise, performances are held on the University of Mobile campus, 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36613. Campus venues include the Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center and Ram Hall.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit umobile.edu/asotaseason.

Fall Semester 2024 Events

• Worship Choir Concert - Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center, free admission. The Alabama School of the Arts Worship Choir will present an evening of gospel-centered music from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church.
• Anastasia - Oct. 17-19 at 7 p.m., Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11 student, $22 general admission at the door or in advance at umobile.edu/asotaseason. This Broadway hit musical follows Anastasia on a beautiful adventure as she discovers her true identity, with exciting twists, heartwarming moments and unforgettable music.
• Symphonic Winds - Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11. Award-winning composer Steve Dunn, director of instrumental music, directs UM's talented musicians in this fall concert.
• Jazz Band: Rhapsody in Blue - Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11. Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies in the Alabama School of the Arts, collaborates in this one-of-a-kind celebration of the music of George and Ira Gershwin and the 100-year anniversary of "Rhapsody in Blue."
• Piano Pop's - Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11. Enjoy a fun mix of popular tunes and light classical music in the Piano Ensemble's fall concert. All proceeds support The Young Artists Program for the Alabama School of the Arts, to support the emerging exceptional talents of UM students studying in undergraduate and graduate programs. Funds raised in 2024 will help fund a trip to Carnegie Hall in March 2025.
• Christmas Spectacular - Nov. 21 & 22 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.; Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. Location: Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 Cottage Hill Rd., Mobile, AL 36609. Admission: $19.50 to $60 in advance at umobile.edu/christmas. Purchase tickets early, as they sell out quickly. This annual holiday tradition showcases the extraordinary talent of students from the Alabama School of the Arts, bringing the community together in celebration of the Christmas season. Featuring over 200 music, theatre and production students from around the world, this event promises an evening filled with joy, worship and celebration. From timeless carols to contemporary holiday favorites, Christmas Spectacular features an impressive variety of musical styles and performances, including choral pieces, a full orchestra, a jazz band, a Celtic string ensemble, and several favorite vocal ensembles.
• Boar's Head Festival - Dec. 6 & 7 at 7 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $55. This fun evening is filled with music, theatre and a short performance of "The Second Shepherd's Play." ASOTA students dressed in medieval costumes will sing madrigal songs as the audience enjoys a themed dinner.

Spring Semester 2025 Events

• University of Mobile Honor Band - Feb. 6-8. Location: UM campus. Register at umobile.edu/honorband. The 16^th annual University of Mobile Honor band is an artistically inspiring, musically challenging, educational experience for students in grades 9-12. Participants have the unique opportunity to perform the world premiere of an original work for band, conducted by award-winning composer Steve Dunn, director of instrumental music.
• Hamlet - Feb. 20, 21 & 22 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: TBD. Experience "Hamlet" like never before with a fresh approach that reimagines Shakespeare's classic tragedy. This unique production offers a new perspective on the timeless themes of power, revenge and madness, delivering a thought-provoking and engaging performance that will redefine how you see the story.
• Black History Month Celebration Concert -Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Location: TBA. Free admission. An unforgettable evening of music and culture celebrating the rich legacy and profound contributions of Black artists. From soulful melodies to powerful performances, this event honors the artistic achievements that have shaped and inspired generations.
• Young Artists at Carnegie Hall -March 4 at 8 p.m. Location: Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York City. This prestigious performance showcases the ASOTA Young Artists Program.
• Spring Spectacular - March 21at 7:30 p.m. Location: Great Commission Lawn, University of Mobile. This annual event draws hundreds to the beautiful UM campus for an hour-long concert followed by a spectacular firework show. A pre-show will feature the Saraland Elementary School Show Choir. Admission: $11 general admission in advance.
• Symphonic Winds - March 27 at 7 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11 at the door or in advance. This performance showcases the exceptional instrumental students from the Alabama School of the Arts, under the direction of award-winning composer Steve Dunn, director of instrumental music.
• The Magic Flute - April 10, 11 & 12 at 7 p.m.; April 13 at 3 p.m. Location: Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11 students, $22 general admission in advance and at the door. Experience this beloved story with fresh perspective as a young girl dreams of this classic story told in an Alice in Wonderland-themed world. Sung in German with all dialogue in English, audiences are sure to enjoy the immense talent of our undergraduate and graduate vocal students.
• Piano Goes to the Movies - April 22 at 7 p.m. Location: Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11. From classic film scores to modern hits, this Piano Ensemble performance will feature the memorable tunes that make movies unforgettable.
• Jazz Band: Brass Machine - April 29 at 7 p.m. Location: Burnett Event Center. Admission: $11. Experience a blend of rock and jazz featuring classic American rock with a jazz twist.
• Young Artists at the Alabama School of the Arts - May 2 at 7 p.m. Featuring our University Chorale and a professional orchestra, directed by Alexandra Trosper, our Young Artists will present a beautiful classical work and highlights of our NYC Carnegie Hall performance. Location: TBA.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of "Higher Education for a Higher Purpose," founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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