Macomb Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 30th season

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 30th season with the finest in music, theater, comedy, dance and family fun – all guaranteed to excite, inspire and delight the senses.

From folk, rock-infused country, to jazz, funk and gospel music, the Macomb Center is the venue for an intimate date with some music legends.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter kicks-off the season on Saturday, Oct. 6. The five-time Grammy-winning artist is releasing her latest album "Ashes and Roses," which some rank as her most powerful in years, perhaps even her strongest ever. The iconic performer, "the master of the line that slips under the radar and pierces your heart," brings her spellbinding music for one unforgettable performance.

The renowned Manhattan Transfer brings its four-part harmony to the stage on Saturday, Oct. 20. Be it bebop, swing, rock, pop or jazz, the eight-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble captivates audiences with such hits as "Down in Birdland," "Operator," "Boy From New York City," and its special take on the American Song Book.

The Good Doctor is back in the house on Sunday, Oct. 28. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John is joined by Gospel Music Hall of Fame and five-time Grammy Award-winners The Blind Boys of Alabama in Spiritual to Funk – a jazz, blues and gospel connection unlike any other.

Mastering a range of musical styles including barbershop, pop, rock, country and jazz, The Osmond Brothers celebrate their 50th year in entertainment at the Macomb Center on Saturday, April 6. The legendary brothers, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy have thrilled millions with their signature brand of entertainment with such classics as "One Bad Apple," "Yo-Yo," "Down By The Lazy River" and "Love Me For A Reason."

Consider Broadway's best, and "A Chorus Line" will be on the top of the list - this "singular sensation," winner of nine Tony Awards, hits the Macomb Center stage on March 8 and 9. Other theatrical sensations not to miss include "Stomp," the explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique theatrical experience for audiences of all ages, which fills the stage on Nov. 16; "The Midtown Men" reunites the stars from the original cast of Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical "Jersey Boys," taking their own unique sound and chemistry on the road, singing the hits of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons and more on Jan. 26; "Traces," one of Time Magazine's Top 10 of Everything for 2011, fuses the traditions of the circus with the energy of street performance in an explosive display of raw emotion on Feb. 9; "Drumline Live" returns on tour for two spectacular shows on Feb. 16; and "Hooray for Hollywood" takes a nostalgic journey through the most popular musicals of the last 50 years on March 8 and 9.

If laughter is the medicine for what ails you, then the Macomb Center has the cure. Just in time to make 2012 an election year worth laughing about The Capitol Steps, DC's funniest political satirists, return Oct. 13.

Relationships perplex you? On Jan. 19, enjoy a new comedy by Annabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn, "You Say Tomato, I Say Shut-up!," a hilarious glimpse into a relationship that seems doomed from the start, yet still manages to stay together, up-ending every idea you ever had about living "happily ever after."

Have the middle age blues? Spend an evening with the girls who brought you "Diva Nation," the outrageously funny and multi-talented musicians in this completely new celebration of "Whine, Women and Song – Mid Life Vices," which hysterically journals the lives of the Baby Boomer generation in true Babe fashion on Feb. 23.

And let us not forget that age old question – what do women want? Explore with Robert Dubac, in this part theater and part stand-up comedy, as he ransacks his brain for answers in "The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?"

Dance takes center stage at the Macomb Center with one of the hottest tickets in contemporary dance – Parsons Dance. The internationally acclaimed, contemporary American dance company brings to the stage Nov. 10 a show so athletic, entertaining and mesmerizing, that audiences barely have a chance to catch their breath.

Celebrate the richness and diversity of the Latin culture with Luna Negra Dance Theatre. The Chicago based theater blends the discipline of ballet with the dynamic movements of contemporary dance, infused with the explosive energy of Latin and Afro-Caribbean dance forms Jan. 25.

Other season highlights include some family fun with "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" starring Peter Gros; a special performance of the holiday classic musical "Miracle on 34th Street;" America's hottest illusionist in "The Jason Bishop Show"; Page to Stage presentations of Aquila Theatre Company's "The Taming of the Shrew" and "Cyrano de Bergerac," L.A. Theatre Works "Pride & Prejudice" and The American Place Theatre's "The Things They Carried" by Tim O’Brien; one dynamic night of musical magic with Cornell Gunter's Coasters, Bobby Hendricks' Drifters & The Platters; Ann Hampton Callaway presentation of "The Streisand Songbook"; a St. Patty's Day celebration with Cherish the Ladies; Steve Lippia in "Simply Swingin'" and much, much more.

The excitement of the season begins Oct. 6 and runs through April 13, 2013; for a complete list of performances visit www.MacombCenter.com/Events/SneakPeek or call 586-286-2222 for a free brochure.

Now to July 27, the Macomb Center is offering the opportunity to create your own custom entertainment package with the Macomb Center's Flex Packaging. Purchase tickets to four or more individual shows of your choice and realize the savings – the more you buy the more you save. Additional savings are available for seniors (55+), military, students and groups of 10 or more. For more information call 586-286-2222 or visit www.MacombCenter.com.

Single tickets to individual shows go on sale to the public on Monday, July 30 at 9 a.m. To purchase tickets call 586-286-2222 or visit the box office, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, 48038. Tickets may be purchased and printed online at www.MacombCenter.com.

About Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is a community enrichment program of Macomb Community College dedicated to providing a diverse range of family-oriented cultural enrichment experiences. The Macomb Center presents high-quality professional performances, offers educational outreach in the arts and, in partnership with the adjacent Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center, creates unique opportunities for multifaceted cultural programming.

About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College is one of the nation's leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 50,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.