Despite the fact it’s located on the campus of Warsaw Community High School, several shows coming to the Performing Arts Center are of the same professional quality that can be found in bigger cities. ScrapArtsMusic, Tonic Sol Fa, Ramona Quimby, Spencers Illusions and Fancy Nancy will all grace the stage of the PAC for the 2011 season. “We look at different acts that meet the needs of our kids but the community as well,” said WCHS Assistant Principal Jennifer Shepherd. For students, each show provides an opportunity to gain more exposure to the arts either through the shows themselves or workshops and master classes. While the students get a learning experience, those in the community get the same quality show they may have to usually go to Fort Wayne, South Bend or Chicago to see. ScrapArtsMusic ScrapArtsMusic is known for its face-paced, educational show that features original percussion ensemble music. Their instruments are made from different sorts of recycled materials. ScrapArtsMusic is a Canadian quintet that tours the world. Led by Gregory Kozak, an inspired instrument inventor and 21st-century Renaissance man, ScrapArtsMusic performs original, beats-driven music using 145-plus mobile sculptural instruments. Shepherd said the show has been billed as better than “STOMP!” ScrapArtsMusic will perform Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. ScrapArtsMusic is sponsored locally by DePuy. WCHS percussion students will have a chance to do workshops with ScrapArtsMusic while welding students will learn how the instruments are made. School bands within 60 miles have been invited for an educational show. For more information on ScrapArtsMusic, visit www.ScrapArtsMusic.com Tonic Sol Fa Back by popular demand, Tonic Sol Fa is coming back for the 2011 Christmas Show. Tonic Sol Fa is an Emmy-winning group that has appeared on PBS. Besides being featured on television and earning an Emmy and independent Grammy, the group, according to its website, has sold more than 2 million albums. The a capella group’s range includes pop, gospel and holiday music. Tonic Sol Fa takes the stage Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Tonic Sol Fa will meet with WCHS choir students for a workshop. The show is sponsored locally by Zimmer. For more information on the group, visit www.tonicsolfa.com ‘Ramona Quimby’ Based off the highly popular Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, “Ramona Quimby” comes to the PAC Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. The cost for tickets is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Two Beans Productions is presenting the show and it’s directed by Rob Z. Barron. The story follows Ramona, described as an “exasperating but lovable third-grader” and the adventures she faces while also dealing with older sister Beezus and Aunt Bea. The show is being sponsored locally by Teachers Credit Union. The show consists of all professional actors out of New York City. Theater students with WCHS will have a chance to work with and study the professional actors. Spencers Theatre Of Illusion “This is a great family show,” said Shepherd of Spencers’ Theatre of Illusion. Spencers’ show has been described by some critics as a “modern-day Houdini”. The husband-and-wife duo specialize in baffling illusions while also putting on a high-energy show. And when they aren’t busy entertaining crowds while in Warsaw, they will be doing work with mild and moderately handicapped students. According to Shepherd, the Spencers do work with many people suffering from things that include Alzheimer’s. The goal is to show the “healing aspects of magic”. Peer tutors, who volunteer with the special needs students, will also be on hand as the Spencers spend time with students. The show is scheduled for Feb. 2 and starts at 7 p.m. The cost for this show is $10 for adults and $5 for children. The show is sponsored locally by Biomet. For more information, visit www.spencersmagic.com ‘Fancy Nancy’ “Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books” is an all-new revue featuring mini-musicals based on best-selling children’s books. Six different shows are wrapped into the performance slated for the PAC March 14 at 7 p.m. Along with “Fancy Nancy”, there is “Babymouse, The Musical”; “Duck For President”; “I Have To Go”; “Leonardo, The Terrible Monster” and “Pirates Don’t Change Diapers”. The production is from TheatreWorks out of New York City. Target is the national tour sponsor of the production and Teachers Credit Union is the local sponsor. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. So whether it be music, magic or acting, the PAC has events scheduled for the area that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Shepherd said she is thankful to corporate sponsors for their generosity that allows such shows to come to Warsaw. She said she is always on the lookout for more sponsorships to bring in even bigger shows.The box office is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday or can be reached by calling 574-371-5040. The box office accepts MasterCard and Visa.
