The Western Nebraska Community College Performing Arts season is just around the corner.
The four-event season is put on by WNCC's Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, and Theatre
Arts programs throughout the fall semester.
Theatre Arts takes the stage first this fall with a performance of Sam Shepard's "True
West." The play, directed by WNCC Theatre Arts Director Robert Thompson Jr., features
two brothers in Austin, a screenwriter, and Lee, a nomadic drifter. Austin is writing
a screenplay while house-sitting for his mother, but has his efforts overtaken by
Lee. The brothers continue to butt heads until they eventually confess their envy
of each other. "True West" will be performed on October 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and
on October 21 at 2 p.m. All performances will be held in the lower bay area of the
John N. Harms Center on the WNCC Scottsbluff Campus.
Next, the Instrumental Music program will present the 10th annual Fall Ball at 7 p.m.
October 27 at the Gering Civic Center. This year's theme, How the West Was Won, coincides
with WNCC's Homecoming on the Range. The instrumental performance, under the direction
of Dr. Nathaniel Johnson, spotlights a number of country and western pieces.
Then, gear up for a celebration with A Grand Party - the theme of the Vocal Music
Showcase, which is set for 7 p.m. on November 2 at Midwest Theater. The vocal ensemble,
led by WNCC Choral Activities Director Dr. Patrick Newell will highlight well-known
selections from the great choruses by Opera composers like Verdi and Puccini, as well
as popular Musical Theatre selections of today. Featured songs will be taken from
"Madama Butterfly," "The Greatest Showman," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Carousel," and many
others. Guest soloists will include WNCC faculty Lauren Newell, Martha Rawlings, and
Dr. Patrick Newell. Local tenor favorite Ty Hebbert will also perform a variety of
solos, duets, and choral tunes.
Finally, the fall season wraps up on December 1 with a collaboration of all three
WNCC Performing Arts programs with the annual Very Valley Christmas. The concert of
holiday favorites is free and will be held at the Scottsbluff High School Auditorium
at 7 p.m.
Season passes for all of the events are available by calling the WNCC Foundation Office
at 308-630-6550, or by visiting wncc.edu/performing arts. Tickets for individual performances,
which range from $5 to $30, are available for purchase four weeks in advance online
at wncc.edu/performingarts, by calling 308-630-6550, or in person at the WNCC Foundation
Office in the John N. Harms Center.
