The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council unveiled its 2017-2018 Perot Theatre Series Thursday evening at the Regional Arts Center.
During a membership party, TRAHC's executive director, Brian Goesl, outlined the upcoming season, which kicks off Saturday, Oct. 7, with the New York Philharmonic String Quartet. Master classes are part of this event.
"We wanted to offer a high-bar classical performance that would be available for the community and the region," Goesl said, noting they lucked into this with one day available on the calender that fit for both TRAHC and the quartet.
A family-friendly production arrives at the Perot with "Pinkalicious, The Musical," a special presentation on Saturday, Nov. 4. There are two shows that day with a Women for the Arts tea party after each one.
"We have a lot of family focus," Goesl said of the season, "and we know that that's where our audience seems to be is with families."
Then, in the holiday spirit, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical" comes to the Perot on Monday, Nov. 20. This show, too, is geared to families.
"The music is great. The people will love it. What's cool about is that we all grew up with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, so as an adult you're going to enjoy it. Or if you're a parent, you're going to enjoy it as much as your child will," Goesl said.
The Cirque Dreams team returns to Texarkana with its "Holidaze" production on Thursday, Dec. 14.
"What's wonderful about that is the costumes are just outstanding," Goesl said. "It's got incredible music, and then the physical acts that they do on stage will amaze you." It's a flashy, colorful show, he said, and reworked since it was last here.
In the new year on Saturday, Feb. 17, "Always, Patsy Cline" makes a stop at the Perot, celebrating the life of an iconic singer.
Montana Repertory Theatre, a regular visitor to the Perot Theatre Series, makes its way back to Texarkana for a Wednesday, Feb. 28, production of Ernest Thompson's play "On Golden Pond." It's part of Montana Rep's national tour. It's a serious story that deals with aging and family relationships, Goesl said, and therefore relevant to the community.
Then, Moscow Festival Ballet's production of "Sleeping Beauty" arrives on Saturday, April 21. It's also been performed here, but with different dancers and choreographer for this rendition of the classic.
"The Texarkana Community Ballet wanted a storybook ballet, and they chose 'Sleeping Beauty,'" Goesl said.
To round out the year, Jawbone will once again hold an August 2018 concert at the Perot.
"I think it's going to be a great year. I think all of our school shows are very strong, and of course we do offer extra tickets to the general public if we haven't sold out of the schools' tickets," Goesl said. And the Perot is used by other organizations, too.
"I think the Perot is going to be very busy this next year," Goesl said.
Goesl also announced the Theatre for Young Audiences series, lineup for Regional Arts Center exhibits, Arts on Main at Stewart Title class dates, ArtsSmart activities and TRAHC African-American Committee programs for the 2017-2018 season.
Thursday's announcement was made to TRAHC members, supporters and staff in attendance.
"Membership is truly what makes TRAHC happen," Goesl said as he introduced the season.
(For more information, visit trahc.org or call 903-792-8681.)