By Staff
Originally from Omaha, Neb., Hazell has toured the United States extensively as a stand-up comic. He began as Jerry Seinfeld's opening act and later went on to write for the successful NBC series "Seinfeld."
Feb. 10: The Second City on Tour, 7:30 p.m., McCain Theater, Ivy Hall.
It started in a converted Chinese laundry on Chicago's north side in 1959. No one could know that by the next century, The Second City would have established itself as the premier institution and training ground for the comedy world's best and brightest.
The Second City has launched the careers of Mike Nichols, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner and countless others.
Not only will an evening with The Second City provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars in the making, they also will have a chance to see absolutely hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation. No topic or subject matter is off-limits for The Second City.
This is for mature audiences.
March 5 and 6: "The Sunshine Boys," 7:30 p.m., McCain Theater, Ivy Hall.
The story follows the attempt by a young theatrical agent to re-unite his elderly uncle, a former vaudeville great, with his long-time stage partner. The nephew wants them both to appear on a CBS-TV salute to the history of comedy.
Despite their legendary reputation, the performers have not spoken in 12 years and have several issues to work out before they are ready to return to the public eye.
Elliott Street and Ronnie Miller, with a supporting cast of popular personalities, brighten up the dark winter night in Simon's caustically funny look at old age and the incivility of near-senility.
This production is for mature audiences.
April 3: Randall Scarlata with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m., McCain Theater, Ivy Hall.
Baritone Randall Scarlata has launched an impressive international career in opera, recital and concert performance.
He has won first prizes at the 1999 Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the 1997 Das Schubert Lied International Competition in Vienna and second prize at the 1999 Walter W. Naumburg Foundation International Vocal Competition.
Scarlata began studying with Grard Souzay at the age of 20 and continues to work with him.
Scarlata will be featured along with the MCC Community Chorus and the Meridian Children's Chorus in "The Temptation of Jesus," an oratorio in the tradition of Handel's "Messiah." "The Temptation of Jesus" was written in 1995 by Samuel Jones. Patrick will sing the roles of Jesus, Satan, and John the Baptist.
This is suitable for audiences of all ages.
April 16: "Sarah Plain and Tall," 7:30 p.m., McCain Theater, Ivy Hall.
TheatreworksUSA presents this family musical based on Patrica MacLachlan's Newbery Award-winning book.
In a little house nestled within the vast plains of the prairie, Anna and Caleb try to help their papa create a home. Their Mama is gone, and Papa doesn't sing anymore.
Papa decides to place an ad in the paper, asking for a wife and mother. Sarah, who is plain and tall, soon arrives from the coast of Maine bringing along her own peculiar ways. She prefers overalls to frilly dresses and feels much more at home fixing a roof than cooking a meal.
To make Anna, Caleb, and Papa happy, Sarah tries to be a typical well-mannered Kansas housewife, but soon finds that she can't pretend to be something she is not.
This production is suitable for audiences of all ages.
April 30 and May 1: Tenor Eric Van Hoven in "Pirates of Penzance," 7:30 p.m., McCain Theater, Ivy Hall.
Music, happiness, and joy abound when Gilbert &Sullivan's rollicking musical feast, "The Pirates of Penzance," hits the McCain Theater stage.
Meridian native Eric Van Hoven returns to the McCain Theater stage portraying Frederic. He most recently appeared in MCC's choral presentation of "King David."
Van Hoven's performances include roles with the New York City Opera, Portland Opera, Chatauqua Opera, Virginia Opera, Augusta Opera, and the Chicago Chamber Opera. He made his Broadway debut in Bernstein's "Candide," directed by Hal Prince.
This production is suitable for audiences of all ages.