This magical mystery ride has been called “the best non-stop family entertainment anywhere” by critics and fans alike. Audiences will witness some of the world’s greatest practitioners of magic together onstage at Stephens. Everything imaginable from exotic animals to escapology, from eye-popping illusionists to quick-change artistry is packed into a performance that will cause audiences to “believe the impossible.”

Masters of Illusion is an international touring show based on the multi-award winning television series. The series was produced by Gay Blackstone, wife of Harry Blackstone, Jr. who was the son of the world-famous magician and illusionist Harry Blackstone, Sr.

The show draws its cast from over 25 of the world’s most famous magicians, comedians, illusionists and escape-artists. In Masters of Illusion – Live, audience members can become part of the act as they are called onstage to assist with the illusions. It’s a spectacular display of reality-twisting, mind-blowing magic.

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Ms. Hristova has performed with Pinchas Zukerman and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s at Lincoln Center; with Jaime Laredo and the New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall; and with David Effron and Indiana University’s Philharmonic. She was awarded a career grant from the Salon de Virtuosi in New York, has appeared on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion on National Public Radio, and has recorded a CD of solo violin works for the Naxos label.

Born in Bulgaria in 1985, Bella Hristova began violin studies at the age of six. Since 1999 she has lived in the United States, studying first with Stephen Shipps, then with Ida Kavafian and Steven Tenenbom at the Curtis Institute, and Jaime Laredo at Indiana University. She plays a 1655 Nicolò Amati violin, once owned by the violinist Louis Krasner.

Ms. Hristova will be in residency October 1-4 working with area schools and community organizations. If you would like her to perform for/work with your group, please contact Sara Compton, 515-294-7389 or scompton@iastate.edu.

This event takes place in Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall, located in the Music Building on the Iowa State University campus Tickets are available at the Iowa State Center Ticket Office and Ticketmaster locations

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The amazing culture of Mexico comes alive when the dancers of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico take the stage for a colorful, fastpaced, incredibly entertaining show that brings together the music, dance and costume of rich Mexican folklore.

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We’re thrilled to welcome them to Stephens during their first, historic 21-city tour of the United States.

Music Director Enrique Perez Mesa will share the podium with guest composer/conductor Guido Lopez-Gavilan in an evening of music by Gershwin, Schubert and Cuba’s own Ernesto Lecuona.

Pianist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera joins the orchestra for Gershwin’s classic Rhapsody in Blue.

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Starring TV actress Jane Carr (Two and Half Men, The Closer on TV, Mary Poppins — 3 years on Broadway) and television’s Nicholas Hormann (60 TV appearances including Seinfeld, Parks & Recreation, Desperate Housewives, Bones, Frasier, The West Wing).

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride & Prejudice is one of the most beloved stories of all time.

Published in 1813, this season marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, one of the most acclaimed and still strikingly modern works of world literature. Austen is famous for her exploration of manners and morals, relationships and disappointments, parents and children.

This classic romantic comedy is the sparkling tale of the Bennets, a family blessed with five daughters and a mother desperate to marry them off. The tempestuous pairing of the witty, independent Elizabeth, and the arrogant but honorable suitor, Mr. Darcy, sets the standard for all great couples of the stage and screen.

Although many have tried, few literary romances have matched the gentle satire of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  L. A. Theatre Works’ superlative company of actors brings Cristina Calvit’s stunning adaptation to life.

Come see the theater troupe cited by the LA Times for work that is “consistently superb!”

This production is in the form of radio theater. The production is a hybrid of a radio play and a traditionally-staged play with costumes theatrical lighting and bits of scenery.

Reviews

Read the latest reviews of this production from other performances around the country:

• Susan Howson with RVANews in Richmond, Virginia
• Tobias Wray with the Flyer in Fayetteville, Arkansas

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NEA Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award®‐winning saxophonist and Tony Award® nominee Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time.

Leader of one of the finest jazz quartets today, and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Marsalis and his Quartet of musical friends recently released Four MFs Playin’ Tunes. On this new album, the song takes center stage, with the band members bringing their considerable musical expertise to bear, as they focus on each tune as an important musical entity unto itself and not merely a vehicle for showcasing individual talent.

Please join us for an astounding performance of one of the most innovative and forward‐thinking jazz ensembles around today!

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We welcome this famed ensemble for a concert that will fill your soul with the sound of music. Although the members are just ten to 14 years old, they are polished, mature musicians who will charm and delight anyone and everyone who loves music.

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Line will be bringing her Fab Five, which will feature new “stars” on the stage this year. Plan to bring and ring your bells as they will once again be part of this brand new and exciting holiday show!

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After moving to California, from her native Chicago, and joining the famed Los Angeles Groundlings comedy improvisational troupe, Kathy began building her resume with guest starring roles on such series as “ER” and “Seinfeld” – where she created recurring character Sally Weaver. In 1996, Kathy’s dream of playing a sidekick on a sitcom came true when she landed the role of Vickie Groener, Brook Shields’ sharp tongued colleague, on the NBC show “Suddenly Susan.”

After her various TV guest spots, Kathy began gaining notice as a stand-up comedienne and landed her own “HBO Half Hour Comedy Special.” In 1998, HBO gave Kathy her own one-hour special, “A Hot Cup of Talk.” She participated in, and won “Celebrity Mole” on ABC, and then hosted the NBC reality series “Average Joe” as well as the MTV series, “Kathy’s So-Called Reality.” In 2010, Kathy took a dramatic turn on “Law and Order: SVU” where she riveted audiences with her portrayal of a lesbian activist with a secret.

In August 2005, Kathy’s reality show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” debuted on Bravo to rave reviews and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program and the second season of “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” won Kathy her first Emmy in that same category. The third season premiered in 2007 and again won Kathy an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program. The fourth and fifth season were nominated again for Outstanding Reality Program. The sixth and final season of “D-List” aired on Bravo during the summer of 2010.

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Headed by Jamie Dailey (formerly of Doyle Lawson’s Quicksilver) and Darrin Vincent (formerly of Ricky Skagg’s Kentucky Thunder), this ensemble has won a combined 10 awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including Entertainer of the Year for two years running!

Come celebrate an irresistible bluegrass Christmas with us!

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