THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE ANNOUNCES 2007-2008 SEASON

New Subscriptions On Sale June 4th

“A Kaleidoscope of Sights and Sounds” sets the theme for the 2007-2008 Performing Arts Season at Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House. The star-studded season of “sights and sounds” will include headliners Clint Black, James Earl Jones, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, spectacular Broadway productions of Evita, The Producers, and “Movin’ Out”, and exciting music and dance performances including The Spinners, Blast, 100 Years of Broadway, and Simply Ballroom. Back by popular demand again this season will be STOMP, Bowfire, Judy Collins and The Smothers Brothers, and the Rob Landes Trio. Subscription sales will begin June 4, 2007. For more information and to purchase season tickets, call The Grand’s box office at 800.821.1894, 409.765.1894, or visit online at www.thegrand.com.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will debut with Wynton Marsalis – the most famous jazz musician of the past three decades – and open The Grand’s season of “Sights and Sounds” September 22. Just six days later, the world-class Country music singer, songwriter, and producer – Clint Black takes center stage on September 28-29. Recognized world-wide as one of the most popular and influential artists in the history of country music, Black is currently said to be “at … his country best!” On October 7, a chronicle of the life of Eva Peron - Argentina’s most complex and powerful figure – is presented in the award winning production of Evita. A musical change of pace is in store the following week when the world-renown, timeless quartet The Spinners - of “Working My Way Back to You” fame - appears for the first time ever at The Grand the weekend of October 12-13.

On October 20, the distinguished and versatile actor, James Earl Jones, will perform. Possessing one of the most instantly-recognizable voices in entertainment history, enriching everything from ‘Darth Vadar’ to “the voice of CNN,” Jones will present “Poems I Love to Read.” The weekend of sound continues on October 21st as pianist Davide Cabassi presents the first in the Centennial Sundays Series. A top prizewinner in the 2005 Van Cliburn Competition, Cabassi made his orchestral debut at the age of thirteen and has since performed around the globe. The Dallas Morning News writes “Mr. Cabassi is an expressive pianist with a distinctive personality…[he] upheld a tradition of lyric Italian pianism.”

“The fiddle and violin extravaganza Bowfire returns to The Grand, October 27 with incredible award-winning musicians taking audiences on a musical journey that moves seamlessly from Jazz, Classical, Bluegrass, Celtic, Rock, Gypsy, Texas Swing and more. Adding step and tap dancing and beautiful voices to the mix, this fast-paced production is a true blend of sights and sounds. The sounds of John Philip Sousa return to The Grand on Sunday October 28th with Oh! Mr. Sousa - a delightful musical event highlighting major historic and amusing events in the life of John Philip Sousa. Sousa appeared on The Grand’s stage several times during the 1900s and his rousing music marches on in this Centennial Sundays Series presentation!

Performing together on November 10 will be Judy Collins and The Smothers Brothers with special guest Yo Yo Man. Collins has long been recognized as a folk icon whose dulcet tones and poetic lyrics galvanized a generation, while Tom and Dick Smothers – now celebrating almost 50 years together in show business – are known for their humor, natural warmth, superlative showmanship, and the “pure unadulterated joy” they continue to bring to audiences of all ages.

Get ready to…STOMP as this international percussion sensation and award-winning production from the UK returns to The Grand the weekend of November 16-18. You won’t want to miss this group of gifted performers who can “create rhythm out of anything they can get their hands on or that makes a sound.” Thanksgiving weekend will be especially “Grand” as Australia’s internationally acclaimed contemporary circus - Circus Oz is sure to captivate audiences with “jaw-dropping acts and outrageous stunts performed with crackerjack technique and unique circus artistry.” As the London Daily Telegraph said, don’t miss this “thrill-a-minute treat.”

As always, the holidays at The Grand are a time for tradition. And A Tuna Christmas is, indeed, a long-standing tradition for The Grand. Performances by Tony-Award nominee Joe Sears and Jaston Williams are set for December 11-16. Sears and Williams continue to tickle the holiday funny bone portraying all the hilarious citizens of Tuna, Texas. This is one holiday treat you can’t do without.

The New Year kicks off with the return of Lone Star legend Jerry Jeff Walker for one concert only on January 5. Featuring such favorites as “LA Freeway” and “Mr. Bojangles”, this internationally-recognized entertainer has created music with a mix of folk, rock, country, and “anything else that caught his ear.” This year’s performance is all Jerry Jeff! The sounds continue just two weeks later on January 19-20, when the ever-popular Oak Ridge Boys take the stage to perform such hits as “Elvira”, “Bobby Sue”, and “Dream On.”

A Ride with Bob returns to The Grand for four encore performances February 15-17. Called “the most entertaining night in Texas”, this hit musical is about the life and legacy of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Featuring Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, the story of Texas swing has never been more fun! On February 23, Movin’ Out - the spectacular new musical Time Magazine declares “The #1 show of the year!” explodes on to The Grand’s stage. The story of five life-long friends spanning two turbulent decades, this Broadway smash includes 24 unforgettable classic songs written by 5-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and dynamic choreography by legendary director-choreographer Twyla Tharp. The month of February wraps up on the 24th with a delightful Family Fun Series presentation – A Year With Frog and Toad. Treat your family to this musical for the young at heart as Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters hop from the page to the stage teaching life lessons along the way and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us special.

The Broadway hits continue when The Producers takes The Grand’s stage March 1st. Winner of twelve Tony Awards – more than any other production ever – this is the Mel Brooks’ mega-hit Broadway musical laugh-fest about the “art of creating Broadway flops”… “It’s nonsense that simply doesn’t stop delivering!”

A dramatic change of pace is in store on March 8th when the Montana Repertory Theatre presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning Tennessee Williams’ drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. First presented on Broadway over 50 years ago, this classic production is an enduring tale of family and forgiveness, love and loss and a Southern family in crisis. March 9th brings back annual favorite Rob Landes and The Rob Landes Trio for a Centennial Sundays Series event filled with the musical hits of Richard Rodgers. From Jumbo, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music and more, the music of Richard Rodgers is sure to have you humming all day! On March 15, the excitement of sights and sounds combine as Simply Ballroom takes the stage. Dance enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event, direct from London’s West End, that features some of the world’s foremost dance champions. Special guest star host Debbie Reynolds and stars from “American Idol” set the stage for enthralling performances of the Cha Cha Cha, Tango, Salsa, Rumba, Quickstep and more, as “Ballroom meets Broadway”! If you like “Dancing with the Stars” – this is a must see event!

A “soaring evening of entertainment” that merges the thrill and power of world championship gymnastics with breathtaking theatrical athletics, Aeros, set to take center stage at The Grand on March 22, is a truly unique event that presents medal-winning gymnasts leaping and flipping their way through an impressive display of physical talents. The Washington Post described Aeros as “exceptional, jaw-dropping, applause-inducing stuff.” The energy and excitement continues on April 12 as Blast - the Tony-Award winner for “Best Special Theatrical Event” marches in to The Grand. This terrific show – which lives up to it name and then some – is steeped in the tradition of military and outdoor pageantry, drum corps, bands and color guards. The athleticism, musical talent, movement and showmanship in every number in this extravaganza will be sure to leave you breathless and applauding for more! The Centennial Sundays Series comes to a close with the hot sounds of Caliente on April 13. This innovative group from Houston is comprised of students aged 14-19 and includes a repertoire of Latin Jazz music as well as original vocals.

The month of April will close with The Souls of Our Feet – A Celebration of American Tap Dance. To be presented April 27, this fast-paced collection of footwork restages the best of rhythm tap masterpieces – bringing swingin’ jazz and 18 feet keeping time to the pulse of this wonderful and indigenous American art form. Austin’s Acia Gray and the Tapestry Dance Company present this celebration of footwork and rhythm at its best! The Grand’s 2007-2008 Performing Arts Series of “A Kaleidoscope of Sights and Sounds” will come to a spectacular musical close on May 3 with 100 Years of Broadway. If you are a fan of Broadway show tunes, you won’t want to miss this dazzling music-filled tribute to the Great White Way. From Jerome Kern to Andrew Lloyd Webber to Cole Porter and more… critics are saying: “Wow! By far the very best Broadway concert they’ve seen…”

In addition to this full season of outstanding productions, The Grand also presents an exceptional series of programs for young people called “Serious Fun.” Providing children the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre performances, this series offers daytime performances for school groups as well as individuals. For dates, prices, and more information about these additional events, contact The Grand’s box office at 800.821.1894, 409.765.1894, or online at www.thegrand.com

Discounts for groups and senior citizens may be available for select performances. For the best seats, the Patron’s Choice subscription allows you to choose your own series of performances when you purchase four or more events. Additional benefits include priority seating and the opportunity to exchange tickets up to 48 hours in advance of a selected performance.

The Grand 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice Street in historic downtown Galveston. The theatre is accessible by trolley. All major credit cards accepted. Performance schedule is subject to change without notice.