Normally, we get some sort of heads up when such announcements are coming, but all of a sudden, wham, we just got details on 22 new events coming in the 2010-11 season at the AT&T PAC — everything from TITAS presenting MOMIX (left) and a world-premiere dance commission to a lecture/performance by Al Pacino and Jazz Roots offering an evening of the blues with James Cotton’s band. The Kodo Drummers, the Chieftains, a National Geographic event with Jean-Michel Cousteau, Diane Reeves: Add all these to the previously announced Lexus Broadway Series.

Get out your calendars (and your credit cards). The full release is below the fold.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Announces 2010-2011 Seasons of Brinker International Forum, TITAS and JAZZ ROOTS

DALLAS (April 28, 2010) – The AT&T Performing Arts Center announced the 2010-2011 seasons for three of its signature series: the Brinker International Forum, TITAS and JAZZ ROOTS. These series, presented by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, together with the Center’s previously-announced Lexus Broadway Series, feature a diverse array of performances, including contemporary dance, world music, Broadway hits, jazz legends, behind-the-scenes lectures and National Geographic Live! presentations.

Among the series’ highlights are a one-man show featuring the legendary Academy Award-winning actor Al Pacino, a lecture by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, concerts with jazz diva Diane Reeves and platinum-selling crooner Michael Feinstein, performances by the heart-pounding KODO Drummers of Japan and acclaimed contemporary dance company MOMIX, and many others. TITAS, in association with the Center, is also commissioning an exciting new work by Complexions Contemporary Ballet that will premiere at the Center in the spring.

“Since we opened the Center last fall, hundreds of thousands of people have attended events on our campus. As we approach our one-year anniversary, we hope to further extend the reach of the Center and build upon our early success. With the range of shows in the series presented by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, we are making the Center a great destination for entertainment for the entire community,” said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “Throughout the year, there is something for everyone, whether it is a great jazz concert, a fascinating lecture, a stunning contemporary dance performance or a Broadway show for the entire family.”

Ticket prices for all series presented by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, including the Lexus Broadway Series, have not increased over 2009-2010 prices, and include many affordable options. TITAS season subscriptions begin at $85; Brinker International Forum subscriptions begin at $75 (or as low as $12.50 per show); JAZZ ROOTS begins at $110 to $535 for the five-show season; and the Lexus Broadway Series once again begins at $100, with prime-location Orchestra seating subscriptions available for as little as $283. In addition, subscribers receive many benefits, including discounts over single ticket prices and discounted parking in the Lexus Red and Silver garages.

Subscriptions for the Brinker International Forum, TITAS and JAZZ ROOTS go on sale Friday, April 30; the Lexus Broadway Series is currently on sale. Subscriptions to the individual series can be purchased online at www.attpac.org, by phone at 214.880.0202, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box Office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.

TITAS Presents, in Association with the AT&T Performing Arts Center:

TITAS continues its commitment to innovation and excellence with a season featuring a diverse roster of some of the world’s most acclaimed dance and music artists. For the first time, TITAS will present shows in each of the venues of the Center: the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre and the newly-designed Annette Strauss Square. Among many highlight of the TITAS season, and part of a new initiative at the Center, will be the world premiere of a work by Complexions Contemporary Ballet, commissioned by TITAS and the Center, featuring Cedric Neal, a member of the Brierley Resident Acting Company of the Dallas Theater Center, as vocalist. The dance season also features other perennial favorites MOMIX, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a “dance installation” by Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company and TITAS’ extraordinary Command Performance, featuring an array of the world’s most renowned dance artists. For its music season, TITAS and the Center will present Celebrate Mexio! featuring the Mariachi Vargas de Tacalitlan, the Dallas debut of Academy Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Lila Downs in concert with Mallorcan songstress Buika, the renowned KODO Drummers of Japan, six-time Grammy Award-winner The Chieftains and the SFJAZZ Collective performing the music of Stevie Wonder, another Dallas first. The TITAS season is sponsored by Heritage Auction Galleries, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and TACA.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents the Brinker International Forum:

In its third season, the Brinker International Forum continues with an eclectic lineup of performing artists and, in collaboration with National Geographic Live!, scientists and explorers. The season lineup includes “The Soundtrack of Our Lives”, featuring songwriters Lamont Dozier, Barry Mann and Jimmy Webb; a lecture and one-man show starring Al Pacino; and “The Blind Side Live” with Leigh Anne, Sean and Collins Tuohy telling the story behind the hit film, moderated by Leslie Stahl. Because of their growing popularity, the number of National Geographic Live! programs will increase from two to three in the 2010-2011 season, featuring nature photographer Annie Griffiths Belt, oceanic explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and wildlife correspondent Mireya Mayor.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents JAZZ ROOTS, a Larry Rosen Series:

The AT&T Performing Arts Center, together with acclaimed record/television producer Larry Rosen, will present an expanded season of JAZZ ROOTS, a series that traces the evolution of jazz, the uniquely American musical genre, increasing from three to five shows in 2010-2011. JAZZ ROOTS is based on the premise that the drums that came from Africa at the time of slavery are the roots– the musical DNA– for all of the music of the Americas. Each show focuses on a different style of music rooted in jazz, including blues, gospel and the American Songbook, the jazz “diva” and the alto saxophone. In conjunction with each concert, the Center will work with area schools and universities to provide students with rare opportunities to work with and learn from the jazz greats performing in the JAZZ ROOTS series. All JAZZ ROOTS shows begin at 7:30 pm in the AT&T Performing Arts Center Winspear Opera House. The Fairmont Dallas is the official hotel of JAZZ ROOTS.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents the Lexus Broadway Series [previously announced]:

The Lexus Broadway Series brings the best shows from Broadway to North Texas, including many coming to Dallas for the first time. The five productions in the 2010-2011 season represent a range of Broadway, from family classics to Tony Award-winning hits: BLUE MAN GROUP; YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN; ROCK OF AGES; BILLY ELLIOT; and a non-subscription special presentation of DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – THE MUSICAL.

2010-2011 SERIES DETAILS

TITAS Presents, in association with the AT&T Performing Arts Center

September 7, 2010: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

The Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, internationally acclaimed as the world’s greatest mariachi group, is unmatched in excellence and virtuosity. Their extraordinary performances cross all borders and delight audiences the world over. You haven’t experienced the energy and rich culture of mariachi music until you’ve experienced the Vargas. Since their founding 103 years ago, the Vargas has stayed true to their roots while expanding the musical form in surprising new directions. The performance in Dallas promises to be a soul-stirring, concert-hall-filling lineup that will move audiences through the joyous nature of the music as well as by the group’s unique interpretations of this very special brand of music.

September 10 and 11, 2010: MOMIX

Always a TITAS favorite, MOMIX defies categorization as easily as its dancers defy gravity. Mesmerizing, magical and imaginative, MOMIX spellbinds audiences across the globe. Since debuting MOMIX’s newest creation Botanica in Italy last winter, it has played to packed houses and rave reviews around the world. Botanica, like other MOMIX creations, creates a magical and ethereal world. MOMIX dancer-illusionists conjure a world of surrealistic images using light, shadow, props, humor and the human body. Beautiful and enthralling, Botanica is the perfect show for the entire family. The show features an eclectic score ranging from birdsongs to Vivaldi. It follows the rhythms of the seasons, the changing shape of life on Earth and the passing of a day. The performance is enhanced by spectacular costumes, projections and giant puppetry designed Michael Curry, acclaimed production designer for Cirque du Soleil, Disney and the Metropolitan Opera.

November 13, 2010: Lila Downs/Buika in Concert

It’s an inspired and breathtakingly potent collaboration. When superstar Mexican-American singer Lila Downs and alluring Afro-Spanish singer Buika share one stage, the result is nothing less than pure Latin delight. Featuring rich and powerful voices, this joint concert promises to be a surprise highlight of the TITAS music season. Both artists incorporate a dazzling mélange of cultural influences in their music. Academy Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Lila Downs, the daughter of a Scottish-American cinematographer and a Mixtec Indian vocalist, grew up in Minnesota and Oaxaca and today lives in Mexico City, New York City and Oaxaca. Born to African political exiles on Mallorca, the soulful Buika grew up among the island’s Gypsies and first embraced flamenco before branching into blues, jazz and otherworldly sounds all her own. Passionate and fearless, these two influential performers will take you on a sonic and emotional journey you’ll never forget.

November 19, 2010: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

One of the world’s most renowned dance institutions, HSDC brings to the stage an ensemble of dancers unparalleled in their versatility, athleticism and pure virtuosity. Under new artistic director Glenn Edgerton, this 30-year-old company comes to Dallas with a fresh and exciting new vision. One of the great American repertory dance companies, HSDC’s exuberant, innovative repertoire bears the imprint of a Who’s Who of American and international choreographers, including Jirí Kylián, Nacho Duato, Ohad Naharin, William Forsythe and Daniel Ezralow. The highly technical and entertaining contemporary dance company, HSDC will be a highlight in the TITAS dance season. Long absent from the TITAS season, Hubbard Street’s return to Dallas in long overdue and greatly anticipated.

February 17, 2011: KODO Drummers of Japan

One doesn’t hear KODO, one experiences it. The explosive power of these 24 masters of the ancient tradition of taiko drumming is simply heart pounding, bone shaking and a not-to-be-missed experience. The Japanese word “kodo” means “heartbeat; the sound of the great taiko drum is said to resemble a mother’s heartbeat as heard in the womb. And the word “kodo” has a second meaning: “children of the drum,” a reflection of KODO’s desire to play simply, with the heart of a child. To create the KODO performance experience, virtually an entire village travels to Dallas from Japan. Performers, apprentices and support staff number more than 70 artists. As apprentices, the members on stage spend two years living together in what was once an abandoned schoolhouse, then train for two more years before being accepted as players. It’s no wonder their performance creates such a personal experience and exhibits such uncanny unity. Always a TITAS favorite, KODO Drummers of Japan is a must-see/experience performance!

February 26, 2011: The Chieftains

Any discussion of traditional Irish music on the contemporary scene has to begin with six-time Grammy Award-winning group, The Chieftains. Starting in 1962, this engaging and endlessly talented ensemble of Irish cultural ambassadors made the traditional music of their island home popular around the world. The Chieftains have never stopped pushing into new territory, reinvigorating traditional Celtic forms with fresh ideas and eclectic influences. Major stars of pop and rock, American country and bluegrass music and numerous world-music genres line up to collaborate with these Irish masters. In their five decades as a group, The Chieftains have sold millions of records. Favorites of North Texas audiences, they bring great humor, joyful exuberance and, of course, fabulous music to the TITAS season and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

March 26, 2011: SFJAZZ Collective featuring the Music of Stevie Wonder

The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star jazz ensemble comprising eight of the finest performer/composers at work in jazz today. Launched in 2004 by SFJAZZ—the West Coast’s largest nonprofit jazz institution and the presenter of the annual San Francisco Jazz Festival—the Collective has quickly become one of the most exciting and acclaimed groups on the American and international jazz scenes. In 2011, SFJAZZ will explore the compositions of the incomparable Stevie Wonder, demonstrating the jazz within the music of this iconic American singer and songwriter.

April 9, 2011: Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet

This New York-based dance company has taken the dance world by storm, combining exquisite technique rooted in classical ballet with edgy physicality. The result, says The New York Times, “pulls viewers right out of their seats” with “weird and wonderful poetry of the body.” The Village Voice adds its own assessment of Cedar Lake: “fierce, athletic and compulsively sensual.” Cedar Lake debuted in the TITAS season two years ago to rave reviews. Under the leadership of Paris-born artistic director and former Alvin Ailey dancer Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Cedar Lake pushes the boundaries of dance. A spectacularly beautiful and innovative company, TITAS brings Cedar Lake back to Dallas in a new performance format, a “Dance Installation.” TITAS and the Center are committed to presenting not only innovative artists, but to presenting performing artists in new and exciting ways. This “installation” will take place at the Wyly Theatre with the dancers and audience members intermingled, and the performance taking place in, around, through and above the audience as they walk around the room. Cedar Lake redefines how and where dance is experienced. A not-to-be-missed performance experience, Cedar Lake’s dance installation promises to be unique.

April 23, 2011: Command Performance

TITAS continues its tradition of presenting Command Performance, the definitive dance event of the season. For the first time in its 17-year history, Command Performance will take place in the Winspear Opera House. Ten of the world’s greatest dance stars will come together for a spectacular evening of dance, with classic Pas de Deux alongside awe-inspiring contemporary works. Command Performance is unmatched in its excitement and sheer virtuosity. Also, now a platform for the presentation of world-premiere commissions, the evening is simply the best night of dance you will ever experience. Command Performance is an event without peer, and it is an experience that dance fans of any level can appreciate and revel in the virtuosity of the performers.

April 30, 2011: Martha Graham Dance Company

Truly one of the world’s greatest and most important modern dance companies, Martha Graham Dance Company is in a class all its own. Since 1926, critics and audiences alike have exhausted their stocks of adjectives in praising this, the oldest and most celebrated dance company in America. “One of the seven wonders of the artistic universe,” said one writer of the company. Another called the dancers “Graham’s perfect instrument.” For its TITAS performance, the company presents classic repertory choreographed by the legendary Martha Graham herself, along with new works, performed by an international roster of today’s most talented dance artists. Throughout its history, the company has provided a training ground for some of modern dance’s most illustrious dancers and choreographers — which makes any Martha Graham Dance Company performance an historic event that is, in the words of one well-known writer, “unmissable.”

May 13, 2011: Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to Dallas for a year-long residency, and the world-premiere of a work commissioned by TITAS and the Center, fulfilling a central aspect of TITAS’s mission to create new works with local artists. Overflowing with power and speed, Complexions embraces diversity with 16 dancers of different ethnic and dance backgrounds as well as with its range of dazzling work encompassing everything from big, dynamic ensembles to poignant duets and solos. Complexions was founded by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, two former stars with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The New York Times has called Richardson “one of the great modern dancers of our time,” and Rhoden “one of the most sought-out choreographers of the day.” Complexions performs a spellbinding program that merges ballet, contemporary dance, jazz and hip-hop into one thrilling experience.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents the Brinker International Forum

September 12, 2010: The Soundtrack of Our Lives

Sponsored by Jones Day

With each sitting at a piano, legendary songwriters Lamont Dozier, Barry Mann and Jimmy Webb will share the stories behind their songs and perform the hits that have become American classics. In a career that has spanned four decades, Barry Mann has crafted influential and beloved pop songs, including “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” (the most played song in American history), “On Broadway”and “We Gotta Get Out of this Place”. Best known for composing a string of instant classics for Glen Campbell (“By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston”), Jimmy Webb’s songs continue to grace a multide of major recording artists’ albums, from Tony Bennett and Rosemary Clooney to Urge Overkill, Reba McEntire and Shawn Colvin. Rounding out the trio of songwriters is Lamont Dozier, best-known as one-third of Motown’s famed Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team, with more than 50 #1 hits for legendary artists like the Supremes, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and many others. His hits include “Baby I Need Your Loving”, “Baby Love”, “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You)” and “I Hear a Symphony”.

November 16, 2010: Al Pacino

Sponsored by Diane and Hal Brierley

In this remarkable two-part encounter, Al Pacino will discuss his career and method of working, then, in the second half, perform a one-man show embodying his greatest hits and most memorable characters. A Tony Award-winning stage actor before embarking on his movie career, Al Pacino has created some of the most indelible character portrayals in cinema history — Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, Sonny Wortzik in Dog Day Afternoon, Frank Serpico in Serpico, Carlito Brigante in Carlito’s Way and his Oscar-winning role Frank Slade Scent of a Woman, to name just a few.

January 10, 2011: National Geographic Live! event featuring Annie Griffiths Belt

Sponsored by One Arts Plaza

For more than 25 years, Annie Griffiths has circled the globe capturing stunning images and living one adventure after another—from traveling with Bedouins in the Middle East to swimming with sea turtles in the Galápagos Islands. Along the way, she had two children, and kept right on going with youngsters in tow. Griffiths’ touching encounters and delightful sense of humor have brought her adventures to life for audiences all over the world. In her richly illustrated presentations, she shares her stories of the people and places she has visited and of the rewarding journeys between here and there.

February 23, 2011: National Geographic Live! event featuring Jean-Michel Cousteau

Sponsored by The Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation

Since the age of seven—when he was “thrown overboard,” scuba gear and all by his famous father– Jean-Michel Cousteau has been exploring the ocean realm. The son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau has carried on the family tradition of ocean exploration and advocacy. An award-winning filmmaker, one of his documentaries helped persuade President George W. Bush to declare the Northwest Hawaiian Islands a Marine National Monument. Most recently, Cousteau has written My Father, The Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau, to be published this summer by National Geographic Books. Celebrating the centennial of his father’s birth, the biography takes an open and intimate look at the life Cousteau shared with his father, and the legend he has taken on himself to carry.

April 20, 2011: National Geographic Live! event featuring Mireya Mayor

Sponsored by John Eagle Dealerships

Often described in the media as “a female Indiana Jones,” Mireya Mayor is not your typical scientist. Both as an anthropologist working in the jungles of Madagascar, and as a wildlife correspondent for National Geographic, this city girl and former Miami Dolphins cheerleader has found herself sleeping in a rain forest hammock amid poisonous snakes, being charged by gorillas, scaling rocky cliffs, and diving with great white sharks. One of a handful of scientists researching the highly endangered lemur, she discovered a new species of this primate while exploring the backcountry of Madagascar—then persuaded the prime minister of Madagascar to establish a national park to help protect these rare creatures. A two-time Emmy Award-nominated field correspondent for National Geographic’s Explorer, Mayor will be featured in the world premiere special Mystery Gorilla and the upcoming series Wild Nights for the new Nat Geo Wild network. This inspiring scientist and explorer will share highlights from her scientific and journalistic work, including behind-the-scenes stories from her most recent adventures.

May 10, 2011: The Blind Side Live, sponsored by Museum Tower

With Leigh Anne, Sean and Collins Tuohy, Moderated by Leslie Stahl

The Blind Side, Michael Lewis’ best-selling book that went on to become a record-breaking Hollywood blockbuster, tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager turned first round draft pick NFL football player, with the support and love of an unlikely adoptive family: the Tuohys. In a conversation moderated by 60-Minutes anchor Leslie Stahl, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, along with their daughter Collins, bring The Blind Side to life, with personal anecdotes and a behind-the-scenes look at the Tuohy household.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents JAZZ ROOTS, a Larry Rosen Series

September 8, 2010: The Blues featuring Shemekia Copeland and the James Cotton “Super Harp” Blues Band

Simply stated, without the blues, there is no jazz. Nor, for that matter, so much of the popular music that America has exported to the world, from R&B to rock ‘n’ roll to hip hop. Kicking off the 2010-11 JAZZ ROOTS season are two generations of blues stars: James Cotton, the Grammy-winning blues legend, whose harmonica sound has embraced virtually every major blues legend, from Howlin’ Wolf to Muddy Waters, and Shemekia Copeland, who grew up surrounded by the blues, as the daughter of the great guitar legend Johnny Copeland.

November 17, 2010: The American Soundbook with Michael Feinstein and Nicole Henry

From the joyous cacophony of New York’s Tin Pan Alley, to the sleek arrangements for icons Sinatra, Bennett and Streisand, to the music of America’s greatest songwriters , these classics have come to be known around the world as the American Songbook. No singer today is better identified with the American Songbook than platinum-selling artist Michael Feinstein. He will be joined by Nicole Henry, Billboard’s top selling jazz chart and Japan’s New Jazz Artist of the Year.

February 12, 2011: Jazz Meets Gospel featuring Take 6 and Yolanda Adams

Like the Blues, both jazz and gospel had their origins in the cotton fields of the pre-Civil War south, when African slaves, singing and playing to help ease their suffering, created the musical roots that would evolve into these purely American musical styles. This show features Take 6, ten-time Grammy-winning a capella gospel vocal sextet. Their upbeat, swinging take on gospel defies categorization, and has led to collaborations with artists as diverse as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Queen Latifah. The group will be joined by Grammy-winner and multi-platinum gospel star Yolanda Adams, who has merged R&B and soul with gospel to create her world renowned signature sound.

April 21, 2011: Three Generations of Divas—Diane Reeves and Jane Monheit, introducing Nikki Yanofsky

In the tradition of jazz icons Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn, JAZZ ROOTS brings together for the first time three celebrated singers who follow in the footsteps of these legends: Nikki Yanofsky, the 16-year old phenomenon seen by millions around the world when she performed during opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics; Jane Monheit, two-time Grammy nominee who has been featured on the award-winning PBS television series LEGENDS OF JAZZ; and Diane Reeves, the reigning queen of female jazz vocalists and four-time Grammy winner prominently throughout the critically acclaimed feature film, Good Night and Good Luck.

May 11, 2011: Super Sax with David Sanborn and Candy Dolfer

Since 1928, when Johnny Hodges brought his gorgeous tone to Duke Ellington’s orchestra, some of jazz’s finest soloists have chosen the alto sax, including the great Benny Carter, the genius of Charlie Parker, the hard bopping Sonny Stitt, the joyful playing of Julian Cannonball Adderley and the raw bluesy sound of Hank Crawford. Following his popular performance during the Center’s Grand Opening week, Davd Sanborn returns to Dallas. His signature bluesy tone and incredible technique make the six-time Grammy and multi- platinum award winner the most recognized alto sax sound in contemporary music today. Joining him is Candy Dulfer. Dutch-born and largely self-taught, this platinum-selling artist made her name in the pop music world, as a soloist for major stars Prince, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison and Dave Stewart.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents Lexus Broadway Series

September 14-26, 2010: BLUE MAN GROUP

Best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as “One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged.” E! Entertainment News exclaims, “BLUE MAN GROUP is what every live performance aspires to be.” Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that BLUE MAN GROUP is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, BLUE MAN GROUP is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. This fall, BLUE MAN GROUP takes to the road on its first U.S. theatrical tour. This unique experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else; guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget.

December 7-12, 2010: DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates this classic holiday tale as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small”, decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. The Grinch is a natural at thieving, even lying to little Cindy-Lou Who about his intentions as he stuffs the family tree, the “roast beast” feast and every last present up the chimney. When the Whos still insist on celebrating Christmas as if the thievery had never occurred, they melt the old miser’s heart and, in the end, the Grinch learns that the holidays are not about accumulating presents but about love and togetherness.

January 4-23, 2011: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster–but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three-time Tony® winner Mel Brooks himself–who wrote the music and lyrics and co wrote the book- along with his record-breaking team from The Producers: five-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman and three-time Tony-winning writer, Thomas Meehan.

May 17-29, 2011: ROCK OF AGES

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s. It’s five-time 2009 Tony Award® nominee ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

June 8-July 3, 2011: BILLY ELLIOT

A joyous, exciting and feel-good celebration of one young boy’s triumph against the odds. Called “THE MOST INSPIRING SHOW I’VE SEEN IN YEARS” by Ben Brantley of The New York Times, the story follows Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring, into a ballet class and discovers his dream to dance. Full of life, laughter, award-winning choreography and an unforgettable score by Elton John, this uplifting show will stay with you forever. Based on the international smash-hit film, BILLY ELLIOT is brought to life by the Tony-winning creative team — director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall — along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “HIS BEST SCORE YET!”

About the AT&T Performing Arts Center

Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum, JAZZ ROOTS and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

The Dallas Fort Worth Lexus Dealer Association is the title sponsor of the Center’s Lexus Broadway Series. Lexus is the official vehicle of the Center and its resident companies, the official valet sponsor and the naming rights holder for the Center’s two underground parking areas. RideCentric is the Official Ground Transportation Provider of the Center.

More information on the AT&T Performing Arts Center is available at www.attpac.org.