The world performs on a Bklyn stage

The Nutcracker. Photo by Rob Reynolds

Curtain goes up on exciting 55th season

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 55th season of music, dance, theater, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn. The outstanding line-up features performances from Jamaica, Cuba, Israel, and Ukraine as well as the United States, and includes both Brooklyn premieres and returning favorites.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ 2009-2010 season includes:

--I Love a Piano (September 13 at 3 p.m.): Showcasing the music of legendary songwriter Irving Berlin, this musical captures the spirit of America from the Ragtime rhythms of the early 20th century through the innocent optimism of the 1950s. Including timeless classics such as “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Puttin’ On the Ritz,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” I Love a Piano does more than define the music of a generation - it defines the music of our country. Tickets $25.

--The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon (October 11 at 2 p.m.): Enchantment Theatre Company returns to Brooklyn Center with a new theatrical adaptation of Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s classic. Using life-size puppets, masks, magic and music, this family musical tells the story of Harold, a brave and resourceful little boy who creates the world he wants to explore using only a big purple crayon and his sky’s-the-limit imagination. Tickets: $6.

--Luna Negra Dance Theater with the Turtle Island Quartet and Paquito D’Rivera (October 25 at 2 p.m.): Dedicated to the works of Latino choreographers, Luna Negra Dance Theater celebrates its 10th anniversary by teaming up with the bold Turtle Island Quartet and legendary jazz musician Paquito D’Rivera, both multiple Grammy Award winners, in a celebration of the rich music and dance traditions of Cuba with their newest work entitled Danzón. Tickets are $30.

--Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company (November 8 at 2 p.m.): Direct from Kiev, this spectacular company of 65 dancers and musicians combines brilliant ballet techniques with traditional folk dance in a tribute to the culture, beauty and spirit of the Ukraine. Tickets are $35, $25.

--Of Mice and Men (November 22 at 3 p.m.): John Steinbeck’s literary masterpiece about a unique friendship between two migrant workers and their quest for the American Dream is brought to life by the Tony Award-winning Barter Theatre. Tickets are $25.

--The Colonial Nutcracker (December 13 at 2 p.m.): An annual holiday favorite at Brooklyn Center, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs an abridged, narrated version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown. Tickets are $6.

--The Clark Sisters (January 23, 2010 at 8 p.m.): One of the top female gospel groups in the country, the Clark Sisters have pioneered contemporary gospel music for the past three decades. They bring their Grammy-winning harmonies and inspirational message to Brooklyn in an uplifting evening of music and praise. Tickets are $40 and $30.

--Hairspray (January 24 at 3 p.m.): Pleasantly plump Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the “Corny Collins Show.” But she’s got obstacles to overcome - all without denting her ‘do! Don’t miss Broadway’s musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Tickets are $40 and $30.

--The Israel Ballet - Don Quixote (February 21 at 2 p.m.): Making their first U.S. tour in 25 years, the acclaimed Israel Ballet performs one of the most beloved full-length ballets in the classical repertoire, Don Quixote, featuring choreography by the legendary Russian Imperial Ballet Master Marius Petipa. Tickets are $30 and $20.

--National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica (March 6 at 8 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m.): Always a Brooklyn Center favorite, this jewel of the Caribbean blends the lore, music and dance of Jamaica, Africa, and the American south with modern and classical forms. Under the direction of Professor Rex Nettleford, they will present two programs combining new works with favorites from their extensive repertoire. Tickets are $40 and $30.

--Odessa Philharmonic (March 13 at 8 p.m.): Directed by maestro Hobart Earle, the brilliant Odessa Philharmonic returns to the United States for the first time in ten years with a program including Shubert’s Ninth Symphony (Unfinished), Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, and Saint Saëns’ cello concerto featuring soloist William DeRosa. Tickets are $35 and $25.

--David Gonzalez’s Sleeping Beauty (March 14 at 2 p.m.); Master storyteller David Gonzalez puts a new spin on the classic fairy tale, using live and electronic music, dance, image projections, and exquisite lighting to create a magical multimedia world in which a beautiful princess is awakened by true love’s kiss. Tickets are $6.

--Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band (March 20 at 8 p.m.): Widely acknowledged as the most popular Latin jazz artist in the world today, Grammy Award winner Poncho Sanchez brings his explosive congas and legendary ensemble to Brooklyn for a sizzling hot evening of Afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, and vintage Latin soul. Tickets are $35 and $25.

--David Broza (March 21 at 2 p.m.): A superstar in his homeland of Israel, this multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter’s unique compositions combine Middle Eastern pop and folk influences with flamenco and American country, rock and blues to create a true world music sound. Tickets are $25.

--In the Mood (March 28 at 2 p.m.): Recall the music that moved a nation’s spirit in this nostalgic 1940s revue. Featuring such favorites as “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Stardust,” the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the talented cast of In the Mood take audiences on a sentimental journey in an afternoon of swing, jitterbug, and big band classics. Tickets are $25.

--Dirty Sock Funtime Band (April 11 at 2 p.m.): Nominated Best Kid’s Band by Time Out New York Kids, the Dirty Socks captivate children and parents alike with their high-energy concerts full of rockin’ singalong jams and audience participation. Tickets are $6.

--Chinese Acrobats of Hebei (April 18 at 3 p.m.): The world-class gymnasts, contortionists, and jugglers from Hebei combine gravity-defying acrobatics with the discipline of martial arts to create a spellbinding kaleidoscope of color, drama and skill for the whole family. Tickets are $30.

--Tap Kids (April 25 at 2 p.m.): Eight of the nation’s most talented young tap dancers take to the stage in this rousing, joyous celebration of American youth culture. Hip, contemporary and uplifting, this electrifying performance takes tap to dizzying new heights of passion and precision. Tickets are $6.

--United States Air Force Band of Liberty (May 16 at 2 p.m.): For the past 25 years, the United States Air Force Band of Liberty has served the nation with its inspirational repertoire ranging from symphonic band masterworks, to traditional military marches, to pops and jazz. Tickets to this event must be requested by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Brooklyn Center, PO Box 100163, Brooklyn, NY 11210, attn: Air Force Band Tickets. No phone orders. Tickets are free.

Money Saving Subscription Packages

Brooklyn Center’s 2009-2010 season ticket packages include Theater Subscriptions (I Love a Piano, Of Mice and Men, and Hairspray) for $75; Arts in the Afternoon Subscriptions (The Israel Ballet, David Broza, and In the Mood) for $60; and the WorldPack (a minimum of three performances from Brooklyn Center’s World Stages series, priced $73-$165 depending on performances selected). All seats for all performances in Brooklyn Center’s Target FamilyFun series are $6.

Multibuy packages (three or more performances) save up to 15% off individual ticket prices. Multibuy discounts do not apply to Target FamilyFun performances. Discounts are available for seniors, students, Brooklyn College faculty, staff and alumni, and groups of 15 or more.

All performances are in the Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College. For more, visit http://www.brooklyncenteronline.org/ or call 718-951-4500.