Rising prices in gasoline, food, and just about everything else really cuts into your entertainment budget. Central Connecticut State University has your spring entertainment solution! This spring, CCSU offers theatre, dance, and music performances that are sure to delight. Admission is free for these highlighted events.

The Department of Theatre will be performing Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” in Welte Auditorium, April 17 - 19, at 7:30 pm. This internet/technology-age adaptation is directed by and features Professor Thom Delvanthal with an ensemble cast of CCSU students. Shakespeare’s “Tempest” is a tale of fairies, witches, monsters, betrayal, retribution, redemption, and forgiveness. The production promises to be a multi-media delight for the senses. The performance employs four huge, sail shaped video screens and a live and recorded soundtrack that is channeled in surround-sound creating dynamic effects more impressive than those found in concert halls and movie theatres. The scenery reaches from beyond the stage, and, in concert with the other elements,  transcends the barrier between this world and beyond. A timeless play, great performances, and thrilling effects make this a night not to be missed.

The Department of Dance is presenting the “Spring Dance Repertoire” in Welte Auditorium, April 25, at 7:30 pm. This performance features a combination of students, faculty, and internationally recognized professional performers and choreographers. This production features the world premier works “Ishtar” and “Americana” choreographed by Joseph Albano. These performances will be presented along with Albano’s highly acclaimed “An American in Paris.” Jennifer Muller, an innovator in modern dance, will present an excerpt from her masterwork “Speeds.” Performed by the resident CCSU student dance company Dancentral, this energetic and complex piece is sure to amaze. “Migrant Mother,” is choreographed and performed by Professor Catherine Fellows, head of the dance program. Professor of Music Julie Ribchinski performs the score. Geri Radacsi, a poet, transforms the subject image to verse. Together they bring the beauty of the famed image captured by depression-era photographer Dorothea Lange (1936) to words, music, and movement in this introspective piece.  These performances are an opportunity to witness world-class dance without the travel.

The Department of Music presents its Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band “Spring Concert” in Welte Auditorium May 7, at 7:30 pm. Professor J. Thomas Seddon IV directs this student orchestra. The Wind Ensemble features the music of Gustav Holst’s “Hammersmith,” Joseph Turrin’s “Lullby for Noah,” and “Children’s March” by Percy Grainger. The Symphonic Band will be performing Norman Dello Joio’s “Scenes from the Louvre,” “Shenandoah” by Frank Ticheli, and three movements of “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger. The Wind Ensemble just finished a successful performance at the Connecticut all-state Music conference.  This is an opportunity to hear pieces rarely performed.

For more information, please check www.eventmanagement.ccsu.edu, for our calendar of events, spotlighted performances and photos of recent events. Ticket information: CENtix at (860) 832-1989. Specific information about events: (860) 832-2468.