IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Golden Dragon Acrobats tumble into Slippery Rock University Sept. 14

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Golden Dragon Acrobats will bring their formidable feats of daring and spellbinding beauty to Slippery Rock University for a Sept. 14 performance, the first in SRU’s 2007-2008 Performing Arts Series. Individual tickets for the Acrobats are on sale now.

           “Audience members should be prepared for ripples of amazement to the very back row,” said Deb Baker, manager of special events. The high-energy performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in  SRU’s Miller Auditorium. The University will host a theme-related dinner prior to the group’s appearance, open to all as space permits.

            The critically acclaimed group is recognized as the premier Chinese acrobatic touring company in the U.S. Now in its 29th season, the Golden Dragon Acrobats hail from Hebei, China, and have performed in 48 states.

           “Members will twist and turn like rubber as they fly through hoops, scale poles, ride a giant spinning wheel and juggle spinning plates. One routine features a juggler atop a human  pyramid. Another features six acrobats on one bicycle,” Baker said.

            Members will wear traditional costumes, and ancient and contemporary music will accompany all of the choreographed routines.

           “Their shows are an amazing spectacle,” Baker said. “They make the ‘impossible’ possible.” 

           This company, which draws on 2,000 years of Chinese folk art tradition, made its Broadway debut in 2005. The group received two prestigious New York Drama Desk nominations – director Danny Chang for Unique Theatrical Experience and member Angela Chang for Best Choreography.

           Tickets for the SRU performance are $18 for adults, $15 for those 62 and older and 17 or under, and $8 for SRU students. Call 724.738.2091. Special rates for groups of 20 or more are available.

           AVI Food Service, the campus food contractor, is sponsoring a themed preshow dinner in the University Club in  North Hall. The menu will include egg rolls, salad, an entrée of Asian beef short ribs over sticky rice with stir-fried vegetables, and dessert. 

           Children may choose between Chinese food or a hamburger and French fries. A vegetarian option is available upon request.  Cost is $15 for adults, $7 for children under 12. Reservations are required for the dinner. Call 724.738.2840, Ext. 101. This meal is not included in the price of admission.

           SRU’s Performing Arts Series also includes a Dec. 1 holiday concert by Maureen McGovern, a Feb. 8 performance by Philadanco! Philadelphia’s Dance Company and a March 29 showing of the Tony-Award dinning musical “Five Guys Named Moe.” An added attraction – not part of the series but offered for families – is a one-hour adaptation of the children’s favorite “Charlotte’s Web” on May 23. Season tickets remain available. Call 724.738.2091.

           Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.