Mercyhurst spotlights upcoming arts season

Also known as the “Miniature Met” of Erie, Pennsylvania, the center took form in 1996 with the support of George and Mary D’Angelo.
Also known as the “Miniature Met” of Erie, Pennsylvania, the center took form in 1996 with the support of George and Mary D’Angelo. | File photo

Mercyhurst University’s Institute for Arts & Culture recently rolled out its 2016-17 schedule in celebration of its 20th anniversary entertainment season housed at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Also known as the “Miniature Met” of Erie, Pennsylvania, the center took form in 1996 with the support of George and Mary D’Angelo. It spotlights music, dance, puppetry and performance art. 

The upcoming season will showcase “the best of Broadway, jazz and children’s theater, as well as exceptional performances by classical musicians, dance companies and internationally recognized artists” programming director Brett Johnson said, noting the schedule includes over 40 programs.

Top names and numbers include legendary Broadway performer Chita Rivera; the music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse, Jerry Herman and Stephen Sondheim; an inclusive dance troupe; an acrobatic performance; a children’s theater troupe; and choral and orchestral presentations.

The Institute also plans to sponsor its fourth annual artist-in-residence program, this year with a New England folk quartet whose members will work interactively with local groups, culminating in a performance called “American Spiritual” on the Mercyhurst campus.

“We are delighted that Mercyhurst is able to give the gift of exquisite national and international performances to the Erie area,” Mercyhurst President Michael Victor said.