2008 Summer Season Sponsors
State National Bank
Rainmakers USA
Montaraz
New Mexico Magazine
El Paso Magazine
Oh So Ruidoso Magazine
Ventanas Magazine
KWES/KBUY
KRUI
KOBR-TV, Roswell
Sierra Blanca Motors
Dove
ruidoso.net
Military Discounts at the Spencer Theater, Ruidoso, NM
We honor our men & women in uniform by offering a 20% discount to most shows at the Spencer to active duty military personnel. Call the Box Office for details.

Recent media releases.

I Love A Piano release, April 20
Summer season 2008 announced

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April 20, 2008

There’s No Business Like Show Business!
“Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano” May 1st at Spencer

In Brief: Thursday, May 1st at 8 p.m. the Irving Berlin tribute “I Love A Piano” ($49 & $46) fills the hall with seven decades of Berlin’s greatest hits.  All centered around the piano, this nostalgic musical journey features six actors/singers, parading period costumes, and a trio of musicians performing timeless classics like White Christmas, God Bless America, Puttin’ On The Ritz and There’s No Business Like Show Business.
            Closing the curtains on this spectacular line-up of winter season shows is the inimitable Marvin Hamlisch on Friday, May 9th at 8 p.m. With three Oscars, four Grammies, four Emmys, a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize, Hamlisch is quite simply a living legend.

Alto, N.M. – The career-spanning song and dance revue called “ I Love A Piano” weaves together 64 Irving Berlin tunes for a look at early 20th century America --- from World War I through the Roaring ’20s, into the Depression and World War II, and finally to the boom times of the 1950s.
     The theatrical big band tribute appears center stage at the Spencer Theater 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1st .  Excellent seats remain for “I Love A Piano” for $49 & $46.  Call the Spencer Box Office at 575.336.4800 or go online at www.spencertheater.com  for tickets.
     Featuring a cast of six singers and dancers, a trio of musicians (piano, bass, percussion), era-rich costumes and complimentary stage lighting designs, the revue celebrates Berlin’s historic songs and spotlights a honky-tonk piano in music filled vignettes.
     Berlin’s jazzy masterpieces, which helped folks stand sturdy and dance free during the great ‘American Century,’ include such popular favorites as “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “God Bless America,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “White Christmas,” and “Puttin’ On The Ritz.”  The melodies seemingly poured out of the prolific songwriter during his legendary 70-year career and quickly became hits with upbeat tempos, lively melodies and smiling lyrics.
     Centering around a piano made in 1910 ą with scenes in music stores, canteens, and even out on the street -- the show’s star (with one bad key) leads a triumphant career that finds characters crowding around for songs of confidence and good cheer even in the darkest of times.
     As the vignette-fueled storyline moves through the decades, patrons get a glimpse of the physicality of the silent-movie era and, with “They Call It Dancing” and trend-setting 1920s dances like The Charleston. Thereafter, it’s the daunting challenges and hardships of the 1930s with Berlin’s hearty anthems like “Blue Skies” and “Isn’t It A Lovely Day” and his more poignant tunes like “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and “Russian Lullaby.”
     But it’s blue skies that lead the way into the silver screen era with such struts as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” The magic of the movies dovetails with tributes to young soldiers during the war with the call to arms “This is the Army” and “Any Bonds Today” ą dutiful calls that Berlin balanced with the sentiments of “White Christmas” and “God Bless America.” And as the 1950s come rushing in, show gals vie backstage for leading lady status with tunes like “Anything You Can Do” and content showmen sum up the art of life with melodies like “You’re Just in Love.”
     Critics note that “I Love A Piano,” which is directed and choreographed by Ray Roderick and co-written by Michael Berkeley has a kaleidoscope of movement with clockwork choreography, outstanding orchestrations and colorful costumes.
     Don’t miss this delightful swirl of song and dance at the Spencer Theater May 1st!  

WAYS TO BUY Tickets

Winter Season 2007-2008 is sponsored in part by The Hugh Bancroft Jr. Foundation, State National Bank, the Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation, , Sierra Blanca Motors, Ventanas, The Enjoyment of Fine Southwestern Living, Rainmakers, El Paso Magazine, New Mexico Magazine and radio stations KRUI-1490 AM NEWS TALK TOURISM & KIDX 101.5 FM, KNMB–96.7 FM, KTUM 107.1 FM, KBIM-94.9 FM, 910 AM Roswell, KWES 93.5 FM and KBUY 1360 AM.

Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer’s celebrated features.  The elegant hall seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage.  The Spencer also has a 964 square-foot outdoor stage that can seat 1,500. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art.  Free public tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year.


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April, 2008

Summer Season 2008 announced at Spencer

Alto, NM -- The Spencer Theater’s Summer Season 2008 features 14 productions of world class and community artistry, offering internationally renowned musicians in genres ranging from American folk-rock, country, Nuevo flamenco, smooth jazz, big band pop-rock, and elaborate tributes to music icons.  There’s also a legendary comedy team donning the spotlights and New Mexico's most beloved pianist with which to laugh and sing.  College students will be sharing their dramatic skills in one of the greatest stage mysteries of all time, and children of all ages will get to shine musical theatre and classical ballet.  The action takes place at the award-winning theater nearly every weekend between June and August, making for a robust summer of fun in the spectacular mountain getaway of Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Priority ticket sales are already underway for contributors, but the public can place early orders online at www.spencertheater.com.  Processing of series tickets (four or more events) will be done in the order they are received (on-line, by fax or in person) beginning April 24th.  Single ticket sales may be ordered by phone starting April 28th. Call the Box Office at 575.336.4800 for information.

Spencer Theater Summer 2008 Performance Schedule.

May
Don McLean on Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76). 
The season kicks off with the stunning musicianship of Don McLean and his band on Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76). The distinguishedsinger & songwriter of epic ballads like American Pie, Vincent, Empty Chairs and Sister Fatima, will be joined by his multi-instrumental band for a night of folk-rock anthems.  A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, McLean has been called a master of “spirituality in rhythm and verse.”  His sweetly reverential tunes, performed with his pure, uplifting vocals and crisp instrumentals, will soar into the night with everlasting power.

 June
“Giselle” on Wednesday & Thursday June 4th & 5th at 7 p.m.  ($25)
Love, betrayal, heartbreak and forgiveness are expressed with physical distinction in the Ruidoso Dance Ensemble’s adaptation of “Giselle” on Wednesday & Thursday June 4th & 5th at 7 p.m.  ($25 – all proceeds benefit the RDE). A classic two-act ballet, “Giselle” is a mythological tale about the supremacy of love between two people – and the pure love of dance. Under the direction of Deborah Rogers, the founder of the Ensemble, the evocative production will feature gorgeous sets, costumes, and drops – plus the remarkable talents of local student dancers and professional guest artist Norbert Nirewicz.

Kathy Mattea on Saturday, June 7th at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56).  
Next up the hall sings with the classic country and pop vocals of music star Kathy Mattea on Saturday, June 7th at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56). Mattea’s list of hits include 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses, Walk the Way the Wind Blows and The Battle Hymn of Love.  The Grammy-winning singer returns to her Appalachian roots in her new traditional country CDentitled “Coal” -- a collection of songs about the impact of mining on lives and landscape.  Mattea will be joined by her multi-instrumental band for this lush night of rich acoustic blends, songs about heritage and heartache, and of course, her greatest hits.

Estéban on Saturday, June 14th at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56). 
One week later, the popular Nuevo flamenco guitarist Estéban returns to Spencer spotlights on Saturday, June 14th at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56). The hit guitarist, composer and arranger will be joined by his multi-instrumental band, making for an explosive night of contemporary flamenco tunes.  Such popular arrangements of Brown Eyed Girl, Amazing Grace, Eleanor Rigby, Don't Cry For Me Argentina as well as Estéban's original compositions will shimmer through the night.

“The Mousetrap” on Friday, June 20th at 8 p.m. ($25).     
Agatha Christie’s classic who-done-it, The Mousetrap, engages patrons the following week on Friday, June 20th at 8 p.m. ($25).  Performed by theatre students with Wayland University, “The Mousetrap” is considered the quintessential English murder mystery, a riveting tale packed with dramatic twists and turns -- “Unfailingly ingenious!” says the London Times.  Under the artistic direction of Marti Runnels, the Dean of the School of Fine Arts at Wayland, the cast and crew will be selected from the vicinities of Plainview, Texas and Ruidoso.

The Buckinghams – Saturday, June 28th ($59 & $56).  With a string of hits that include Kind of a Drag, Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song) and Mercy, Mercy Mercy, The Buckinghams are performance pros that have continually filled concert halls for four decades. First storming the music scene in the early 1960’s (when just seniors at their Chicago high school) this10-member band (including a five-piece horn section) are still led by the fabulous guitarist and vocalist Carl Giammarese.

July
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Friday, July 11th at 7 p.m. ($15 adults, $7 children 12 and under) Starring 50-60 area children ages 6 to 17.
Missoula Childrens' Theatre’s weeklong singing and acting workshop kicks-off with auditions at 9 a.m. Monday, July 7th (audition location to be announced at www.spencertheater.com).  The workshop is free of charge.  No experience necessary.  Participating children must commit to the week of rehearsals held at the Spencer, which culminates with the Friday production.

The Smothers Brothers – Friday, July 18th at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76).
With opening act, comedian Tom Cotter. The Smothers Brothers are legendary masters of comic timing in a timeless act – idiosyncratic brilliance packed with intuitive humor, natural warmth, folk melodies and hilarious sibling rivalry.  The superlative stage & screen entertainers, who are being saluted in halls of fame across the country for their 50+ years in the business, take center stage at the Spencer 8 p.m. Friday, July 18th. Spencer patrons will be sharing in history as The Smothers Brothers perform immortal acts like “Mom Liked You Best!”  “Yo Yo Man,” “Chocolate” “Tom Dooley,” “You Can Call Me Stupid” and “I Talk to Trees.” 
Prior to The Smothers Brothers performance, the audience will be “warmed-up” with belly aching laughs with the stand-up comedy of tough guy Tom Cotter, a Tonight Show and Comedy Central regular who’s won just about every award there is in the contemporary comedy circuit.

Ottmar Liebert – Tuesday, July 22nd at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56). 
The richly atmospheric music of guitarist Ottmar Liebert and his multi-instrumental band, Luna Negra (Dark Moon), is described as Spanish gypsy with contemporary grooves.  The platinum selling, Grammy nominated artist carved out the genre of Nuevo Flamenco a little over 18 years ago with his deeply metaphoric and mesmerizing melodies.  His instrumentals conjure up gorgeous images of ancient Andalusia as well as the rugged American southwest. The German-born Santa-Fe based Liebert has been a true icon among contemporary guitarists.  He has released a plethora of stunning rhythms in 26 recordings.

AUGUST
Pam Tillis – Friday, August 1st at 8 p.m.  ($69 & $66)
Renowned for her simmering, falsetto-tinged vocals, the Grammy-winning Pam Tillis has been a Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year and has released 11 Cds since first appearing on the music scene in 1990.  With a string of gold and platinum hits like Mi Vida Loca, It’s Lonely Out There, Spilled Perfume and Shake The Sugar Tree, Tillis, (the daughter of the legendary songwriter Mel Tillis), is a marvelous stage performer who easily connects with audiences – both on the country music scene as well as on the Broadway stage.  Tillis appears at the Spencer at 8 p.m. Friday, August 1st , joined by her sizzling band of musicians in performance of her greatest hits as well as selections from her new CD Rhinestoned.

Doug Montgomery – Wednesday, August 6th at 8 p.m. ($49 & $46).
Pianist Doug Montgomery is the quintessential entertainer who makes audiences feel right at home. The Juilliard-trained artist has an elegant style and affable spirit that makes every tune he trills a definite treat.  Long called New Mexico’s “Piano Man,” Montgomery performs a vast range of piano favorites – everything from barroom ditties to Broadway standards and classical masterpieces. Myrl Sawyer Good is the Signature Sponsor of Montgomery’s performance at the Spencer on Wednesday, August 6th at 8 p.m. 

The Fab Four – Saturday, August 9th at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56)
The Beatles are channeled back to the stage with The Fab Four, the note-for-note look-alike and sound-alike Beatles revue show that reflects all the major phases of The Beatles’ evolving career.  Having toured the world-over, The Fab Four, which takes center stage at the Spencer Saturday, August 9th at 8 p.m., is considered one of the very best Beatles re-creation groups. With pitch-perfect renditions of classics like Yesterday, Hey Jude, Penny lane, Here Comes The Sun, and Yellow Submarine, The Fab Four recreates the very vibe of the British band that revolutionized music forever.

John Denver Tribute – Saturday, August 16th at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Eight of John Denver’s dear friends and colleagues  (vocalists, musicians and songwriters) once again gather at the Spencer for a touching tribute to his great legacy of songs: Rocky Mountain High, Take Me Home Country Roads, Leaving On A Jet Plane, Sunshine On My Shoulders, Annie’s Song, Thank God I’m A Country Boy and so many more.  The talented group of musicians includes: Mack Bailey (vocals, guitar); Bill Danoff (vocals, guitar); Alan Deremo (bass); Pete Huttlinger (lead guitar, vocals); Gary Mule Deer (comedy, vocals, guitar); Chris Nole (piano, keyboards, vocals); John Sommers (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals), and Mollie Weaver (vocals). The concert is sponsored in part by Four Seasons Real Estate/Casas de Ruidoso.

Chuck Mangione – Saturday, August 23rd at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Grammy and Emmy winning trumpet/flugelhorn artist Chuck Mangione has wowed the world over with his upbeat and straight ahead jazz compositions: Feels So Good, Bellavia, Children of Sanchez and Give It All You Got.  With his trademark fedora and boundless energy, Magione will be joined by his band for a night of progressive jazz magic at the Spencer on Saturday, August 23rd at 8 p.m. a “friend of the Spencer” sponsors his concert.

Orders for Public and Series Tickets (four or more events) will be processed beginning April 24th.  Telephone and single-performance ticket orders will be processed starting April 28th.

WAYS TO ORDER/ BUY Summer Season 2008 Tickets (public series & public single ticket sales)

Summer Season 2008 is sponsored in part by The Hugh Bancroft Jr. Foundation, Compass Bank, the Inn of the Mountain Gods, Sierra Blanca Motors, Ruidoso Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation, Ventanas, The Enjoyment of Fine Southwestern Living, Montaraz, Rainmakers, El Paso Magazine, Oh So Ruidoso Magazine, New Mexico Magazine, Ruidoso.net, area radio stations KRUI-1490 AM NEWS TALK TOURISM & KIDX 101.5 FM, KNMB–96.7 FM, KTUM 107.1 FM, KBIM-94.9 FM, 910 AM Roswell, KWES 93.5 FM and KBUY 1360 AM and KEDU 102.3 FM.

Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer’s celebrated features.  The elegant, award-winning hall, which first raised its curtains in 1997, seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage.  The Spencer also has a 964 square-foot outdoor stage that can seat 1,500. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art.  Free public tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year.