Arts &Letters Series hosts weekend events

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
March 28, 2003
The 2002-2003 Arts &Letters Series is nearing the end of its season. This weekend, the series will present two must-see shows.
First, tonight at 7:30 p.m., the Peking Acrobats will amaze the audience with their graceful movements on Meridian's Temple Theater stage.
Hailing from the People's Republic of China, the Peking Acrobats have been diplomats of their spirited culture for decades. Since 1952, this elite group of gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers has left audiences spellbound by the graceful atheleticism of their ancient folk art acrobatics.
From as early as age 5, the hand-selected performers begin mastering disciplines dating back to 207 B.C. when acrobatic movements mirrored the pleasantries and struggles of daily life.
Today, the troupe is the largest of its kind and performs flawlessly under the direction and choreography of Hai Ken Tsai, whose family is steeped in three generations of Chinese acrobatics.
On Sunday, the MCC Singers and Variations will present their "Swing into Spring" program in Meridian Community College's McCain Theater at 3 p.m.
Conducted by Dr. Bob Hermetz, the 38-member chorus will offer a variety of selections, including: "Gloria" by Linda Spevacek; "Almighty God" by Larry Nickel; "Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep" by John Rutter; and "Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal" by Alice Parker.
The accompanist for the evening's performance will be Wayne McInnis.
The Variations, with choreography by Carol Merrill, are a 16-member pop show group with fresh arrangements of favorites from the 1950s all the way to present.
They include: "Greased Lightning" from the musical "Grease"; "Ease on Down the Road" from "The Wiz"; "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?"; the Platters' "My Prayer," featuring Anson Norwood; a guy's rendition of "Calendar Girl"; and an upbeat dance in "The Street."