Choirs in concert
The Emporia State University Department of Music presents the A Capella Choir and Community Choir at 3 p.m. Sunday in Albert Taylor Hall. At 7:30 p.m. Monday, guest artist and internationally-known pianist Jesus Maria Figueroa will perform in Heath Recital Hall of Beach Music Hall.
The concert will feature music for piano by Mexican and Spanish composers. He and four of his students returned to Emporia to help the community observe the Cinco de Mayo celebration, according to the news release. Figueroa teaches at the National school of Music in Mexico City.
This visit is part of an exchange with their school, according to Martin Cuellar, associate professor of music at ESU. Cuellar and four of his students went to Mexico City during spring break where they performed a concert. Figueroa and his students performed Thursday for students of Nancy Robohn at Riverside Elementary School.
General admission is $5; students and senior citizens, $4. Information: 343-5431.
Summer Theatre
Emporia State University Summer Theatre 2008 opens June 11 with “Some Enchanted Evening — The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein” in Bruder Theatre, continuing through June 14. The season continues with “Bell, Book and Candle” by John Van Druten, June 25 through 28; “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” from the Reduced Shakespeare Company (for mature audiences), July 9 through 12; and “I Love You Because” by Joshua Salzman and Ryan Cunningham, July 23 through 26, all in Bruder Theatre. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 341-5256.
Book signing
Mystery writer Gloria D’Alsessandro will visit Topeka to greet fans and sign copies of her new book, “The Mystery of the Pheramengo Cross,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Hastings Bookstore, 5317 S.W. 22nd Place. The book was recently awarded the title of “Best Christian Mystery of the Year,” said the news release. D’Alessandro is working on her fifth novel, “The Mystery of the Eighth Deadly Sin,” with all five novels featuring investigations by lead character Conci McVey in a Christian school setting.
Musical
An original musical featuring songs by award-winning recording artist Jon Troast debuts next week.
The show, “Mary Jane: An Indie Rock Romance,” is written, directed and choreographed by Lindy Bartruff. It will be performed twice — at 7 and 9 p.m. May 9 — in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre in Roosevelt Hall. Tickets at $5 each will be available at the door.
“Mary Jane” is based on songs from Troast’s popular album, “Second Story.” In addition to Troast, the show features ESU alum Elizabeth Sullivan as Mary Jane. Students in ESU’s Theatre Dance class portray the remaining roles. The show is the culmination of a semester-long study in theatre dance. “Mary Jane: An Indie Rock Romance” was inspired by Troast’s song, “Mary Jane,” and choreographer Twyla Tharp’s “Movin’ Out,” which featured the music of Billy Joel.
A reception on Troast’s behalf will be held following the second performance on May 9. On May 10, he will perform at the Emma Chase Café in Cottonwood Falls. On Mother’s Day, Troast will perform one of his popular living room concerts in Newton.
His newest album is being released today.