UPDATED: East Texas performing arts center books Bill Cosby, Blue Man Group, and more

by Bianca Montes

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The Cowan Center celebrates its fifteenth year with an impressive lineup.

TYLER — From Broadway to Las Vegas, national touring acts will perform on the stage of UT Tyler's Cowan Center for its fifteenth anniversary season.

The goal of the Cowan Center is to offer a diverse program to its community, said Susan Thomae-Morphew, talent center executive director. “Guests don’t have to go to Dallas for entertainment anymore. Everything is right at home -- in the heart of Tyler.”

Scheduled performances include Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast; American rock band Huey Lewis and the News; and multi-media performers Blue Man Group, among others.

“For those who have seen the Blue Man Group before, they will not [want to] miss it,” Thomae-Morphew said. “It is just that type of show. They are just so unique.”

She said the audience interaction with the Blue Man Group is what makes them so fun.

Las Vegas’ blue sensation and Beauty and the Beast will be two of the top performances of the season, and she anticipates high ticket sales for both. “Beauty and the Beast will sell out. It does everywhere it goes,” Thomae-Morphew said.

Returning performer Bill Cosby will also be a huge hit, said Thomae-Morphew. “Bill is one of our all time favorites.”

Cosby will perform his comedic routine in April, six years since his last performance at the center.

Tickets are currently available in series or individual packages online and at the box office.

For more information on performances and ticket prices, visit the Cowan Center website.

Performing Arts Series

Indina Menzel (CANCELED)

• 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin October 24.

The Midtown Men (replaces Indina Menzel's performance)

• 7:30 p.m. Sep. 20
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin August 22.

Ailey II

• 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2012
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin November 28.

Blue Man Group

• 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2012
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin November 28.

Bill Cosby

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday April 14, 2012
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin March 19.

Broadway Series

Beauty and the Beast

• 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin September 26.

In the Heights

• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin November 7.

Young Frankenstein

• 7:30 p.m. March 1
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin February 20.

Braithwaite Intimate Gathering Series

Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles

• 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin August 29.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

• 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin October 17.

The Rat Pack is Back

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin November 28.

Distinguished Lecture Series

An Evening with Senator Fred Thompson

• United States Senator from Tennessee, 1994-2002
• 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin August 15.

An Evening with P.J. O’Rourke

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 2012
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin November 28.

Arts in Education

Charlotte’s Web

• 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Oct. 5
• Kindergarten through 4th grade
• Ticket orders accepted beginning August 15.

Ailey II

• 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 2012
• 4th grade through 12th grade
• Ticket orders accepted beginning August 15.

Special Events

Blast!

• 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin October 3.

Huey Lewis and The News

• 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29
• Member sales begin August 8.
• Public sales begin October 3.

UPDATED: From the Cowan Center - "The Cowan Center Performing Arts Series announces a change. Due to a scheduling conflict, Idina Menzel unfortunately must cancel her performance on November 19, 2011, at UT Tyler Cowan Center. We are thrilled to announce a September concert by four Broadway stars. After a successful 2010 national tour of nearly 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada, The Midtown Men bring their highly anticipated concert act to the Cowan Center."

Shannon Sutlief contributed to this story

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