By Nathan Duke
Queensborough Community College will have a flair for the theatrical next month when it hosts a George Gershwin musical, a political satire, an Italian opera and an evening of romantic ballads at its performing arts center in Bayside.
The college, at 222-05 56th Ave. in Bayside, has a full roster of performances in October as part of its performing arts center’s 45th anniversary season from 2010-11.
On Oct. 3, the center will present “S’Wonderful,” which is the first Gershwin musical since the Tony Award-winning “Crazy For You.”
The musical celebrates the song-writing team of George and Ira Gerswhin in an all-singing, all-dancing revue that includes “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Fascinating Rhythm” and “Summertime.” The performance will begin at 3 p.m.
“Obama Mia,” a new show that spoofs recent political figures and events, will perform at the college Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.
The current members of the cult hit show are former Capitol Hill staffers who have collectively worked in nearly 20 congressional offices and represent a total of more than 60 years of House and Senate experience.
On Oct. 17, Teatro Lirico D’Europa will present “Madama Butterfly” at 3 p.m.
The show, the most-performed opera in the United States, is an Italian tragedy in three acts that will feature exquisite costumes, English subtitles and a live orchestra.
The center will host a performance of “Like Father, Like Son!,” a nostalgia act in which Louis Prima Jr. and Ricci Martin will appear together to pay tribute to their famous fathers. Prima’s father, Louis Prima, was the original “King of Swing,” and Martin’s father was crooner Dean Martin.
Songs that will be performed in the show will include “Jump, Jive an’ Wail,” “Angelina,” “Just a Gigolo,” “Memories Are Made of This,” “Volare,” That’s Amore” and “Everybody Loves Summertime.”
The show will begin at 3 p.m. Oct. 24.
Tickets for all show are available online at visitqpac.org. For more information about the performances, call the performing arts center’s box office at 718-631-6311.
“Who could ask for anything more?” said Queensborough Performing Arts Center Artistic Director Susan Agin about the center’s slate of performances, quoting Gershwin’s “I’ve Got Rhythm.”
The center is celebrating its 45th anniversary throughout the 2010-11 season. The lineup of performers who have played the center this season include jazz legend Thelonius Monk, renowned dance choreographer Merce Cunningham, 1960s folk singer Judy Collins, the Alvin Ailey Dance Co., classical actor Alvin Epstein, Ben Vereen, Chita Rivera, David Cassidy and Marvin Hamlisch.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
