Tony Award-winning 'Blast!' comes to Phillips Center Dec. 13

November 18, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Following triumphant successes in London, on Broadway and across North America, “Blast!,” winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event and the 2001 Emmy Award for Best Choreography, comes to the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for one performance only at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. A pre-performance discussion will be held at 6:45 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Born on athletic fields across the nation, “Blast!” is a novel art form evolved from the showmanship of outdoor pageantry. It evolved from the drum corps Star of Indiana, which was founded in 1984 in Bloomington, Ind., by businessman Bill Cook to benefit young people in music education. Artistic Director James Mason is a lifelong veteran of drum and bugle corps and other musical activities. In its initial year, Star of Indiana became the first corps ever to place among the top 10 corps at the prestigious Drum Corps International World Championships. Star of Indiana improved each year until it became the world champion in 1991. Competing against other organizations from the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe, Star’s performances revolutionized the world of drum corps, bringing an ever-more sophisticated sense of musicianship, exciting showmanship, and dynamic choreography to this wonderful genre. Since 1993, Mason has been shaping the evolution of Star of Indiana from a competitive, 128-member drum corps to a theatrical show which brings the power, passion and precision of outdoor pageantry to the stage in a musical performance now known as “Blast!”

“Blast!” on tour consists of 35 members, drawn from the world of outdoor pageantry all across North America. There are more than 40 world titles held by cast members who comprise three performing sections – the brass, percussion and visual ensembles. The brass instruments are pitched in the standard multi-keys. The percussion section includes drums, mallet instruments and electronic keyboards. The visual element enhances the show by spinning and tossing unusual implements along with the traditional sabers and colorful flags in perfectly synchronized, ballet-like drill. The physical and musical demands of the production require that the performers be highly trained athletes who are also world-class musicians.

Blast! is produced and booked by Big League Theatricals. PBS supports Blast! with a one-hour special program.

University of Florida Performing Arts and the United States Marines Corps will collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the performance. Toys are not required for admission.
Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors, Holloway Financial Services and WCJB TV 20 sponsor this performance.

Tickets are: $40, front orchestra and mezzanine; $35, mid-orchestra; $30, rear orchestra; $25, balcony. $10 rush tickets for seats in the balcony may be available day of show.

Tickets to University of Florida Performing Arts events are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-ARTS (2787) or (800) 905-ARTS (2787) or by faxing orders to (352) 846-1562. Tickets are also available at the University Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group ticket sales are available.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and two hours prior to performance time. The box office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24, and will open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.

Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.