News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 12/19/03   Click on image for publication quality photo UNSINKABLE MOLLY – The 2004 season of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts opens on January 30 with the musical that charmed Broadway and film audiences, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” INDIVIDUAL 2004 COLUMBIA THEATRE TICKETS AVAILABLE JAN. 5       HAMMOND  -- Tickets for the 10 events in the 2004 season of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will be available beginning January 5.       The renovated theater’s third line up of stellar performances features two Broadway musicals, a vintage Britain invasion rock group, an ensemble of ten charming Australian tenors, a whimsical and colorful version of a comic ballet, an award-winning Country/bluegrass star, a comedy/drama about Louisiana’s outrageous Earl Long, and a  trio of concerts by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.       Donna Gay Anderson, director of the Columbia and Southeastern’s fall arts festival, Fanfare, said there are two changes in store for the 2004 season concerning performance times and box office hours.       Anderson said the curtain time for all shows is being changed from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Also, beginning January 5, the box office, located in the theater’s lobby at 220 E. Thomas St. (985-543-4371) in downtown Hammond, will be open every Monday from noon to 5 p.m. Traditionally, box office has been open five working days before each performance date.       The season opens on January 30 with a musical that charmed Broadway and film audiences, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” On February 5, Canada’s Ballet Jörgen will present “Coppélia,” the story of a beautiful and charming puppet who comes to life and ultimately falls for the wrong man.       The first of three 2004 concerts by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is scheduled for February 27 with “Mostly Mozart” featuring the overture to the opera, “The Magic Flute;” Divertimento No. 1, and Symphony No. 41 ("Jupiter"). The LPO will bring its popular “Beethoven & Blue Jeans” series, with guest pianist Stewart Goodyear, to the Columbia on May 7.       “Ain't Misbehavin'” comes to the Columbia on March 9. Pre-World War II Harlem lives on in this rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping revue that is perennially considered one of Broadway's very best. Bluegrass singer Marty Raybon, renowned for his years with the award-winning Country music band Shenandoah, will be spotlighted on May 20. The British invasion hit of the sixties, Herman’s Hermits, starring lead singer Peter Noone, will storm the Columbia on July 15.        On October 16, as part of Fanfare, the Columbia will host the Ten Tenors, a charming classical ensemble from Australia. Actor John McConnell, who won rave reviews for his performances in “The Kingfish” and  “A Confederacy of Dunces,” will star in “Earl Long in Purgatory,” a new show about Louisiana’s legendary and controversial governor.       The 2004 season will close out on a festive note on December 3 with a holiday concert by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra .       Ticket information and details about all Columbia 2004 events are available online at www.selu.edu/columbia/2004.html and in the season brochure. For additional information, call the Columbia/Fanfare office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-543-4366. Return to News Releases