Music, Dance, Comedy
Highlight Spencer Theater's Summer Season

Folk music, ballet, Dixieland, country, comedy and easy listening are just a few of the reasons to set your summer schedule to include a trip to the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, a year-round venue for world-class performances in theater, music and dance in Alto, New Mexico, near Ruidoso.

Opened in October of 1997, the $25.5-million structure is splendid and elegant, yet intimate and welcoming. At the heart of the Spencer is its 514-seat hall, offering a powerful experience in the performing arts.

"Even when empty, the Spence Theater for the Performing Arts is visually spectacular," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. "Filled with music, dance, comedy and the friendly folks of southern New Mexico, the Spencer offers an unforgettable experience. I encourage all New Mexicans and their visitors to include the Spencer in their travel plans."

The summer season kicks off June 3 with The Limeliters, a 1960s folk group that stands as one of the most significant of the era, with a string of best-selling albums. "Cinderella," presented by the Ruidoso Dance Ensemble, joins the party June 10, followed by the Dukes of Dixieland outdoor lawn concert June 17, and "Art," winner of the 1989 Tony Award for Best Play, June 24.

This year's July 4th Independence Day Party features fireworks, food and the music of Kelly Doze of Austin, Texas. Bring your own chairs and blankets. "Diavolo," a Los Angeles group comprised of dancers, gymnasts and actors who perform dramatic works about the challenges of relationships and the absurdities of life, arrives July 11.

Local singers and dancers take the Spencer stage in a July 15 benefit; singer Natalie Bancroft joins Doug Montgomery, New Mexico's favorite piano man, July 20; "the comedy troupe Greater Tuna" lands July 29; and Michelle Wright, one sassy and defiant country songstress, performs August 4.

Robert Michael's Nuevo Flamenco, featuring music and dance, arrives August 12, followed by Jeri Sager's "Broadway" August 19. The summer season closes August 26 with the "Return of the Rat Pack," a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joey Bishop, offering boozy fun and a night of outstanding music.

For more information, contact the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, 1-888-818-7872 or 505-336-4800, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit http://www.spencertheater.com.

Mike Stauffer, Communications Director, New Mexico Tourism Department
505-827-7379, mike.stauffer@state.nm.us

Sarah Robarts
sarah@ballantinespr.com
310-454-3080 Tel.
310 570 7355 Cell
http://www.ballantinespr.com