Tony Award-winning Blast comes to Miller Auditorium

KALAMAZOO--Blast, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event and Emmy Award for Best Choreography, will visit Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium for a single show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

Born on athletic fields across the nation, Blast is a novel art form that puts classical, blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll and techno-pop music in motion. The touring show consists of 35 members, drawn from the world of outdoor pageantry. There are more than 40 world titles held by Blast 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 with the spinning and tossing of unusual implements as well as the traditional sabers and colorful flags in a synchronized, ballet-like drill.

The physical and musical demands of the production require that the performers be both highly trained athletes and world-class musicians. Months of intense training prepare the cast. Rehearsing through heat, cold, dust and rain, they produce performances where athleticism and kaleidoscopic movement meet award-winning musical talent for a truly unique experience.

For more information on Blast and the 2012 North American tour, visit blasttheshow.com.

Tickets

Blast at Miller Auditorium is part of the Lake Michigan Mailers Spotlight Series and is welcomed by Meijer. Tickets are on sale now and range from $20 to $40. They can be purchased online at millerauditorium.com, by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858, or in person at the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office.

A 15 percent discount is available to all WMU faculty and staff, and a 50 percent discount is available to WMU students. Discounted tickets may be purchased by phone or in person, and a valid Bronco Card is required at the time of pickup. Group discounts are available at (269) 387-2312.

For more information, contact Bethany Gauthier at @email or (269) 387-2245.