Spencer Theater Announces Summer 2014 Season

There's something for everyone in the Spencer Theater's Summer Season 2014 showcase of concerts, dance, comedy, tributes, parties and special fundraising events. The packed schedule, running late May through August features 16 stellar events, all staged with superior lighting and grand acoustics at the award-winning, not-for-profit Alto, New Mexico performance hall. Pre-performance lobby buffets are offered ($20) before most every show, enabling patrons to easily enjoy a scrumptious hot meal with bar drinks before curtain time.

Beat the show crowds and get the best views now by calling the Spencer at 575.336.4800 or toll free at 888.818.7872 for ticket information and orders, or go to www.spencertheater.com. Get your season tickets now! The theater accepts orders on paper or by web at any time; the orders will be processed beginning April 16. Also on April 16 phone orders are accepted. Series tickets (four or more shows) will be processed beginning April 15.

Kicking off the action in May is:

Le Corsaire, Ruidoso Dance Ensemble - Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. ($30). Swashbuckling tale of pirates, powerful Turks and the slave girls who love them. Starring a cast of 70, this two-act classic features awesome sets, effects and talent galore.

Melissa Manchester - Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Pop-rock songstress with a bevy of honors and awards for her catalog of beautiful pop ballads "Midnight Blue," "Through The Eyes of Love," "Whenever I Call You Friend," "Don't Cry Out Loud" and "You Should Hear How She Talks About You," among other hits. Melissa will play the piano and sing at her multi-media Spencer gig, which includes guitar and vocal accompaniment. Pre-show ravioli & linguini lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Curtains rise upon comedy, dance, beauty and fundraising fun in June with:

The Nerd - Wayland University Theatre, Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m. ($30). Featuring a cast of seven, this two-act comedy by playwright Larry Shue centers on a "house-guest from hell" who outstays his welcome with a vengeance. The guest transforms what should have been a normal dinner party thrown for an important client into absolute insanity. Pre-show barbeque beef short ribs lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

OH WHAT A NIGHT! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - Tuesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56) A captivating tribute to Valli's vivacious songbook. Featuring impeccable vocals, and non-stop singing and dancing, the night's many hits will include the iconic 'Jersey boys' greatest hits "Sherry," Big Girls Don't Cry," "My Eyes Adored You," "Grease" and "Let's Hang On," and a dozen more favorites. Sponsored in-part by Rainmakers Golf Course & Community. Pre-show herb roasted codfish lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

"Taste of the Spencer" Fundraiser - Saturday, June 21 at 6 p.m. ($50). A robust evening of scrumptious hors d'eouvres, generous pours of wine (courtesy of National Distributing Co.,) and the live & silent auction of art, trips, antiques, jewelry, golf and fishing packages, fine clothing, celebrity memorabilia and more. Fun, fun, fun. (Also at the event, the winning ticket for the hand-blown glass "Poppy Red Basket Set with Ash Lip Wrap" by glass artist Dale Chihuly will be drawn. The raffle tickets are currently being sold for $50; only 300 will be sold. The basket set is valued at $25,000. (Ticket buyers need not be present at the "Taste of the Spencer" in order to win the glass art). "Taste of the Spencer" is the theater's most critical annual fundraiser, proceeds from which are used for facility operations and programming. Join us - and join in the success!

2014 Miss New Mexico Pageant - Thursday-Saturday, June 26-28 ($49-$29) More than 20 of the most beautiful women in New Mexico compete for the crown! 1st preliminary competition June 26 at 7 p.m.; 2nd preliminary & crowning of "Outstanding Teen" June 27 at 7 p.m.; Miss New Mexico Finals & crowning June 28 at 8 p.m.

Action in the footlights gains momentum in July with:

Spencer Wine & Brew Festival - Friday, July 5 from 2 p.m.- 9 p.m. ($25; $20 prior to day of event). Featuring New Mexico fine wines and beers as well as arts and crafts, this is a day-long event with live music and popping good fun! Patrons may enjoy pours at booths set around both levels of the Spencer's Crystal Lobby. Entertainment at the day-long event will be provided by the sizzling quartet Straight Up Jazz of Albuquerque (jazz standards with bass, keyboard, drums, saxophones, flutes and clarinet). Dance, taste a variety of wines and beer, (patrons may also purchase these products for take home) and meet talented artists at this New Mexico True event! Sponsored in-part by First National Bank of Ruidoso.

Missoula Children's Theatre's "Blackbeard The Pirate" - Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m. ($10 for children, $18 adults). Approximately 50 children, ages 6-16, will be needed for the musical's various parts. Auditions set for Monday, July 7 at 9 a.m. No experience necessary. Weeklong theatre workshop is free. For information, call 575.336.4800. Sponsored by Ruidoso Ford.

Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers - Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m. ($59 & $56). Original piano pumpin' rhythms with inspired swagger honoring the performance traditions of Lipinsky's heroes Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley. Together with Lance (the star of the hit Tony-winning musical "Million Dollar Quartet"), this explosive "retro revival" concert includes the rockabilly Lovers on drums, bass and guitar. Pre-show pot roast lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Ottmar Liebert - Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). This Platinum selling artist who created the genre of nouveau flamenco with his sizzling, sensuous tune Barcelona Nights. Liebert, a true icon among contemporary guitarists, has released a plethora of rich and mysterious Southwestern-Spanish-Gypsy rhythms in 26 recordings. His multi-instrumental acoustic band Luna Negra joins him on stage. His stage concert will be preceded by a Master's Class at 5 p.m. The hands-on guitar class is free of charge and open to guitarists of all levels; however, participants must be concert ticket holders. Please RSVP for the class when purchasing show ticket (only 50 people maximum can be in the class). Pre-show chicken a la vodka lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Spencer Speakeasy Party: A Roaring '20s Dinner & Dance - Tuesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. ($110). Costumes are optional at the Flapper party, but dressing a la mode of "The Great Gatsby" era will make for a whole lot of fun! Enjoy a scrumptious steak and lobster dinner, speakeasy martinis and dance the night away to the grand jazz of The Capones, a septet of horns and percussion together with sultry female vocals. The festive party will be on the magnificent Spencer stage.

August brings in acclaimed Country, Doo-Wop legends, Jazz-Rock aficionados and Folk-Rock music greats with:

Lee Greenwood - Saturday, August 2 at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76) This award-winning God Bless The USA singer/songwriter also won distinction for 19 Top Ten country hits like "I.O.U." "Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands," Hearts Aren't Made To Break (They're Made To Love)," "It Turns Me Inside Out" and "Somebody's Gonna Love You." His Spencer concert is sponsored by Kay Bird & Sandy Erwin. Pre-show southern fried catfish lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

The Shirelles starring Beverly Lee - Saturday August 9 at 8 p.m. ($79 & $76). The sweet harmonies and yearning innocence of this historic vocal group shines forth in their Doo Wop, Rhythm & Blues and smooth uptown soul hits like "Dedicated To The One I Love," "Mama Said," "Soldier Boy," "Foolish Little Girl," and "Sha La La." The Shirelles, starring group original Beverly Lee (the "keeper of the flame") are a true class act packed with infectious energy and sass. Their concert is sponsored by Lynn & Bruce Morgan. Pre-show beef & shrimp kebabs lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Don McLean - Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Legendary singer & songwriter of "American Pie," "Vincent," "Empty Chairs" and "Castles In The Air," Don McLean is a true American troubadour who's been called a master of "spirituality in rhythm and verse." He's joined on the Spencer stage by his multi-instrumental band for a night of folk-rock anthems. McLean's concert is sponsored by Walton Stations of New Mexico. Pre-show grilled pork chop lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Pat Green, Texas Country - Thursday, August 21 & Friday, August 22 at 8 p.m. ($$69 & $66). The Grammy-nominated hit maker, whose tunes "Wave On Wave," "Take Me Out Dancing" and "Somewhere Between Texas and Mexico," has carved a reputation as a mainstream Country outsider steering clear of the glitz. He's an ace songwriter with upbeat vocal stylings and a bit of Rock and Blues in his Country mix. Green will be joined at the Spencer by his five man band. Sponsored by The R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation.

Brass Transit, The Music of Chicago - Saturday, August 30 at 8 p.m. ($69 & $66). Featuring a world-class horn section, rocking rhythm section and sky-high vocals, Brass Transit, a band of eight award-winning musicians, transports audiences to a more freewheeling era with the many Jazz-Rock hits of Chicago, virtually the hottest "rock band with horns" of the 70s and 80s. Chicago's many Gold and Platinum hits include "Saturday In The Park," "Feelin' Stronger Every Day," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "Wishing You Were Here." Brass Transit features some of Canada's most-in-demand musicians and the group won endorsement by Chicago for its true sound and integrity. Enjoy their soaring vocals and spot-on instrumentals with multiple woodwinds, bass and drums. Pre-show spicy fried chicken lobby buffet ($20) at 6 p.m.

Get your season tickets now! Series tickets (four or more shows) will be processed beginning April 15. Single tickets and phone sales begin April 16. Call the Spencer Theater at 575.336.4800 or go online to www.spencertheater.com. (The site allows for secure ordering). You may also request a brochure with show descriptions to be mailed to your home or business.

The Spencer Theater is at 108 Spencer Road, Airport Highway 220, Alto, NM. Business hours are 9 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For tickets or information call (575) 336-4800 or toll free at 888.818.7872.

ON THE WEB: www.spencertheater.com

BY E-MAIL: boxoffice@spencertheater.com.

BY PHONE: (575) 336-4800 or (888) 818-7872

BY FAX: (575) 336-0055; BY MAIL: Donna Clarke, Box Office Manager, Spencer Theater, 108 Spencer Road, Alto, NM 88312.

Summer Season 2014 is sponsored in part by The Hugh Bancroft Jr. Foundation, The Lodge at Sierra Blanca and Walton Stations of New Mexico KWES 93.5 FM, KBUY 1360 AM and KWES 1450 AM Fox Sports, with additional season support from KOBR Channel 8, Inn of the Mountain Gods, Ruidoso Ford-Lincoln, R.D. & Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation, Su Casa Magazine, Rainmakers, New Mexico Magazine, Comcast Spotlight, MTD Media, The Dove KEDU 102.3 FM, Burt Broadcasting in Alamogordo, Majestic Communications in Roswell and First National Bank of Ruidoso.

Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer's celebrated features. The elegant, award-winning hall, which first raised its curtains in 1997, seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage. The Spencer also has a 964 square-foot outdoor stage that can seat 1,500. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art. Free public tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Donations are accepted!