Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College has announced the upcoming 2012-2013 DeWitt Performing Arts Series lineup.
The staff at Cole Auditorium has been working diligently to find the best possible mix to entertain audiences in the area, especially those who want to return time and time again. Some may want to see every show in the series.
“My staff and I have been working diligently to find the best possible mix of shows for your entertainment,” said Director of Cole Auditorium Joey Bennett. “We have put together what I believe is a remarkable season with even more ‘star-power’ than ever before. Four of these performers can easily be the headlining act for any series of shows anywhere in the state or regions. You can visit our website for more detailed descriptions of the shows.”
Purchasing season tickets to the DeWitt Performing Arts Series has many benefits, including guaranteed, reserved seating for all seven performances, 55 percent savings as opposed to purchasing each, automated phone calls reminding you of show times, the chance to upgrade or change seats and the opportunity to re-sell tickets for performances that you can’t attend via the Cole Ticket Trader.
“We are nearing the completion of our season ticket renewal process for patrons that had season tickets last year,” said Bennett. “After the deadline, there will be a short delay as we work to honor seat upgrade requests for those patrons. Around the end of September we will start connecting potential season ticket holders to fulfill the request from patrons that didn’t have seats last year. Parties interested in purchasing season tickets or getting more information about the process should contact the box office.”
There is a waiting list for season tickets and Cole Auditorium staff will be offering patrons who purchase season tickets the opportunity to join ‘The Director’s Circle.’ This optional membership-giving program is tied directly to Richmond Community College and the RCC Foundation and offers special privileges for members. When you confirm your purchase of season tickets, you will receive more information about the enrollment process and payment options for the program.
“If you would be interested in season tickets or individual show tickets, please contact us at the Cole box office and inform us of your request,” said Bennett. “We consider all requests in the order in which they are received.”
“We’ve been season ticket holders since the very beginning,” said Dr. John Stevenson. “We feel very strongly that the arts are such an important part of the community. We feel like the arts are an integral part of education. That’s why I’m so heavily involved with Discovery Place KIDS. Having season tickets makes it easier to go to shows and it supports the community, and also supports RCC. We are in the Director’s Circle as well. It’s not just benefiting to see the shows, it’s benefiting the life of our community.”
The season will kick off for season ticket holders on Oct. 25, with Hometown Country featuring Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington at 7:30 p.m. After that, on Nov. 6, The Lowe Family will perform. They will be followed on Dec. 11 by Emile Pandolfi Christmas and Amy Grant will take the stage on Jan. 18. On Feb. 7, the Cole Auditorium stage will see Hooray for Hollywood and Masters of Motown on April 11. The last show of the series will be Sandi Patty on May 2. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Season tickets range from $100 per seat to $130, depending on the row.
The auditorium’s website can be viewed at www.richmondcc.ed. The box office hours are Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also call the box office at 910-410-1691.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.







