VALDOSTA — From Moliere to Mozart to mixed-media exhibits, expect the unexpected from the coming 2012-13 arts season.

The Times recently polled a few area arts organizations for a peek into their coming seasons. This list is impressive but is by no means the full spectrum of shows, plays, exhibits and concerts opening in the coming months. In addition to these shows, there will be more children’s productions and high school musicals. The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts will announce its Presenter Series of visiting professional shows later this year.

So, consider this a cool taste of the arts to come, something to fill your calendars for the rest of this year and even into next year.



ANNETTE HOWELL TURNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Where: 527 N. Patterson St.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays. Most opening receptions, however, are 5-7 p.m. Mondays on designated dates.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org



EXHIBITS

— Artists Jim Touchton, Josh Rosen, Moody Air Force Base students, City Photo Contest. Shows run now through Aug. 1.

— Artists Dominick Gheesling, Vincent Keesee, Donna Leigh Jackins, South Georgia Regional Library youth. Shows run Aug. 6-Sept. 19.

— Artists Scott Fox; Smith, Pearl, McClain; GAEA Members; Southern Artists League. Shows run Sept. 24-Nov. 1.

— Artists Jeffrey Baisden; Volkmann, Moskovitz, Hofreita; Leslie Peebles. Shows run Nov. 5-Jan. 9, 2013.

— Hispanic-American Visual Artists Project, Drawproject 2013. Shows run Jan. 14-Feb. 20, 2013.

— High School Competition, Youth Art Exhibit, Art Contest Display. Shows run Feb. 24-March 25, 2013.

— Spring Into Art 2013. Show runs April 8-June 5.



GINGERBREAD PLAYERS

Where: The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St.

More information: Call (229) 24-STAGE; or visit www.theatreguildvaldosta.com

Note: Gingerbread Players is the children’s organization of Theatre Guild Valdosta.



SHOWS

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: A play based on Barbara Robinson’s 1971 book, “The Worst Kids in the World.” Never having attended church, a family of six children go to a worship service for the free snacks and are cast in the principal roles for the Christmas pageant. The regular church-goers are none to happy that these wild ones will tell the Christmas story from a different perspective. Show plays Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-2.



JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH: After “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” this is probably the most famous children’s book by British author Roald Dahl. In this outing, a young orphan boy named James has strange adventures after entering a giant, magical peach. Mostly with talking insects. Show plays March 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 2013.



THEATRE GUILD VALDOSTA

Where: The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St.

More information: Call (229) 24-STAGE; or visit www.theatreguildvaldosta.com



SHOWS

INTO THE WOODS: “In this fractured fairy tale, a Baker and his Wife, who learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone’s wish is granted at the end, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.” Stephen Sondheim composed the music and penned the lyrics; James Lapine wrote the book. Patti Cook directs the Guild production; she is joined by Ricardo Ipina as the Guild’s musical director. Show plays Aug. 9-12, 16-18.



LOVE, SEX, & THE IRS: “Here is a wild farce with twists of fate, sight gags, mistaken identities and hilarious comic lines. Jon Trachtman and Leslie Arthur are out-of-work musicians who room together in New York City. To save money, Jon has been filing tax returns listing the pair as married. The day of reckoning comes when the Internal Revenue Service informs the ‘couple’ they’re going to be investigated by a Mr. Spinner. Leslie masquerades as a housewife, aided by Jon’s fiancée, Kate. Complicating matters further Leslie and Kate are having an affair behind Jon’s back, Jon’s mother drops in unexpectedly to meet her son’s fiancée, and Leslie’s ex-girlfriend shows up demanding to know why Leslie has changed and won’t see her anymore.” Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore wrote this comedy. The show plays Oct. 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20.



THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL: Originally a 1950s television play by Horton Foote, the show was adapted into a 1985 movie starring John Heard, Rebecca DeMornay and Geraldine Page, who won an Oscar for her performance. Following the 1951 television broadcast, the “The Trip to Bountiful” was performed on Broadway.

Set in the 1940s, this is the story of an older woman who wants to leave Houston for her old hometown of Bountiful, Texas. Her family tries stopping her, but she persists and finds her way to a place near her old hometown ... The show plays Jan. 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 2013.



CLIFFHANGER: Theatre Guild ends the season with playwright James Yaffe’s comic mystery. A college department head wants to force a philosophy professor into retirement, pushing the mild-mannered professor to the point of violence.

Variety described the show’s mix of comedy and mystery as combining “the warmth and humor of ‘On Golden Pond’ with almost as many plot twists as ‘Deathtrap.’” The show plays May 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 2013.



VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY ART

Where: VSU Art Gallery, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Gallery hours: The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays.

More information: Call (229) 333-5835; or visit www.valdosta.edu/art



EXHIBITS

VSU ART FACULTY EXHIBITION: VSU Art Department faculty showcase their works, Aug. 20-Sept. 7, with a free, public reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20.

TRUTH IN ANIMALS: Mixed-media paintings and installations by Linda Mitchell, Sept. 17- Oct. 5, with a free, public reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, September 17.

JUST SUPPOSE: Images by Jerry Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor, Oct. 15-Nov. 3, with a free, public reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Friday November 2.

FALL SENIOR EXHIBITION: Graduating seniors showcase their works, Nov. 11-Dec. 3, with a free, opening reception: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13.

VALDOSTA NATIONAL 2013: Annual, nationwide all-media juried competition, Jan. 14-Feb. 3, with a free, public reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, January 14.

EVERYDAY SOMETHING NEW: Recent Works by Mathew McConnell, Feb. 11-March 1, with a free, opening reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11.

STUDENT COMPETITION: All-media juried competition for VSU students, March 11-April 5, with a free, public reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 11.

SPRING SENIOR EXHIBITION: Graduating seniors showcase their works, April 14-29, with a free, public reception, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 14.



VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE & DANCE

Where: Theatres in the VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

More information: Call (229) 333-5973; or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts



SHOWS

LOVE, LOSS & WHAT I WORE: “ A chamber play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects — mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.” Playwrights Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron’s script based on the book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman. Duke Guthrie directs. The show runs Sept. 6-12, Lab Theatre.

FRESH TRACKS: The VSU Repertory Dancers in Concert. “Once again, Sawyer Stage will be alive with expressive movement through a variety of dance genres. This year’s annual concert presents fresh works and renewed repertoire choreographed by VSU’s Dance faculty for the VSU Repertory Dance Company.” The show runs Oct. 4-7.

MOLIERE’S THE WOULD BE GENTLEMAN: “A rousing comedy combining elements of music, dance, and fantasy, one of Moliere’s most popular works follows the tale of a newly rich bourgeoisie merchant who would like to be a part of the nobility. Humor abounds as he seeks to learn philosophy, dancing and singing skills so he can enter the upper class.” This season’s classical work. Jacque Wheeler directs. The show runs Nov. 8-14, Sawyer Theatre.

FREE TO BE ... YOU & ME: The annual touring children’s show. “Instead of telling children who they should be, ‘Free to Be ... You and Me’ opens them up to the possibilities of who they could be. Music and humor along with life-enhancing themes help to expand children’s personal horizons, enabling them to invent their own futures without limitation, while dispelling some old constraints and worn-out conventions in the process. A timeless classic for kids of all ages, ‘Free to Be ... You and Me’ will be enjoyed by young and old alike. For tour information or to book a tour date for February or March, 2012, contact show director Jacque Wheeler, (229) 333-5820. Adaptation written for the stage by Douglas Love and Regina Safran. From the book “Free to Be . . .You and Me” conceived by Marlo Thomas and friends. Contributions by Judy Blume, Dan Greenberg, Carol Hall, Sheldon Harnick, Bruce Hart, Edward Kleban, Elaine Laron, Stephen Larence, Betty Miles, Shelley Miller, Carl Reiner, Mary Rodgers, Shel Silverstein, Peter Stone, and Charlotte Zolotow. This show presents public performances, Feb. 1, 2, 2013, Sawyer Theatre.

 THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH: This 1943 Thornton Wilder play “broke from established theatrical conventions and walked off with the Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama. Meet George and Maggie Antrobus (married only 5,000 years), their two children (though it hasn’t always been the same two) Gladys and Henry, and their eternal Sabina, the maid ... Combining farce, burlesque, satire, and elements of the comic strip, Thornton Wilder brings to life an Everyman Family as it narrowly escapes one end-of-the-world disaster after another, from the Ice Age to the Deluge to Armageddon. Whether they are inventing the alphabet, crusading for marriage, saving the world from apocalypse, or just trying to figure out what this play is about, the redoubtable Antrobus family somehow manages to survive — by the skin of their teeth.” Jimmy Bickerstaff directs. The show plays Feb. 21-27, 2013.

PIPPIN: VSU’s annual musical. “Once upon a time, a young prince longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, he found it in the simple pleasures of home and family. ‘Pippin,’ as created by original director/choreographer Bob Fosse, is a hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale that captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (‘Godspell,’ ‘Children of Eden,’ and the animated films ‘Pocahontas,’ ‘The Hunchback Of Notre Dame’ and ‘The Prince Of Egypt’) bursts with one show-stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.” Book: Roger O. Hirson. Eric Brandt Nielsen directs. The show plays March 28-April 3, 2013.

 EMERGING ARTISTS SHOWCASE: Musical theatre performances and student dance choreography on alternating days. “VSU Theatre and Dance audiences have long enjoyed watching our students as they progress through their programs of study,” according to the organization. “Last year’s first showcase met with great response. Now audiences can enjoy a performance of musical theatre or dance performance or both as graduating seniors from the musical theatre program and student choreographers from the dance program make their ‘final’ presentations. Each performance of the showcase will spotlight our outstanding students.’ Musical Theatre Showcase runs April 18, 20, 2013. Student Choreography Showcase runs April 19, 21, 2013. Sawyer Theatre.



SPECIAL VSU THEATRE & DANCE EVENTS

AND THE TONY GOES TO ...: The 14th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser. A meal and a show featuring music from Broadway’s Tony Award winners — all while helping raise funds for VSU Theatre & Dance student scholarships. This event occurs Nov. 18, St. John’s Parish Hall, 800 Gornto Road.

CINDERELLA BALLET: Valdosta School of Ballet and VSU Theatre & Dance partner to raise money for VSU Theatre & Dance student scholarships. This show plays Jan. 19, 20, 2013, Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St.

DANCING WITH THE VALDOSTA STARS: VSU Theatre & Dance partner with VSU Music to raise funds for both departments’ student scholarships, by featuring well-known Valdosta residents dancing with area dance professionals and students. This event occurs April 13, 2013, VSU Student Union Grand Ballroom.



VALDOSTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Where: Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Exceptions noted.

More information: Call VSU College of the Arts Outreach, (229) 333-2150; or visit www.valdostasymphony.org

Conductor: Howard Hsu.



CONCERTS

SEPT. 15: The orchestra presents Shchedrin’s “Symphonic Fanfares”; Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, Op. 107, featuring the VSO’s Steven Taylor on cello; Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique.”

NOV. 17: The orchestra presents Higdon’s “String”; Schumann’s “Konzertstücke for Four Horns, Op. 86”; Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183.

THE NUTCRACKER: Dance Arts and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra partner for the third year on this long-running Valdosta Christmas tradition. The show plays Nov. 30; Dec. 1, 2.

JAN. 26, 2013: The orchestra presents Berlioz’s “March troyenne from Les Troyens’; Debussy’s “Preludes” (orchestra by Colin Matthews): “La fille aux cheveux de lin,” “La cathédral engloutie,” “Minstrels”; Decruck’s Sonata in C# for Saxophone (Georgia Premiere), with Joren Cain, saxophone; Ravel’s “Alborada del gracioso”; Debussy’s “La Mer.”

MARCH 9, 2013: The orchestra presents Hayden’s “Die Schöpfung — The Creation,” with Paul Neal, conductor.

APRIL 27, 2013: The orchestra presents Bates’ “White Lies for Lomax”; Strauss’ “Don Juan”; Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, featuring Alexander Schimpf, piano, first-prize winner of the 2011 Cleveland International Piano Competition.