Stars in the Summer opens June 14 at NSU

(Tahlequah, Okla)--Featuring a new schedule and a single venue, the Stars in the Summer series at Northeastern State University begins June 14 and runs through August 4 at the NSU Playhouse.

Presented by the NSU College of Liberal Arts and the Sequoyah Institute, the Stars in the Summer series will present "Downtown Country Classics" on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and "River City Classics" on Saturdays at 2 p.m. The "Stars in the Summer Celebration," a special show marking 30 seasons of the River City Players and Downtown Country, will be performed Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

"We are very proud of the longstanding tradition of our summer series in the Tahlequah community," said Amber Cowan, managing director for the Stars in the Summer series. "Thirty years is quite a feat for this type of series and we are excited to celebrate this summer with the songs our audiences have loved, spanning the past three decades."

"Stars in the Summer Celebration" returns to the chart-topping hits of the past three decades of pop music. Audiences will revisit some of the most memorable numbers to hit the NSU summer stage, along with songs that define the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

The heart and soul of country music takes the stage in "Downtown Country Classics." The tunes of classic country artists like Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Barbara Mandrell will remind fans of their country roots, while the sounds of the Dixie Chicks, the Oak Ridge Boys and Reba McEntire will prove that country music is alive and well.

"River City Classics" is a trip back in time to the golden age of rock. The sounds of the '50s and '60s come alive in tributes to artists like The Platters, Connie Francis, The Supremes and the Everly Brothers.

Artistic director of the 2012 season of Stars in the Summer is Dr. Robyn Pursley, assistant professor of theater. Robyn has been involved with the summer series since 1999.

"The summer series is a great opportunity for our students to get professional stage experience and also to provide quality entertainment for our community and regional tourists," Pursley said. "I am excited for our audiences to experience the intimate feel that the playhouse provides. It is one of my favorite spaces in which to direct."

The NSU Playhouse is on the northeast corner of Downing Street and Muskogee Avenue in Tahlequah.

Though limited to only one venue, ticket fees are unchanged for the 2012 season. Prices are adults $12, NSU alumni and employees $10, seniors 60-over and groups of 12 or more $8, students and children $6. An early bird discount of $1 is awarded on all tickets booked for June performances.