Seasoned theatre-goers and novices alike have something to look forward to as Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts prepares to kick off 2011 with much pomp and circumstance. Although it has always been the Columbia’s goal to achieve top quality in theatre experience, the upcoming spring season has Dr. Kenneth Boulton, interim director of the Columbia, especially excited.

“I’ve always had a fondness for the great American musical and our first show this season is ‘The Music Man,'” said Boulton. The award-winning production by Meredith Willson features a traveling con man, Harold Hill, who convinces the people of River City, Iowa to fund a band that he will lead despite the fact that he has extremely limited musical knowledge.

Younger viewers also have something on the calendar. On March 17, the first performance in the “Pajamas and Play” Series will debut. The series is specially catered to the youthful audiences who are invited to attend in pajamas and enjoy cookie and milk refreshments. The first play will be the Broadway hit “Seussical,” a musical Dr. Seuss montage. The popular Rudyard Kipling story, “The Jungle Book,” will also take form on stage for the series second installment on April 14.

According to Boulton, one thing that is sure to please Southeastern students is the illusionist Mike Super coming to the Columbia on April 8. With his own personal style of showmanship and magic, Super promises a dazzling performance, highlighted by an attempt to make a Harley Davidson motorcycle appear out of thin air and onto the stage. In Super’s previous visit, two seasons ago, he nearly sold out the house.

Other performances will include an Eagle cover band, Hotel California: “A Salute to the Eagles” on May 1 and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters on June 4.

The Columbia Theatre will be offering a discounted ticket rate for Southeastern students. Students wishing to attend performances may do so at half price rates as early as one month in advance of each show.

Boulton urged any students with an interest in theatre, even those that might retain only a simple curiosity, to come out and see what the theatre has to offer.

“There’s no venue like Columbia Theatre for entertainment and viewing pleasure,” said Boulton. “There’s really not a bad seat in the house.”

For more information on the Columbia Theatre and its upcoming schedule, contact the box office at 985-543-4371.