A WINTER CIRCUS EXPERIENCE CIRCUS EVO SOLSTICE
ACOUSTIC BLUEGRASS AND COUNTRY JENNYLOU AND THE BUCKAROOS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER LISA BRIGGS A PIRATE’S LIFE
THE TOM PETTY CONCERT EXPERIENCE FREE FALLIN’
CHRISTMAS WITH THE THE DRIFTERS
AN AMERICAN PARODY SPAMILTON 2025-2026
And much more!
The Bowlus has always been more than just a building to me — it’s a place where magic lives. I first felt that magic as a child, sitting in the audience with my parents, watching “The Christmas Carol” and listening to “The Forester Sisters” fill the auditorium with music, unaware that the magic I felt would shape my life.
Mandy Moyer Bowlus Director
I’ll never forget the thrill of stepping onto a stage — feeling the lights, the anticipation, and the energy of the crowd. It was there I learned that the arts could move hearts, tell stories, and connect people like nothing else, offering a refuge that nurtures both mind and spirit.
Now, as director since the first of the year, I want every child, family, and visitor to feel that same magic. This season was chosen with care, reflecting our community’s voice and honoring Mr. Bowlus’s vision of a place where people come together to learn, celebrate, and make memories. Our educational programs are reaching more students than ever, inspiring creativity and understanding
far beyond the stage.
I am deeply honored to follow in the footsteps of Mary Martin and Susan Raines — two remarkable women whose leadership, vision, and love for the Bowlus laid the foundation we build on today. Their commitment continues to guide and inspire me.
For my family, and for so many of you, the arts are not simply pastimes — they are lifelines that inspire, heal, and connect us.
Here at the Bowlus, we remain “Rooted in the Arts. Powered by Community.” We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors and into the magic of the stage where every performance and program is an invitation to be a part of our story.
7 p.m., Sept. 26
For most people, pirates might be little more than Halloween costumes or characters from Hollywood blockbusters — but for underwater archaeologist and National Geographic explorer Lisa Briggs, piracy is a living, breathing window into world history.
In “A Pirate’s Life,” Briggs invites audiences on a globespanning journey to uncover the truth behind the legends, revealing how pirates shaped empires, disrupted trade routes, and left behind clues in the deep that continue to fascinate scientists and adventurers alike.
This immersive presentation takes audiences far beyond the stereotype of swashbuckling rogues. From the sunken remnants of Roman ships in the Mediterranean Sea to the formidable Pirate Queen of China, Briggs shares stories of real pirates who made their mark on history. She dives into how piracy influenced the Roman Empire and unpacks the legacy of the infamous Blackbeard, tracing his trail from treacherous waters to the modern-day lab.
Briggs brings her firsthand experience to the stage, drawing from more than a decade of archaeological fieldwork in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and beyond.
A scuba instructor and technical diver, she combines the thrill of underwater exploration with cutting-edge science and studying ancient DNA, stable isotopes, and organic residues to bring history’s most mysterious seafarers to life.
Currently completing her doctorate at the University of Oxford, Briggs is passionate about inspiring the next generation of STEM students, showing how science and storytelling can intersect through the adventurous world of underwater archaeology.
In addition to the evening performance, Briggs will be addressing Iola Middle School students that afternoon.
Whether you’re a history buff, ocean lover, or simply curious about the real lives of pirates, “A Pirate’s Life” promises to be an unforgettable evening of discovery and adventure.
world turns upside-down with ‘hamilton’ spoof
7 p.m., Oct. 4
What do you get when you mix the blockbuster brilliance of the musical “Hamilton” with the razor-sharp wit of Broadway satire? The answer is “Spamilton: An American Parody.”
Created by Tony Award-winning playwright and director Gerard Alessandrini, “Spamilton” takes aim at Lin-Manuel Miranda’s cultural juggernaut with a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spoof packed with clever lyrics, dazzling dance numbers, and jabs at all things Broadway. The entertaining show comes from the creative mind of Gerard Alessandrini.
Alessandrini, best known for his long-running revue “Forbidden Broadway,” knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to parody “Hamilton” when it exploded onto the scene. “It was the biggest hit show to arrive on Broadway since I had come
there in 1981,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’ve spent most of my life spoofing Broadway shows — I have to do this one.’”
The result is a show that delivers nonstop comedy and highenergy performances, whether you’re a die-hard “Hamilton” fan or someone who’s never seen a Broadway musical.
From send-ups of Miranda’s rapid-fire lyrics to over-thetop choreography and jabs at Broadway legends like Stephen Sondheim, “Spamilton” delights audiences on multiple levels.
And if you’re wondering what Lin-Manuel Miranda himself thinks? He gave it the ultimate endorsement: “I laughed my brains out.”
“Spamilton” promises an evening of hilarity and theatrical joy — no “Hamilton” knowledge required.
a
7 p.m., Oct. 18
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers left an indelible mark on rock history, selling more than 80 million records, earning multiple multi-platinum albums, and delivering four decades of sold-out concerts. Their music — filled with classics like “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’,” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” — remains a soundtrack for generations.
“Free Fallin’, The Tom Petty Concert Experience,” is a
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
~ Pablo Picasso
Minneapolis-based tribute that has been captivating audiences across the U.S. and Canada since 2007. This isn’t just a cover band. It’s a full-scale live production that authentically re-creates the sights and sounds of a Tom Petty concert, complete with period instruments, spot-on costumes, and the signature energy that made Petty’s performances legendary.
Free Fallin’ rose to national attention with their breakout 2018
“Broken Hearted Tour,” performing over 90 shows in 15 states. One of the tour’s highlights was their invitation to play at Tom Petty’s Birthday Bash in Gainesville, Florida, where more than 26,000 fans gathered to honor his legacy. That moment solidified the group’s reputation as one of the finest touring tribute acts in the country.
Since then, they’ve continued to headline major venues and festivals, delivering an emotional, high-energy celebration of Petty’s music. Each performance invites fans to sing along, reminisce, and feel the raw authenticity of songs that have stood the test of time. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Tom Petty’s catalog, Free Fallin’ promises an evening that captures the spirit, heart, and rock-and-roll soul of one of America’s greatest songwriters.
7 p.m., Nov. 2
The haunting shadows of F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” will creep across the screen at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, accompanied not by recorded sound, but by the spine-tingling strains of a live orchestra.
The Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra (PRSO), hailed by the press as “the premier American ragtime ensemble,” will bring the 1922 silent horror masterpiece to life with its original historic
orchestral score.
Formed by virtuoso Andrew Greene at the University of Maryland, PRSO has earned its reputation as the nation’s leading professional ragtime orchestra.
Their performances recreate the syncopated stylings of a bygone era — ragtime, theater, and dance music — often paired with classic silent films. Greene’s vast collection of more than
15,000 vintage musical selections allows the group to authentically underscore these cinematic treasures using antique orchestral scores and period instruments.
PRSO’s résumé includes appearances at venues such as The Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress, The American Film Institute, and countless historic theatres and performing arts centers across the country. Their artistry has been featured in documentaries, online media, and radio and podcast programs.
Murnau’s “Nosferatu,” the first screen adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” remains one of cinema’s most influential horror films. In this foreboding tale, an unsuspecting young businessman travels to Transylvania for a real estate deal, only to encounter the otherworldly Count Orlok.
This 90-minute presentation will transport audiences to the grand movie-going experience of the early 1900s. Under Greene’s direction, the orchestra will perform the original scores that once filled silent film theatres with music, creating a blend of history, artistry, and cinematic magic.
In addition to the performance, PRSO will host master classes at Allen Community College, offering insights into film music and scoring with Andrew Greene, as well as lectures on the evolution of America’s popular music during the Ragtime Era, circa 1897–1917.
7 p.m., Dec. 13
“No group has done it this well for this long — no one, not even the Rolling Stones,” noted Rolling Stone magazine about The Drifters, who are celebrating over six decades of timeless R&B and rock ‘n’ roll hits.
This December, they’ll perform their holiday favorites when they bring “Christmas with The Drifters” to town.
Since 1953, The Drifters have produced some of the most beloved songs in rock and R&B history, including “There Goes My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” and “Under the Boardwalk”— the mostplayed R&B disc of all time. They were the first group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and have sold over 200 million records worldwide.
The current lineup features longtime members Jerome Jackson and Andre Reina, who both performed with original members and have been with the group for 20 and 25 years, respectively. They are joined by Larry Noble (18 years) and AJ Davis (4 years), combining for more than a century of performance experience.
The Drifters have performed for six U.S. presidents, the Pope, the Queen of England, and Nelson Mandela, as well as at historic moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall. Their collaborations have included legendary songwriters like Leiber & Stoller, Carole King, and Neil Diamond.
From their sold-out 15-year Las Vegas residency to their recent nationwide tours, The Drifters continue to bring their signature harmonies and energy to audiences everywhere.
“Christmas with the Drifters” promises a night of classic hits, holiday cheer, and the enduring magic of one of the most influential vocal groups of all time.
7 p.m., Jan. 29
Get ready for a musical journey through the very best of American popular music as soprano Kristin Lelm and pianist/ vocalist Paul Langford bring their acclaimed show, “Broadway to Bacharach.” This unforgettable evening celebrates the timeless sounds of the Great American Songbook, iconic Broadway and movie melodies, and the top pop hits from the 1960s to the 2000s.
With fresh, sophisticated arrangements and undeniable chemistry, Lelm and Langford offer a performance that’s both stylish and deeply satisfying. Lelm’s radiant soprano and impressive vocal versatility — honed through years of classical training and a standout career in opera, jazz, and musical theatre — shine in every genre she touches.
Langford’s silky tenor voice and polished piano stylings add warmth and elegance, making the duo a dynamic force on stage.
Whether performing with a jazz trio, full symphony, or as an intimate duo, their sound has drawn comparisons to legendary pairings like Steve and Eydie, Bublé and Pausini, and even Sinatra and Ella. Based in Chicago, the artists bring extensive experience to the stage. Lelm has graced major stages from Carnegie Hall to the Ravinia Festival, and Langford has performed and arranged for musical luminaries including Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, and Josh Groban.
“Broadway to Bacharach” will be an evening of swinging standards, heartfelt ballads, and pop favorites that will leave you humming all the way home.
vocalist features legion of music’s greats
7 p.m., Feb. 14
Vocalist and entertainer Helen Welch takes the stage with “The First Ladies of Song: A Tribute to the Legendary Ladies of Music.”
The production celebrates the trailblazing women who shaped the music industry, featuring their iconic songs and captivating stories. Welch honors legends such as Barbra Streisand, Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Karen Carpenter, and more.
Known for her distinctive arrangements and warm, engaging stage presence, Welch breathes new life into beloved classics while sharing fascinating anecdotes about the artists behind them. Her ability to connect with audiences has earned her a devoted following around the world.
A native of England, Welch’s career began on television’s “Romper Room” and quickly soared, with performances alongside the BBC Big Band, Glenn Miller Europe, and Opus One at prestigious venues including The Ritz, The Savoy, Blenheim Palace, and theatres in London’s West End. She has starred in acclaimed musicals such as “Hello Dolly,” “Barnum,” “Carousel,” “42nd Street,” “Calamity Jane,” and “Oliver Twist.”
After relocating to the United States to guest star in Broadway’s “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” Welch went on to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Symphony, and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. She has also created and headlined productions for Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, The Akron Civic Theatre, and The Chautauqua Institution, among many others.
In 2006, Welch recorded her big band album “One Dream” with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, featuring the original Nelson Riddle arrangement of “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” given to her by Rosemary Riddle. Apart from Judy Garland, Welch is the only vocalist to have recorded this iconic version. Her work has also included special symphony pops arrangements for multiple productions, with notable performances at the Blossom Festival Orchestra using selections from Ella Fitzgerald’s personal collection, granted by the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation.
In 2016, her album “Spellbound” was entered in the Traditional Pop category of the Grammy Awards.
“The First Ladies of Song” is a must-see for music lovers, blending powerhouse vocals, timeless music, and the unforgettable stories of the women who defined generations of sound.
‘bulldog’ makes for unparalleled drama
7 p.m., Feb. 20
History will come alive when acclaimed actor and international keynote speaker Randy Otto presents his powerful one-man performance as Winston Churchill.
For more than 40 years, Otto has captivated audiences across the globe with his vivid, passionate portrayals of the legendary British prime minister. His performance is not simply an impersonation — it is an immersive journey into Churchill’s life, leadership, and legacy.
With meticulous attention to historical accuracy, sharp wit, and a commanding presence, Otto embodies the very spirit of Churchill, transporting the audience to a time of global crisis, fierce determination, and unwavering resolve.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and president of Milwaukee’s International Churchill Society, Otto is widely recognized as a Churchill Leadership Expert. His signature productions, including “Winston Churchill: CEO,” “Churchill: The Blitz,” and “Painting as a Pastime: Banishing The Black Dog and Defending Liberty,” have toured internationally. His performances are known for being both educational and inspiring, full of energy and rich in historical insight.
In this appearance, Otto will deliver Churchill’s wisdom — not through a dry lecture, but through Churchill’s own words, voice, and inimitable charm. Audience members can expect laughter and inspiration.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply a lover of great theater, Otto’s performance promises an unforgettable evening.
Locals in his Wisconsin hometown affectionately refer to him as “Mr. Prime Minister” or “Winnie”— a testament to the authenticity and power of his performance.
Otto also extends his passion for Churchill beyond the stage. Each year, he leads “Churchill Lives,” an immersive tour through Churchill’s England, guiding guests through the landscapes and landmarks that shaped one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.
In addition to his presentation at the Bowlus, Otto will discuss Churchill’s life with Iola High School students.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Winston Churchill live on stage, in an evening that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Stick & Bow take the stage for a performance that promises to be as bold as it is unforgettable. The “stick” is Canadian marimbist Krystina Marcoux, while the “bow” is Argentinian cellist Juan Sebastian Delgado.
The duo has performed more than 400 concerts in over a dozen countries across three continents. From Bach to Piazzolla, their performances seamlessly blend classical tradition with contemporary flair, revealing new dimensions in familiar works.
7 p.m., Feb.. 26
Their 2023 production “Cincoa” featured 10 newly commissioned works, cementing their role as leaders in 21stcentury chamber music innovation. Their versatility shines through collaborations with harpsichordists, composers, filmmakers, and multidisciplinary artists, all showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music.
Stick & Bow bring a performance that promises not only technical brilliance, but also storytelling, spontaneity, and soul.
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A magical world comes to life when Circus EVO presents “Solstice: A Winter Circus Experience.” The 75-minute production blends breathtaking acrobatics, striking visuals, and an enchanting soundtrack — without a single spoken word — to tell the story of a character who has lost their inner light and sets out on a surreal journey to find it.
Founded in October 2020 by Houston Odum, Circus EVO began as a way to keep the performing arts alive during the
pandemic, taking circus acts into unconventional spaces — from bustling city streets to quiet parks — surprising passersby and sparking moments of joy. Since then, the North Carolina–based company has performed across the country and beyond, staying true to its mission of making circus arts accessible to everyone.
“Solstice,” created in partnership with the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, marked EVO’s first theatrical production in 2023. With seven artists and eight daring acts, the
show unfolds like a dream — memories dance into view, ordinary scenes transform into the extraordinary, and childlike wonder returns, much like the feeling of seeing snow fall for the first time.
Guiding the vision are Odum, whose lifelong passion for circus creation has connected him with a global network of performers, and artistic director and lighting designer Amanda Fisk, who brings a mastery of stage lighting that enhances the show’s emotional and visual impact.
From gravity-defying feats to moments of pure theatrical magic, “Solstice” is more than a performance — it’s an invitation to rediscover joy, imagination, and the spark that lights us from within.
“Solstice” is an unforgettable celebration of the human spirit, where every member of the audience will feel like a kid again and remember what it was like to see snow fall for the first time.
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“A Night of Songs & Stories” with Nashville songwriters Jennifer Schott and Emily Falvey offers an intimate evening of music and behind-the-scenes tales from their careers.
With Schott on acoustic guitar and Falvey on piano, they’ll perform original songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Cody Johnson, Mickey Guyton, and more — sharing how each came to life and landed with chart-topping artists.
Schott, a native of Pittsburg, has penned hits including McGraw’s No. 1 “7500 OBO” and the title track of his Grammynominated “Two Lanes of Freedom.” Her songs have been recorded by The Eli Young Band, Billy Ray Cyrus, Pam Tillis, Lonestar, Francesca Battistelli, and others. Schott is an alumna of Leadership Music and sits on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Association and a committee for the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC).
Falvey, named “Nashville’s Top New Songwriter” by Forbes, has over 100 cuts to her name, including MacKenzie Porter’s Canadian No. 1 “Seeing Other People.” She’s worked with Cody Johnson, Walker Hayes, Astrid S, and more, and is active in industry leadership and education.
In addition to her day-to-day work as a professional songwriter, Falvey currently serves as a board member for the Academy of Country Music (ACM), Mental Health Initiative and is on the Creative Council of Porter’s Call, a Nashville nonprofit established to give artists support and encouragement.
Most recently, Falvey has developed a course for Belmont University titled “The Art of Songwriting” which is available for
7 p.m., May 1
Multi-media artist Miwa Matreyek takes the stage for a live performance of “Myth & Infrastructure.”
Matreyek makes multi-media shows that combine animation with theater. Her work blends live performance with projected animation, weaving surreal visual landscapes that explore the delicate tension between humanity and nature. In “Myth & Infrastructure,” her shadow is ever-present — sometimes life-sized, other times in close-up — as she journeys through oceanscapes, cityscapes, and domestic settings. With each transition, the world around her shifts and transforms, as if conjured by her very presence. The result is a dreamlike experience where light, shadow, and story come together to make invisible worlds visible.
Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, where she teaches performance design at Simon Fraser University, Matreyek has toured her work internationally since 2010. She has performed at high-profile venues and events including TED, the Museum of
Modern Art, the Sundance Film Festival’s New Frontier section, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and universities across the country. Her unique blend of handmade and digital artistry has earned her prestigious honors such as the Sherwood Award, Creative Capital Award, and the Princess Grace Foundation’s Special Projects Award.
Matreyek’s performances aren’t just visually stunning — they’re thematically rich. Her work often explores the emotional weight of environmental issues and the human impact on a rapidly changing planet. While “Myth & Infrastructure” is filled with wonder and visual poetry, it also hints at deeper undercurrents of change, fragility, and transformation.
Whether you’re an animation enthusiast, a lover of experimental theater, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable artistic experience, Miwa Matreyek’s performance promises to be a mesmerizing evening that blurs the boundaries between the physical and the fantastical.
7 p.m., April 18
We dare you to keep your toes from tappin’ and your hands from clappin’ when Jennylou and the Buckaroos take the stage.
This high-spirited performance is a lively mix of acoustic bluegrass, classic country, and original songs.
Jennylou Melcher leads the charge as singer, songwriter, bassist and guitar player. Jennylou has performed solo for many years as well as with the bands Cherokee Maidens and the Prairie Rose Rangers.
Josh Melcher is one heck of a dobro and guitar player and adds some killer vocals. Josh is the band’s sound system guru, can fix anything wrong with your house, and rocks it at “Dad Duty.”
Jennylou and Josh have three precious children.
Completing the band are award-winning instrumentalists
Ranger Stan Greer, David Hawkins, and Dr. Edith Sigler, delivering red-hot picking, fiddling, and harmony vocals.
Edith is a Joplin, Mo., native. She attended Pittsburg State University and recently graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in Wichita.
Edith has won state fiddle contests in Kansas and Pennsylvania and has been a finalist in Winfield’s Walnut Valley fiddle contest the last three years. She also plays the bagpipes in a local pipes and drum group.
Ranger Stan Greer is a superstar Cowboy singer and a state mandolin champion. Ranger Stan is doing his best to corrupt the young’uns with candy cigarettes and corny jokes. “A groan is better than a laugh!” he says, and boy does he get a lot of groans.
Ranger Stan has performed in many bands, including the Dubious Brothers, the Home Rangers, the Prairie Rose Rangers and now the Buckaroos.
David graces us with the sweet tones of his banjo and mandolin. David is retired from a career in insurance and currently teaches that subject at Wichita State University.
A former Kansas State Banjo and Mandolin Champion, he has been playing in bands for many years. You can also catch him playing some hot licks on jazz mandolin around town.
Jennylou and the Buckaroos have performed at Winfield’s Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival, the Kansas State Fair and many
other community events over the past three years. They were the winners of the first Kansas Bluegrass Association band contest in February 2025.
group gives film classics a jazzy feel
7 p.m., May 16
The Bowlus Fine Arts Center will come alive when drummer Matt Johnson and The New Jet Set, featuring powerhouse vocalist Adryon de León, present “Swingin’ The Disney Songbook” — a multimedia, retro-cool jazz celebration of some of the most beloved tunes from Disney’s animated films. This dynamic performance blends world-class musicianship, captivating storytelling, and charming visuals. Audiences will enjoy jazz interpretations of favorites from “101 Dalmatians,” “Aladdin,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Aristocats,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella,” “Coco,” “Dumbo,” “Jungle Book,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Peter Pan,” “Pinocchio,” “Pocahontas,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Toy Story,” and “Winnie the Pooh.” The quartet’s virtuosic playing will be paired with delightful movie images and period footage, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
nominated film “Mank.”
With Johnson’s precision and flair driving the beat and de León’s soulful, theatrical voice soaring over the melodies, the show offers both musical excellence and charm.
León’s career is steeped in musical theater and performance. A featured principal vocalist for the Disneyland Resort, she has appeared at the Hollywood Bowl and sung with legends such as Macy Gray, Patti Austin, The Growlers, and George Clinton. Recently, she performed with Idina Menzel, and her voice can be heard on “If Only You Could Save Me” from the multi-Oscar-
Matt Johnson — described by the Los Angeles Times as “a hurricane on sticks” — is a drummer, author, and music educator with an impressive range spanning jazz, pop, and world styles. His credits include performances with Julie Andrews, Andy Williams, Jan and Dean, Billy May, and Les Brown. He is also a founding member of the Tony Guerrero Quintet, which recently toured with Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning actress Jane Lynch.
With irresistible rhythms, arrangements, and a whimsical nod to Disney nostalgia, “Swingin’ The Disney Songbook” promises a night where jazz lovers and Disney fans alike can revel in the joy of timeless music — reimagined with swing, style, and sophistication.
~ Ossie Davis
