Alto, NM -- The Spencer Theater in Alto, New Mexico will shine its stage lights on 17 world-class performances throughout Winter Season 2004-2005. The robust schedule includes four Broadway musicals (two of which have an emphasis on cutting-edge dance), a Broadway play and Broadway comedy, four Christmas concerts, classical masterpieces with a European symphony orchestra, an acoustic quartet featuring classical, Spanish, American and Andean mountain music, a treasured classical ballet, an Irish cabaret/variety show, a preeminent contemporary violinist, a Van Cliburn Gold Medallist, and -- ta da! --- the Spencer's very first European opera, complete with a 44 piece orchestra. All will be presented with the superb acoustics and state-of-the-art lighting for which the extremely intimate, 514-seat hall is renowned. Winter Series tickets (a purchase of tickets to four or more shows) go on sale to the public starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 10 & single tickets go on sale starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 18. Call Spencer Theater at 505.336.4800, toll free at 888.818.7872 for ticket information or visit the secure web site at www.spencertheater.com.

For Tickets: (888) 818-7872/(505) 336-4800; visit Furrıs Locations in Ruidoso, Albuquerque or Santa Fe; or visit the Spencer Theater at www.spencertheater.com

The mission of the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts is to enrich the cultural lives of South-Central New Mexico's residents and visitors.

The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts opened in October of 1997, creating a year-round venue for world-class performances in theater, music and dance. An aristocrat among theaters, the $22-million structure is splendid and elegant, yet intimate and welcoming. At the heart of the Spencer, in its 514-seat hall, youıll encounter a powerful experience of the performing arts ‹ outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and artistry of the highest caliber.

Designed by Albuquerque architect Antoine Predock, the building itself is a work of art reminiscent of pyramids, mountain peaks, and sci-fi star cruisers. Faced in 450 tons of Spanish mica-flecked limestone, the theater features a waterfall gently cascading from the core of the white wedge-shaped structure and a crystal lobby jutting from the north side like a cut diamond.

The theaterıs operating budget is currently subsidized by founder Jackie Spencer and by contributions from our Spencer Circle patrons, each of whom donate between $50 and $5000 annually. The Spencer Theater is currently raising funds for its Endowment for the Performing Arts, which will provide for the future of this grand facility, ensuring that generations to come will enjoy the benefits of fine performing arts.

The Spencer Theater is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching the cultural lives of residents of, and visitors to, south central New Mexico and surrounding areas.

* The theater has multiple blown glass installations by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly including "Indian Paint Brushes" (lower lobby) "Persian Wall" (balcony level) and "Desert Onions" (ceiling installation outdoors in the Founders Club). Three new pieces were installed in early 2000. There is also a major piece entitled ³Womb.² Three new pieces were installed in early 2000.

* The theater operates year-round, booking and presenting both a Summer Season and a Winter Season (approximately 30-35 events each year) of touring concerts, shows, plays, dance companies, family and childrenıs shows.

* Ticket availability: The Spencer Circle contributor base (contributing between $250-to-$5000 or more annually) has advance series ticket purchasing opportunities two-to-four weeks prior to series tickets being offered to the general public. Since the theaterıs opening, there have always been tickets available to all performances at the start of general public season ticket sales.

* The Spencer is known as a "presentor" venue, in that we use our own funds to contract with shows and performers. The theater is available for rent to other concert promoters and for weddings, parties, etc., etc.

* Area school systems use the theater free of charge for productions during Student Performing Arts Month (April/May) and again in the fall (November/December).