Katy Nicholson Herald Staff Writer

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WELDON - Summer has just begun, but plans are already in the works for The Centre at Halifax Community College's 2007-2008 Performing Arts Series, which begins this fall.

The series will open Sept. 28 with a performance by the North Carolina Dance Theatre. On Nov. 16, Erica McGee of Charlotte will present “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline: A Musical Tribute,” which will include more than 20 of Cline's hits, such as “Crazy” and “Walkin' After Midnight.”

The North Carolina Symphony will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a holiday concert Dec. 1. Aquila Theatre Company will present “Julius Caesar” on Feb. 5, 2008.

On April 22, 2008, an American classic will be brought to life in “Little Women - The Broadway Musical.” Riders In The Sky will present “an evening of wacky Western wit, heavenly harmonies and high-yodeling adventures” to close the season on May 31, 2008.

The theme of this year's series is “Embrace the Diversity,” noted Jason Stewart, executive director of The Centre.

“We're really putting out a diverse type of programming. There's dance, there's the symphony, there's musicals, there's a little bit of comedy, there's a little bit of everything,” he explained.

Stewart said he chooses the shows based on a combination of factors: Routing, surveys filled out by the community, his own personal taste and the college's input, as well as cost. Each season, he chooses some higher-priced shows along with less expensive ones; the venue's proximity to Interstate 95 often affords it some good deals, he said.

Stewart said The Centre is excited to work together with Lakeland Arts Center and Carolina Crossroads, because the different venues can work together to draw more visitors to the area to see multiple shows, and local audiences will have a more diverse choice of shows.

“There's a lot to be said about having a selection of things to go see,” he said. “If anybody ever says now that there's nothing to do in Roanoke Rapids, then they're not looking in the right places.”

The Centre is also looking forward to presenting its Family Fun series, with programs designed to bring families together in a theatrical environment. The series will include such favorites as “Old Yeller” and the radio stage play of “It's a Wonderful Life.”

Individual tickets for the Performing Arts Series will not go on sale until Aug. 1, but season tickets are now available for the following prices plus a $12 ticket fee: Orchestra center, $195; orchestra side, $150; lower mezzanine, $125; and upper mezzanine, $65. To purchase season tickets, visit The Centre Box Office or call 538-4336.