Hungarian State Folk Ensemble and Orchestra to Bring GYPSY ROMANCE to the Spencer, 10/2

The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble and Orchestra's "Gypsy Romance," a Hungarian Rhapsody, is a festive, international celebration that kicks off the Spencer Theater's 17th winter season of performances.

Starring a cast of 48 dancers and musicians direct from Budapest, this dynamic production swirls through Hungary's many folk dance traditions with festive reels and waltzes. All is fueled by centuries-old customs. Both entertaining and educational, it's a performance experience on-par with Irish step-dancing and Spanish flamencos, and its expression commemorates special events through vast swaths of eastern Europe. Here the men, dressed in boots and fedoras, hop and stomp as the women click their heels and twirl in ornately embroidered, voluminous skirts. (The attire is a point of pride in this ancient horseman-culture). "Gypsy Romance" is a cheerful parade of earthy dances packed with jitterbug yanks and pulls and brilliant compositions of Liszt, Brahms, Kodály and Bartók. It's a joyful display not to be missed!

The Hungarian action cracks like a whip at the Spencer on Wednesday, October 2 at 8 p.m.($59 & $56) and all ticket holders are invited to a pre-performance Bratwurst & Beer Oktoberfest Party in the Spencer Lobby at 6 p.m. The Oktoberfest party is complimentary with show tickets.

Following this rich tapestry of art from abroad, the theater turns spotlights on a fantastic array of Broadway and dance productions, comedic classical opera, western, country, folk, pop, rock and Big Band musical performances. There are lots of parties and dining events to boast about, too!

Check out the world-class line-up and pre-performance lobby buffet listings at www.spencertheater.com. Tickets to all shows & buffets are on sale now. Call the Box Office at 575.336.4800 for more information. (Season continued inside).

Go to www.spencertheater.com for tickets and more information about all the season's shows. Or call 575.336.4800 to request a season brochure. Go to www.spencertheater.com for tickets and more information about all the season's shows. Or call 575.336.4800 to request a season brochure.

Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer's celebrated features. The elegant, award-winning hall, which first raised its curtains in 1997, seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage. The Spencer also has a 964 square-foot outdoor stage that can seat 1,500. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art. Free public tours are offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Donations are accepted!