RANDY TRAVIS PERFORMS AT FAMILY WEEKEND OCT. 9-11

Two performances of "Phantom of the Opera" and an appearance by country music performer Randy Travis will highlight the 15th annual Family Weekend celebration at Southeast Missouri State University Oct. 9-11.

"Phantom of the Opera," Ken Hill's London play that sparked "Phantomania," will be performed at the Show Me Center on Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The play, about a horribly disfigured musical genius in love with a beautiful opera soprano, is a much lighter, comedic rendering than the Andrew Lloyd Webber version. The production contains music written by Verdi, Mozart, Offenbach and others.

Tickets for "Phantom of the Opera" are $12.50, $20 and $27.50. Tickets are on sale at the Show Me Center, or can be charged on Mastercard, Visa or American Express by calling the Show Me Center box office at 651-5000.

Travis' concert on Oct. 11 will be his third appearance at the Show Me Center. In both of his previous appearances, the shows were sold out. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature Steve Wariner as the opening act.

Travis' appearance will feature hits from his most recent album, "High Lonesome," including "Better Class of Losers" and "I'll Surrender All." In addition, he will perform several of his well-known hits, "Forever & Ever, Amen," "On the Other Hand," "He Walked on Water" and "Deeper Than the Holler."

Travis has won several awards, most notably top male vocalist by the Country Music Association. He also has been named male artist of the year by the Music City News; and received favorite male vocalist, favorite album and favorite country single awards at the American Music Awards in 1989 and 1990.

Wariner's new album is "I Am Ready." Hits from that album include "Leave Him Out of This" and "The Tips of My Fingers."

Tickets for the performance are $17.50 and can be purchased at the Show Me Center box office or at the University Center information desk.

Family Weekend will kick off Oct. 9 with an American Bandstand Party at 8 p.m. in the University Center. Family registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 at the University Center.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 10 at Academic Auditorium. Southeast Missouri State University President Kala Stroup will welcome family members and present the winner of the Honorary Parent contest with a gift package and a plaque to be hung at the University Center.

Organizational displays will be featured in front of Academic Hall with many of the academic, social and Greek organizations participating. These displays will highlight the purpose and activities of several of the university's 150 campus student organizations.

The Family Weekend committee will sponsor a murder mystery at 11:30 a.m. on the Academic Terraces, where families will enjoy a picnic lunch and try to solve a campus mystery. Prizes will be awarded to the best amateur sleuths.

Parents will also have an opportunity to visit residence halls, check out the activities and see the students' "home away from home" from 2-4 p.m. Stroup will take the opportunity to mix and mingle with other Southeast families at a presidential reception at the Show Me Center, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Family Weekend activities on Oct. 11 include the president's brunch a continental breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Show Me Center. The event is free; however, parents must have a reservation. For more information, contact the Office of Public Services at (314) 651-2509.