SEMO HOPES COSBY SELLS OUT

Bill Cosby's comedy comes at a high price.

The famed comedian can command a fee of $80,000 to $100,000 for an appearance, said one industry observer.

Southeast Missouri State University officials won't say how much is being spent to bring Cosby to the Show Me Center April 12. But they acknowledge it won't be cheap.

David Ross, Show Me Center manager, said it is the most expensive entertainment the center has booked itself. The center is serving as promoter and is putting up the guarantee money.

"It is a huge step; it is a huge leap of faith," Ross told reporters at a Tuesday afternoon press conference to announce Cosby's appearance.

No taxpayer money will be spent on the show, school officials said.

Cosby will perform at 8 p.m. The event will cap off a week of activities centered around the inauguration of Dr. Dale Nitzschke as Southeast's 16th president.

Dr. Ken Dobbins, the university's executive vice president, said the school's tax-funded operating budget won't be tapped for the Cosby show.

The Show Me Center hopes to cover its costs through ticket sales. If not, the center will have to make up the difference from its reserves or through other events during the year, Ross said.

Ticket prices will range from $20 to $35, with discounts for students, he said.

Tickets initially will be sold by mail. It probably will be March before tickets will be sold at ticket outlets, Ross said.

He said he hopes the Show Me Center will sell out for Cosby. That would require a crowd of more than 7,000.

Rock star Tina Turner drew a crowd of about 7,200 when she performed at the center in October 1987, a few months after the arena opened.

Ross said he hopes for a similar turnout for Cosby, who is expected to arrive here by private jet.

The university has canceled some concerts in the past because of poor ticket sales.

Ross said it hasn't been determined if a theater-in-the-round arrangement or a conventional stage will be used.

Southeast also plans to bring a number of big-name speakers to the campus during inauguration week.

The university will spend an estimated $50,000 to bring former U.S. senator Paul Simon, former presidential candidate George McGovern, conservative columnist William F. Buckley and poet and actress Maya Angelou to campus.

Admission will be free to those inaugural events.

Angelou will be the featured speaker at the April 10 inauguration of Nitzschke. Her visit will cost $25,000.

Jim Biundo, assistant to the president for university relations, said the school is raising private funds to help cover the costs of the speakers.

Southeast has raised about $20,000 so far, Biundo said. The school is seeking minimum donations of $1,000 from individuals and $2,500 from corporations.

Southwestern Bell and Dana Corp. have signed on as corporate sponsors. Biundo said the school hopes to secure more corporate sponsors as well as individual contributions.

Those who contribute will be recognized as inaugural ambassadors, Biundo said.