The Arts Council of Moore County's ARTour Program is planning a trip to New York City March 25-29. Trip participants will have an opportunity to see a Broadway show, enjoy an evening at The Met, and participate in a VIP tour of the Theater District.

"Billy Elliott," the musical, is a funny, heart-warming, and feel-good celebration of a young boy's dream in a gripping tale of triumph over adversity. After an unprecedented run in the West End, where it won eight Best Musical Awards, the show landed on Broadway in September and is being hailed as the most exciting musical of the decade.

ARTours has a limited number of tickets available to see "South Pacific," and those interested in seeing this show should call the Arts Council as soon as possible. This revival of "South Pacific" is the winner of six Tony Awards.

Starring in either "Cavalleria Rusticana" or "Pagliacci" is a major triumph for any tenor. Taking on both roles at the Metropolitan Opera in one night is a momentous occasion. Roberto Alagna sings both the headstrong Turidda and the jealous clown, Canio, in this ever-popular double bill.

Theater expert Joe Rosenberg will conduct a private tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre, one of the world's most beautifully restored art nouveau theaters.

Oscar Andrew Hammerstein will discuss the Hammerstein family's heritage, its contribution to American musical theater, and personal stories behind the creation of "South Pacific." A three-course luncheon in a private dining room is included in the tour.

The cost of the ARTour to New York is $2,260 per person, double occupancy, and $2,880 per person, single occupancy. The price includes airport transfers; round-trip air transportation on Continental Airlines; four nights at the Warwick Hotel with breakfast each morning; one lunch; tickets to "Billy Elliott," with transportation back to the hotel after the show; tickets to the opera with transfer to the hotel after the performance; the VIP Tour; luggage handling (one bag); and gratuities for bus driver and bellhops. Meals not listed, taxis, alcoholic beverages, and gratuity for the VIP Tour Director are not included.

For more information about the New York City ARTour, call the Arts Council ARTour Director, Katherine MacRae, at (910) 692-4356.