The 2009-2010 Givens Performing Arts Center Professional Artist Series, held at the GPAC in Pembroke, sails in this fall with a world-class lineup of performers.

Chubby Checker twists open the Nostalgia Concert Series Friday, Sept. 11. The Grammy award-winner is considered the "King of The Twist." The Nostalgia series also includes Davy Jones of the Monkees, The Stylistics and the ever-so-funky group -- "The Boogie Wonder Band."

"You can pull out your platforms, bell bottoms and your favorite polyester as the Boogie Wonder Band takes you back to the 1970s," says a spokesman.

The Broadway & More Series opens Friday, Sept. 18, as Irving Berlin captures the spirit of America in "I Love a Piano." The Broadway season scans the globe of entertainment with great performances from the Virsky National Ukrainian Dance Company to one of the finest bands in the world -- the Queen's Own Band of the Irish Guard. Formed in 1900 at the expressed wish of HM Queen Victoria to commemorate the bravery of the many Irish Regiments who fought in the South African campaigns, the Irish Guards now includes 49 musicians. Also rediscover the grandeur of one of history's greatest love stories in Lerner and Loewe's timeless masterpiece, "Camelot." Pianist Emile Pandolfi presents a special Christmas performance Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra also comes to GPAC for the first time. This season, theatergoers will also enjoy the Russian National Ballet Theatre's production of "Cinderella." The sumptuous costumes, the jubilant music by Prokofiev, the lush scenery and the hilarious double roles of the step-sisters make the presentation of this masterpiece an occasion not to be missed. The season rolls into the 1980s with "The Wedding Singer." The production features Robbie Hart as he vows to make every wedding a disaster after his bride leaves him at the altar.

The Bonus Series welcomes Tony Award-winner "Avenue Q" in its very funny tour off Broadway. Also in the Bonus Series, theatergoers get a glimpse of what's in the heart of soldiers in Iraq as their stories were put down in ink in a special presentation "Letters Home." The show is based on actual letters written by soldiers serving in the Middle East. A military discount is offered.

This discount is one of five GPAC is offering this season on single ticket sales. The discounts include tickets for "Camelot" for educators; a discount for Band of the Irish Guard for public service providers; "The Wedding Singer," discounted tickets for legal professionals, and health-care providers receive a special discount for The Boogie Wonder Band.

The On Stage for Youth Series offers educators and families an educational opportunity for children to experience the arts live. Four of the productions are based on books. The series includes "Henry and Mudge," the N.C. Symphony, "The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon," "Are You My Mother," and The Kennedy Center presents "Nobody's Perfect."

Season subscribers receive various discounts including alumni, senior citizen as well as a military discount.

Single tickets for the shows are now available. Chamber members receive a $3 discount on single ticket sales. The last day to subscribe to the Broadway and More Series is Friday, Sept. 18.

For full details on each show, call GPAC at (910) 521-6361 or (910) 521-6287 or visit www.uncp.edu/gpac.