Ready for an escape from the everyday? Longing for an experience where you can unwind while letting your imagination take flight? As Houston’s major presenter of the performing arts, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) understands the times in which we live and has devised the perfect 2009-2010 season filled with engaging performances by the world’s best musicians and dancers with an eye on affordable tickets.

For the 2009-2010 season, SPA will pay particular tribute to the living legends of the American musical theater, world music and contemporary dance. Stephen Sondheim, the single most important composer/lyricist to work in American musical theater during the second half of the 20th century, headlines the season in an evening of conversation with New York Times columnist and former chief drama critic Frank Rich. Join us, too, for the music of Hollywood and Broadway with composer Marvin Hamlisch and actor Joel Grey in concert!

Contemporary dance icons Mark Morris and Richard Alston and rising choreographic talents Trey McIntyre and

Aszure Barton will present their companies as part of SPA’s Dance Series. International music stars, the legendary Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Gilberto Gil and Fado singer Mariza, both with Portuguese and African roots, head SPA’s world music line-up, which also includes the acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir. Audience favorites BOWFIRE, David Sedaris and STOMP all return for performances of pure delight.