Steve & Eydie to Open Cerritos Season

Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, a new work by Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, bluesman Dr. John and a ‘90s take on Shakespeare by the Acting Company are part of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ characteristically eclectic sixth season, announced today.

The husband-and-wife team of Gorme open the 1997-98 season Aug. 15 and 16. Other highlights:

* The Pointer Sisters (Aug. 29-30).

* Judy Collins (Sept. 20).

* Penn & Teller (Sept. 26-27).

* The Harry James Orchestra leading a “Big Band Salute” (Jan. 9).

* Itzhak Perlman (Feb. 7).

* Tammy Wynette with Daryle Singletary (Feb. 27-28).

* Bela Fleck and the Flecktones with Stanley Jordan (May 22-23).

Cloud Gate’s full-length “Songs of the Wanderers” (Feb. 18-21) will be a North American premiere. Other dance events include France’s Ballet du Capitole de Toulouse (Feb. 10-12) in its first U.S. tour, Stars of the Kirov (Oct. 22-25) and Anjani’s Kathak Dance of India (Sept. 13).

The Acting Company’s “Fresh Numbers” (April 30), a West Coast premiere, combines six one-act vignettes, based on Shakespearean sonnets, written by Eric Bogosian, William Finn, John Guare, Marsha Norman, Ntozake Shange and Michael Weller. The troupe also will present Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” (May 1-2).

The season’s classical music menu includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Oct. 16-17), the New York City Opera National Company in “Daughter of the Regiment” (Jan. 14-18) and the Canadian Brass (April 24-25). Von Stade, in her first center appearance, will sing on Sept. 18.

Blues and jazz events include Dr. John on a bill with Charlie Musselwhite and Keb’ Mo’ (Oct. 18-19) and Arturo Sandoval and Joyce and the Dori Caymmi Band (May 9).

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 17. Information: (800) 300-4345 or (562) 916-8500.