As students begin to think about the mass migration back to campus this fall, Ames’ answer to Broadway prepares for the 1995-96 season of shows. Stephens Auditorium brings “love, laughter, thrills and lots of music” to the Ames area this performing arts season.

The season kicks off in September with the ingenious music of Itzhak Perlman. This renowned violinist is being brought to Stephens in conjunction with the ISU Foundation. Perlman’s high energy music pours from his soul straight through the bow allowing all who hear to feel his every emotion. This isn’t just a man and his fiddle, but rather an out-of-body musical experience.

October becomes the month of Aquarius when it ushers in the first of Stephens vast array of musicals, Jesus Christ Superstar. Yes, it’s the unforgettable story of the son of God and his cronies circa 1968.

Nominated for five Tony Awards, this rock musical stars Ted Neeley, who played the role of Jesus in the motion picture version. It features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer for such smash hits as Cats and Les Miserables, and lyrics by Tim Rice.

Also in October is the all-male a cappella vocal ensemble Chanticleer. Taking their name from the rooster that “sings clear” in Chaucer’s fabled Canterbury Tales, thou art some talented gents belting out everything from Renaissance to contemporary tunes. Their pristine sound has earned them to be known as “America’s answer to the King Singers.”

Romance rounds out the October performances with the revival of the 1963 Broadway musical She Loves Me. She Loves Me is the story of lovelorn clerks that are at odds during the day, but enamored pen pals by night after being brought together by a lonely-hearts classified.

This glimpse of love before the convenience of meeting that special someone on the Internet is noted as one of the most charming musicals ever.

Howard Hessman, Dr. Johnny Fever of “WKRP in Cincinnati” fame, stars in Neil Simon’s latest Broadway comedy Laughter on the 23rd Floor. This side-splitting production takes a look at a group of New York comedy writers in the early days of television, pre-500 channels and cable. The comedy is packed with one-liners and arrives at C.Y. Stephens in early November.

Emerging as the leader of the next generation, not of Trekkies but of jazz enthusiasts, Joshua Redman descends upon Stephens November 15. Redman and his quartet of cool cats promise a performance not to be soon forgotten.

The ageless tale of Cinderella captures the hearts of Stephens audiences December 3. The Rodgers and Hammerstein production is about a waif lass, her wicked stepmother, stepsisters and a strapping young prince. Some girls have all the luck.

It features “an orchestra of dancers, dazzling staging, beautiful costumes and bewitching music” and is sponsored by McFarland Clinic here in Ames. A note about transportation to the event: pumpkins are discouraged as being modes of transportation.

The new year kicks off with three-time Tony Award winner Crazy for You in January. Old time Gershwin favorites such as “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” pull at the heart strings of audience goers. A must-see for any campanile couple.

The Ames International Orchestra Festival Association will sponsor the masterful sounds of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields February 16.

The Academy, under the direction of Kenneth Sillito, perform flawlessly with vitality and precision, which accounts for the reason their music has been recorded on more than 600 albums.

March rolls in like a lion when The New York City Opera National Company presents La Traviata. This is the company’s 15th presentation of La Traviata which highlights the creativity of the 70-member ensemble.

With a little luck o’ the Irish and Guitar Summit, March 21 becomes an altar of guitar gods. Steve Morse, of the rock group Kansas; Jorma Kaukonen, from the 60s legendary group Jefferson Airplane; Manuel Barrucco, one of modern day’s most important classical guitarists; and Kenny Burrell, the world-class jazz guitarist, join for a night of “strumming excellence.”

A favorite among students at ISU, the New Vic Theatre will present a laugh-filled performance of Victor Hugo’s classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame on March 27. The London-based troupe is famed for its farcical adaptations of literary classics. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll never think of Quasi-motto and Esmirelda in the same way again.

Last gracing Ames with their presence in 1986, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band of New Orleans once again brings its signature brand of jazz to Stephens in April. With them comes the party of Mardi Gras and the spice of crawfish.

With members ranging in age from 38 to 85, they are a jazz-lover’s delight. This is the real McCoy, not the watered down Kenny G style of jazz. It promises to be a foot-tapping, knee-slapping good time.

Ending the season on a note of unity, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax enchant the audience at Stephens with their exquisite blend of cello and piano. This dynamic duo take the stage at Stephens in late April.

Always an important part of the university experience, Stephens Auditorium strives to bring the very best to students and the Ames community. “Arts are important not only to ISU, but to the students. It’s something they can take with them,” Sara Huber, performing arts coordinator at the Iowa State Center, said.

Students do receive discounts, sometimes up to one half off the adult price. Huber said, “They get to see quality shows for minimal costs.” Season subscriptions with special discounts are on sale until July 31. Call 294-3347 for info.