Pay What You Choose for select shows presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Center

Concert Artists Ziggy and MilesNo matter your budget, see exciting new shows at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

This season, for select shows, the Alys Stephens Center is offering a Pay What You Choose option. For Pay What You Choose shows, donations are encouraged to help bring new entertainment to the community, but all are welcome to attend. Just visit AlysStephens.org to register online for tickets and pay what you choose to reserve your seats.

Pay What You Choose performances this season include two family shows, Opera Birmingham's "The Littlest Mermaid" on Sunday, Nov. 3, and "Yuletide in Dogtown" from Dec. 7-8. Perfect for nights out are performances from Young Concert Artists Ziggy and Miles on Thursday, Nov. 14, and Michael Yeung on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. For more information, visit AlysStephens.org or call the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at 205-975-2787.

Sunday, Nov. 3

Opera Birmingham's "The Littlest Mermaid"

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," with music by Antonin Dvorak, this magical tale will transport audiences on a sweet journey of searching. With themes of the human qualities of love, courage and forgiveness at play throughout, this children's opera with breathtaking melodies will delight as a celebration of the triumph of love. Alabama's largest professional opera company, Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic productions and concerts hailed by critics and loved by audiences for over 65 years. This performance will be at 4 p.m. Tickets are Pay What You Choose with registration; register to attend at AlysStephens.org.

Thursday, Nov. 14

Young Concert Artists Series: Ziggy and Miles

Meet Ziggy and Miles, Australia's trailblazing guitarist brothers, making waves on the international stage. Winners of the 2023 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, the brothers have become the first guitar duo and second guitarists to receive this prestigious award in the organization's 63-year history. Their latest album, "Sidekick," crowned one of WQXR's Best New Classical Albums of 2023, dazzles with new works, their stunning take on Debussy's "Clair de Lune," and captivating pieces from Spain, Latin America and Australia. With more than 50 awards, including top honors from the Guitar Foundation of America and the Adelaide International Guitar Festival, Ziggy and Miles are proven virtuosos. This performance will be at 7 p.m. Tickets are Pay What You Choose with registration; register to attend at AlysStephens.org.

A playwright by Jerry SimsSaturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8

"Yuletide in Dogtown"

Make plans now to attend this "pawfect" treat for the holidays! "Yuletide in Dogtown" is the Alys Stephens Center's favorite holiday production and a great performance for everyone, especially kids. Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard on this interactive musical adventure created by local playwright Jerry Sims, as the "Dogtown" pups learn the true meaning of the holidays. With shows at 2 and 5 p.m. each day, be sure to arrive early for pre-show activities. This is a Pay What You Choose performance with registration; register to attend at AlysStephens.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Young Concert Artists Series: Michael Yeung

Percussion Artist Michael YeungMichael Yeung is a unique percussion artist, equally comfortable as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer. His solo recitals include a wide repertoire of music, from the Baroque to the 21st century. He has appeared with the internationally acclaimed Percussion Collective in the world premiere of Argentinian composer Alejandro Viñao's "Poems and Prayers," performing alongside many of today's most important young percussionists. Yeung is completing his studies with world-renowned Robert van Sice in the Yale School of Music. He is the second percussionist ever to be admitted to the school's prestigious Artist Diploma program, where each year a singular student is chosen across all instrumental disciplines to pursue the highest-level training for emerging soloists. Yeung was recently featured in three programs at the 2024 La Jolla SummerFest, and upcoming highlights include his debuts at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall and The Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre. This performance will be at 7 p.m. This is a Pay What You Choose performance with registration; register to attend at AlysStephens.org.