Georgia Southern's performing arts center opens Sunday

STATESBORO - Georgia Southern University&#39;s Performing Arts Center kicks off its grand opening Sunday with a presentation of the Broadway hit ``Swing!&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The 34,000-square-foot performing arts center was built as part of a $17 million renovation and expansion of the university&#39;s Nessmith-Lane Continuing Education Building. <br> <br> The performing arts center portion features 825 seats, an orchestra shell and pit, sound and lighting systems, five dressing rooms, a wardrobe room and a rehearsal hall. <br> <br> Construction began in February 1998 and was completed last fall. Although this weekend marks the official grand opening, the center has already hosted a variety of events, including several student concerts. <br> <br> Swing!, nominated for six Tony Awards, features more than 30 songs from the 1930s and &#39;40s.