Seeing live music can be a transcendent mind-body experience, akin to getting a tattoo underwater or making out during an eclipse. Transcend boredom with today's Groupon for one ticket to a Michael Cavanaugh performance with the Omaha Symphony, which will take place at the beautiful Holland Performing Arts Center. Tickets are first-come, first serve and can be redeemed at the ticket booth at 1605 Howard Street starting tomorrow. Choose from the following performances:

• For $35, you get one orchestra-level or main-floor seat for Friday, October 8, 2010 at 8 p.m. (a $70 value).
• For $35, you get one orchestra-level or main-floor seat for Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 8 p.m. (a $70 value).
• For $27, you get one orchestra-level or main-floor seat for a matinee on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 2 p.m. (a $55 value).

A repeat performance from his successful 2008 stint at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Broadway entertainer Michael Cavanaugh combines his piano and vocal skills with the orchestral talent of the Omaha Symphony to bring a zesty twist to rock 'n' roll hits by Elton John, Journey, Elvis Presley, and more. Handpicked by Billy Joel as the starring lead in the Broadway production of Piano Man, Cavanaugh went on to earn Tony and Grammy nominations for the role, where his subsequent win would have forced him to devour Joel in order to complete the transference of celebrity.

Led by resident conductor Ernest Richardson, the orchestra will play through a line-up of songs that will likely include classics such as "Tiny Dancer," "Bennie and the Jets," and "Pinball Wizard." There is also room in the show for the performance of an audience choice, presenting a golden opportunity for those looking to prove that the marches of John Phillip Sousa pair wonderfully with head banging and lighter waving. Singing along and dancing in the aisles are encouraged, giving audience members the option to take an active role in the performance.

Valid only for date purchased.

Reviews

Michael Cavanaugh's earlier performances of the music of Elton John have been mentioned in the Modesto Bee, the San Diego Uptown News, and BroadwayWorld.

• Don’t expect the evening to be all Captain Fantastic and no Piano Man, though. Cavanaugh said the “And More” aspect of the show’s title allows him to sample from other artists, including Joel. – Christy Scannell, San Diego Uptown News
• Among the songs he's planning to sing are "Benny and the Jets," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," "Candle in the Wind," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Tiny Dancer" and "Crocodile Rock." Cavanaugh said he played the songs for years when he worked at piano bars, but this is the first time he's learned them exactly as they were written. He usually just improvised when bar patrons would request them. – Lisa Millegan Renner, Modesto Bee