Givens Performing Arts Center delivers high-quality entertainment, bringing diverse offerings season after season. The month of March promises to be especially exciting, with shows that range from ballet to bagpipes to an “On Stage for Youth” production of the story of Emmet Till.

Monday, March 11, the Russian National Ballet performs “Sleeping Beauty” at 7:30 p.m. “Dar He: The Story of Emmet Till” is set for Monday, March 18, at 10 a.m. Rock ’n’ roll bagpipe band the Red Hot Chili Pipers take the stage Wednesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m.

The Russian National Ballet’s “Sleeping Beauty”

Based on the Brothers Grimm tale, more than 50 dancers come together to tell this classic story.

At the celebration of her birth, a princess is cursed to a 100-year sleep when she pierces her finger on a needle. In this version, the princess’ parents survive the sleep and get to see their daughter marry the prince.

The enchanting score is by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It debuted in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Marius Petipa choreographed the original production.

“The Russian Ballet performed ‘Swan Lake’ at GPAC two years ago,” said James Bass, executive director of GPAC. “They are well liked, and they put on an amazing performance.

“The Russian Ballet is widely respected around the world. We’re gracious to be able to present such a quality piece of art for our patrons.” The Russian National Ballet’s “Sleeping Beauty” is one of several performances held in conjunction with the Act I Diner’s Club. These themed meals are available for an extra charge and will be served in the University Dining Room before performances in GPAC. Call the GPAC box office at 910-521-6361 for information.

“Dar He: The Story of Emmet Till”

GPAC’s “On Stage for Youth” series provides educational programs that bring the classroom to the stage.

“Dar He: The Story of Emmet Till” tells the story of young Emmet. In 1955, the 14-year-old black teen from Chicago, Illinois, visited Mississippi. Instead of making memories with his extended family, he was murdered for flirting with a white woman.

The play covers Till’s murder, the trial of the men accused of killing him and their unbelievable confession.

This performance is suggested for middle- to high-school-aged students. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Visit www.uncp.edu/resources/ gpac/stage-youth-series to download the study guide. Showtime is 10 a.m.

“The Red Hot Chili Pipers” 

The Red Hot Chili Pipers are a bagpipe band with attitude. The group’s setlist mixes traditional Scottish songs with standards like “Amazing Grace” as well as with covers of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and dance hits of the ’90s.

With a social media following of more than 360,000, this Scottish bagpipe band plays more than 200 shows each year.

“They are a fun band,” said James Bass, executive director of GPAC. “They do some really great covers of songs everyone knows, songs from multiple generations. It’s going to be high energy.

“Go out on YouTube and find one of their videos … see what they do … but trust me when I say seeing them live is a hundred times more fun.”

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost between $10 and $31. Visit www. uncp.edu/gpac or call 910-521-6361 for tickets and information.