Oct 18, 2002 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 5 min read

Chris Wagner can’t wait for the new season to open at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown, which will mark its 80th anniversary year.During a recent interview, Wagner, the theatre’s executive director, said several Broadway shows, the return of “The Nutcracker’ ballet and Sandy Duncan will highlight the new season, which opens Oct. 26 with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. “Ticket sales are going well, and we’re very pleased,’ Wagner said.

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is slated to appear at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, when conductor Buddy Morrow will lead such hits as “I’ll Never Smile Again’ and “Night and Day.’

“We still have good seats available, but they’re going fast,’ said Wagner, referring to the popularity of Big Band shows at the State.

The Broadway musicals begin with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “State Fair’ on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Telling the story of the Frake family at the 1946 Iowa State Fair, the show features such songs as “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,’ “Me and Juliet’ and the Academy award-winner “It Might as Well Be Spring.’

“This has been our biggest seller,’ said Wagner, who explained the show was a popular high school production in this area for several years. “People love the music and the storyline that goes with it. AnRodgers and Hammerstein – that says it all.’

Tony Award-winning “Cabaret’ plays Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m., bringing the glamour of the Kit Kat Club to Uniontown. Featured songs include “Tomorrow Belongs to Me,’ “Money’ and “Cabaret.’

Billed as “the most patriotic of all musicals,’ “George M’ plays the State on Friday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. It includes such classics as “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy,’ “Over There’ and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.’

“Ain’t Misbehavin” delivers the comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem on Saturday, March 15, at 8 p.m. Featured songs include “Ain’t Misbehavin’,’ “The Joint is Jumpin” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.’

“Sandy Duncan Celebrates Broadway’ brings the accomplished Broadway star to Uniontown where she performs songs such as “Fit as a Fiddle,’ “How Long Has This Been Going On,’ “Singing in the Rain’ and “Neverland.’ The show runs Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m.

“She’s got a lot of energy and never stops,’ Wagner said.

“When Music Was Music: A Tribute to the Greatest Generation’ will play Saturday, May 3, at 8 p.m. The Hollywood Hills Orchestra returns to the State to allow audiences to relive the music of the World War II generation with songs by Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, The Andrews Sisters and Kate Smith.

The series ends with “Barry Manilow’s Copacabana’ on Sunday, May 11, at 7 p.m. Manilow will not appear in Uniontown, but audiences will enjoy this production based on his hit song about a showgirl named Lola.

While not part of its series, the State has also booked two holiday productions for December: “Celebrate the Holidays with Superstars in Concert’ on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. and “The Nutcracker’ ballet on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.

Wagner said local auditions will be held for youths (boys and girls are needed) for “The Nutcracker’ on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. for children ages 5 to 8 and 3 p.m. for older children. Those cast will work with Kelly Jenkins in the Uniontown area, rehearsing with the professionals the afternoon of the show and performing that evening.

“This enables local children to audition and dance with a touring company,’ Wagner said.

“Superstars,’ which comes from the General Talent Agency in Monroeville, is a fun show that features impersonators of such stars as Elvis Presley, Cher, Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Dean Martin, Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney and Barbra Streisand.

“It’s a little bit of Vegas in Uniontown,’ Wagner said. “They’ll be doing a variety – old standbys, favorites and classic Christmas carols.’

The children’s series will not be continued this year due to low audience numbers.

“Unfortunately, children are so busy we don’t get the turnout to justify bringing them in,’ Wagner said. “However, with the exception of ‘Cabaret,’ we’ll have a special rate for children at our shows.’

The Education Series, however, will continue with “Mozart, Monsters & Matisse’ in October; “Just So Stories’ in March; and “Jason and the Golden Fleece’ in April. These shows are exclusive to area schools, educational organizations and home school instructors only.

Although the season is ready to start, the State is still looking for sponsors. Wagner noted that businesses don’t have to pay for a show in its entirety but can sponsor a portion of the costs.

Various ticket packages are available as well as individual tickets. The State Theatre Gift Shop is also open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as show nights. Stock includes items that feature the State Theatre as well the area. Current goods include fall and Christmas items. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 724-439-1360.