Fame, love, music in State Theatre’s upcoming season
State Theater Center for the Arts in Uniontown 2016-17 season opens with “Fame the Musical,” 8 p.m. Oct. 15.
Submitted photo
Submitted photo James Torme will be in concert at the State Theatre 8 p.m. Nov. 5.
Submitted photo
Composer/lyricist Neil Berg will bring his musical revue “102 Years of Broadway” to the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown for one show at 8 p.m. May 27.
“Good Vibrations: A Celebration of the Beach Boys” hits the State Theatre Stage at 8 p.m. Jan. 14.
Fame, love and good vibrations — the 2016-17 season at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown has it all.
“Our season of performances and all of the added events we are offering will provide something for everyone to enjoy at the State Theatre. From musicals, music performances, concerts and classic films — we are sure that everyone will find something in our line up that they can come see in this beautiful theater, right here, close to home,” said Erica Miller, the theater’s executive director.
In addition to the theatrical stage performances, music lovers will have some shows to sink their teeth into as well including the tributes to two of rock music’s most prolific groups.
Concerts
“This year we’ve added special tribute concert events for our patrons. ‘CSN Songs’ on Oct. 8 is a tribute to the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. This band of musicians will perform the hits of the group as well as some of their solo work. ‘Hotel California,’ on March 24, is a tribute to The Eagles and will perform all of their greatest hits. I had the chance to see both of the groups perform at a booking conference in New York in January and they are spot on musically. I encourage you to get tickets to these great shows,” Miller said.
Admission for both events ranges from $20-$30.
‘Fame the Musical’
The regular season opens Oct. 15 with the musical that introduces the audience to a group of struggling artists trying to make their way in the world.
“Fame the Musical” traverses the struggles, fears and triumphs of actors, singers, dancers and musicians navigating the world of dance, music and theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning film “Fame,” which also spawned an Emmy Award-winning television series, “Fame the Musical” has been transformed into a stage performance with memorable musical numbers including “There She Goes,” “Let’s Play a Love Scene,” “The Teachers’ Argument,” “Hard Work,” “I Want to Make Magic,” and of course, “Fame.”
“Fame the Musical” will be on stage 8 p.m. Oct. 15. Admission: $25, $36 and $40.
James Torme
James Torme son of Grammy Award-winning jazz legend Mel Torme, has taken the legacy he was born into a step further. Torme, a gifted singer whose music infuses older jazz classics with soul and R&B influences of today.
He has been lauded for his magnetic relevance that stems from the fact he mixes the showmanship of his father’s generation with the youthful charisma of a contemporary Hollywood star. Growing up around music legends the likes of his father and Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee and Duke Ellington, Torme attributes much of his ability as a performer to the “process of osmosis,” while he has also has worked to establish his own identity.
“There’s no question, I absorbed a lot from my dad, and his peers,” Torme said in an interview with Examiner.com.
“I know there is a lot of my father in my texture, my musicality and my singing, even, but those different influences also make me a different singer. I love to reinvent things because it is a challenge to do a fresh version of something and really make it new. I actually learned that from my dad, who would do his own versions of certain, very specific, contemporary tunes. I like being a song stylist. It all comes down to the vocal interpretation but also the arrangement.”
Torme will be in concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 5. Admission: $25, $32 and $36.
‘Good Vibrations’
Expect some surf and sun at the dawn of 2017 when “Good Vibrations: A Celebration of the Beach Boys” hits the State Theatre stage at 8 p.m. Jan. 14.
The show re-creates the timeless California spirit and incredible music of The Beach Boys.
Direct from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, ‘Good Vibrations’ features a cast consisting of members from founding Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and Al Jardine’s respective touring bands. Get ready for sand, sun, surf and fun in the middle of winter with ‘Good Vibrations,’ a full scale Las Vegas-style production.
Admission: $25, $34 and $38.
‘The Nutcracker’
A traditional holiday classic is already in the works at the theater, “The Nutcracker” will be performed 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11.
“Rehearsals are about to start for this year’s production of ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ under the direction and choreography of Donna Marovic. ‘The Nutcracker’ features local dancers from very young through adults, performing the classic holiday tradition. Last year, the State Theatre brought ‘The Nutcracker’ back to the community and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We are excited to continue this beloved holiday tradition,” Miller said.
Patrons with State Theatre brochures may notice the dates listed are different, Miller apologized for the printing error.
Reserved tickets for admission to “The Nutcracker Ballet” are $15.
‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’
Neil Simon’s funniest work is about love. Or maybe love is never funnier than when Neil Simon is writing the story. Either way, “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” a comedy by the celebrated playwright will be on stage at 3 p.m. March 5.
In the 1960s, the era that encouraged love, was populated by ‘mad men’ and ‘mod women’ trying to navigate the new normal. In the freshly conceived production of Neil Simon’s classic “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” comedy ensues when Barney Cashman, a middle-aged married man wants to join the sexual revolution before he misses his chance. With no experience in adultery, Barney tries his hand at seduction with hilarious consequences.
Admission for the matinee-only performance: $25, $32 and $36.
ARTRAGEOUS
ARTRAGEOUS is an experience of artistic expression like no other.
With high energy dance, singing and lots of audience participation, giant works of art are created by professional artists with amazing speed right before your eyes in ARTRAGEOUS. As this is happening, the artists/performers are dancing, singing and interacting with the audience.
The experience is filled with songs and images from John Lennon to Elvis to Jimi Hendrix, sure to spark memories as well.
ARTRAGEOUS is on stage at 8 p.m. April 21. Admission: $25, $34 and $38.
‘102 Years of Broadway’
Closing out the season is a show that is back by popular demand, “Neil Berg’s 102 Years of Broadway,” will be presented at 8 p.m. May 27.
Re-living and re-creating the greatest moments from the finest shows of a century, ‘102 Years of Broadway’ features actual stars of shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Wicked,” “CATS,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Jekyll & Hyde.”
Berg himself leads the way by serving as the musical director and pianist for the upcoming ‘102 Years’ performance, joined by four or five other musicians and five stage performers.
“Broadway musicals reflect popular music of the day,” explains Berg. “They recreate our history.”
Berg’s ‘100 Years’ franchise retraces the roots of Broadway going back to songs from the early 1900s up through modern classics.
“Everything from ‘Give My Regards to Broadway’ and landmark musicals like ‘Showboat,’ up to and beyond ‘Wicked,” said Berg. “People love Broadway. Our show brings back memories. People remember where they were when they saw ‘Man of LaMancha’ for the first time.”
Admission: $25, $36 and $40.
“The State Theatre wishes to thank our generous event sponsors. Our season performance ‘Fame’ is sponsored In Memory of Retta Semans, ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ is sponsored by First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County, ARTRAGEOUS sponsored by Mrs. Carolyn E. Blaney and our classic film series is sponsored by 84 Lumber Company, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa and the Hardy and Magerko families. The Producers’ Unit, donors contributing to season events, provides sponsorship for James Torme and Good Vibrations, A Celebration of the Beach Boys,” Miller said.
Miller is anxious to get the word out for the upcoming season and encourages theater-goers to watch social media for information.
“The theater’s Facebook page is a great place to find out about added events throughout our season. Like our page to know what great shows are coming,” said Miller. “The theater is here to serve our community. While we are always looking for corporate and individual donations of support, the very best way to support the State Theatre is to buy tickets and come to our events.”
Tickets: 724-439-1360, statetheatre.info or by visiting the box office, in the theater lobby at 27 E. Main St., which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.