From doo wop to dog tricks, the new season at the State Theatre is sure to thrill
An eclectic bunch of acts will be taking to the stage at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown as part of the newest 2018-19 season.
Erica Miller, executive director at the State Theatre, said when they are looking for shows for their annual season, she reaches out to booking agencies and/or they reach out to her to let her know what is going on tour for the next year.
“I also attend an annual booking conference in New York City where I can meet now agents, learn about new performers and touring shows and plan for the next year,” she said.
The line-up possibilities are narrowed down to what Miller thinks would be most appreciated by the theatre’s audiences.
“From there, I work on getting a season together that offers something for everyone that will not only keep our loyal subscriber base engaged, but will potentially reach new patrons,” Miller said.
This season kicks off with a professional tour of Million Dollar Quartet which is a Tony Award-winning show that tells the story of the night Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis all happened to be at Sun Records and held a little jam session.
Some of the songs featured in the show include, “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” Walk the Line” and “Hound Dog.” The show will take to the stage Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $40, $36 and $25.
In October, The Broadway Boys will come to town. This group of performers with Broadway credentials will perform new arrangements of great songs from favorite musicals new and old.
“As part of the event, the theater will also be offering a musical theater workshop conducted by one or two of the performers available to high school, college, and adult performers who want to improve their skills,” Miller said.
The show is scheduled for Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38, $34 and $25.
In November the entertainment will switch from Broadway and shows to an operatic vocal performance by Pittsburgh’s own Jackie Evancho who placed second on America’s Got Talent at the age of 10.
“She has since grown into a beautiful young women with an amazing gift to share,” Miller said.
After a winter break, the season will pick up again in March with a tribute by Ted Vigil to country music icon John Denver.
“Ted has captured the soul of John Denver’s music and brings a show of all time favorites,” Miller said.
The show is scheduled for March 3, 2019, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $36, $32 and $25.
Switching gears a bit in April, a group of talented dogs will make their way to the State Theatre as part of the Mutts Gone Nuts show. The clever rescue dogs will perform stunts and tricks that should thrill audiences of all ages.
The show will take to the stage on April 6, 2019, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20.
The final show for the season will be The Doo Wop Project, which is a group of guys who performed in Jersey Boys or Motown the Musical on Broadway who found they loved the sound of doo wop music.
The group will perform old classics as well as new songs that have been arranged with a doo wop feel.
“We’ve had them at the State Theatre in the past and they are so good, we had to bring them back,” Miller said. “If you like oldies, rock n’ roll, country music, Broadway show tunes, classical crossover music or you just love animals — there’s a show or two for you this year at the State Theatre.”
Each year, the State offers either a full season package of all six shows or a Pick Three package where one may select three of the six.
Full subscriptions cost $185, $165, or $120 per seat based on location in the theatre. Pick Three packages cost $85, $85, or $60.
“We sell over 300 subscription packages each season, but we’d love for that number to go up,” Miller said. “This year we are seeing many first time subscriptions selling, which is a great sign. We are always looking for ways to bring new people to the State Theatre and this season seems to be reaching new patrons. “
Buying a subscription saves about 20 percent off of individual ticket prices. Subscribers also get exchange privileges, lost tickets replaced at no charge, first choice of seating for many other events at the theater like the annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet and the Summer at the State musicals, and subscribers always get 10 percent off additional season tickets they purchase.
“Our goal is always to serve our area by bringing professional shows in to our community for all to enjoy,” she added. “We have a beautiful venue right in the heart of Uniontown’s downtown and we hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to come to a live performance or see a classic film on the big screen.”
Tickets for individual performances go on sale on Aug. 14 so for all who may not be ready to commit to a subscription but can’t miss one or two of our shows, please call 724-439-1360 anytime starting on the Aug. 14 to get tickets. Tickets to single performances are also available online at www.statetheatre.info.
Besides the six shows for the upcoming season, Miller said the theatre is also rented by profession promoters throughout the year who bring in concerts and events.
Local organizations and groups also rent the venue for film showings, concerts, and fundraisers.
Also, the theater continues to have their classic film series each month where individuals can come and watch a classic film on the big screen.
For more information, visit www.statetheatre.info.