Alma PAC Season Packed Full Of Family Entertainment
Jul 05, 2012 (Menafn - Times Record - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --A diverse schedule of concerts, Broadway-style shows and other events will take shape in the coming months in Alma.
The Alma Performing Arts Center will serve as a temporary home for national-touring versions of "Miracle on 34th Street," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Neil Simon's 'Biloxi Blues,'" as well as the perfect stage for family friendly concerts given by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Leroy Van Dyke and others, said Teresa Schlabach, APAC executive director.
"We have something for all ages; we have many family friendly shows coming up," she said.
Schlabach called the events, as well as the season's "bonus" shows, "wonderful" and "exciting."
"The 'Country Gold' concert on Sept. 18 will feature Leroy Van Dyke, Helen Cornelius, Jim Ed Brown, Narvel Felts and the Quebe Sisters Band," she said. "Shows like 'Miracle on 34tht Street,' 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'In the Mood' will be great.
"The 'In the Mood' performance is a 1940s musical revue with a big band, singers and dancers, to just name a few," Schlabach added. "It's going to be great."
Following are details of the upcoming shows:
--U.S. Navy Band Country Current, 7 p.m. Sept. 6: This free, bonus show will showcase the on-stage talents of the Navy's premier country-bluegrass ensemble. Led by Keith Arneson, senior chief musician, the in-demand group specializes in versatlie arrangements and multi-instrumental skills. Instruments to be played will include pedal-steel guitar, upright bass, banjo, acoustic and electric guitars and more. Admission is free but a free ticket is required.
--"Country Gold," 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1: This concert features the creators of many hit songs, as well as one of the newest western swing bands, the Quebe Sisters Band. Acclaimed performers will include Leroy Van Dyke ("Walk On By"), Jim Ed Brown ("Pop a Top"), Helen Cornelius and Narvel Felts ("Reconsider Me"). Tickets range from 30 to 40.
--"Fiddler on the Roof," 8 p.m. Oct. 20: Inspired by the stories of Sholom Aleichem, this popular musical focuses on tradition, with a theme that transcends class, race, religion and nationality. Boasting such crowd-favorite songs like "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "If I Were a Rich Man," the show blends drama, dance, music and more. Tickets range from 25 to 35.
--"Miracle on 34th Street," 8 p.m. Dec. 15: New York City will never be the same after a bearded gentleman steps into the busy lives of a cynical single mother and her somber daughter. The man claims to be Santa Claus, but no one, at first, believes the words of the friendly stranger. Songs included in this production are "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "Pinecones and Hollyberries" and "My State, My Kansas." Tickets range from 25 to 35.
--"In the Mood: A 1940s Musical Revue," 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12: Vocalists and dancers merge their talents with members of the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra for a memorable evening. The show highlights the music that most Americans were listening and dancing to in the 1940s, including ballads and fast-paced instrumentals. Tickets range from 20 to 30.
--"Neil Simon's 'Biloxi Blues,'" 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25: This comedy follows young men who are about to be sent into war. These soldiers learn that they face the same obstacles -- fear, loneliness and bouts of anxiety -- while awaiting the ultimate test. The story was made into a popular 1988 film that starred Matthew Broderick and Christopher Walken and was filmed, in part, at Fort Chaffee. Tickets range from 20 to 30.
--Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, 8 p.m. March 9: Ricky Skaggs, a 14-time Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist and mandolin player, will be joined by his acoustic-based, touring band. Skaggs will play his well-known cuts, as well as several other selections. The band features Cody Kilby on lead guitar, Andy Leftwich on fiddle, Eddie Faris on baritone vocals and guitar, Paul Brewester on tenor vocals and guitar, Justin Moses on banjo and vocals and Scott Mulvahill on bass and bass vocals. Tickets range from 30 to 40.
--"Pinkalicious: The Musical," 9:30 a.m. March 11: This free, bonus show comes to life via story and lyrics by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann, and by lyrics and music by John Gregor. Pinkalicious is a character who can't refuse eating pink cupcakes. Her indulgence defies warning from her parents, but when a trip to the doctor's office and a pink-colored affliction happens, Pinkalicious decides to try and work her way out of her food-based mess. Tickets are 15 for adults and 10 for children; school rates are available.
Another season bonus show will be the "Patriotism in America" show, an event set for 7 p.m. July 14 that will feature Elvis Presley impersonator Justin Edwards. The concert will feature music from Edwards, an acclaimed artist who has performed on television and radio, as well as with former Elvis collaborators, drummer D.J. Fontana and Myna Smith. The concert benefits the Wounded Warriors program. Tickets are 20.
The Alma PAC also will play host to several school-based productions, such as "Oklahoma!" Dec. 6 and Dec. 8-9, "Do Not Go Gentle" on Jan. 12-14, "Moon Over Buffalo" on April 13-15 and "Imagine" on April 27-28.
The Alma choirs will perform a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and a free spring concert at 7 p.m. May 13, while the Alma bands will stage free concerts at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and at 7 p.m. May 7.
Tickets for all regular shows can be purchased, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, at the Alma PAC box office, by calling (479) 632-2129 and at www.almapac.org. Season-ticket discounts and ticket-package discounts are available.
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