2012-2013 Series
"The Best of Broadway Featuring the Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber"
August 18, 2012
From the sweeping passion of The Phantom of the Opera and the dramatic intensity of Sunset Boulevard to the playfulness of Cats, hear the greatest hits from one of the most successful composers in the history of Broadway. 
"The Petar Jankovic Ensemble"
January 25, 2013
Petar Jankovic, international award-winning classical guitarist and faculty member at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, joins forces with a string quartet comprised of brilliant musicians from the prestigious Indiana University. This collaboration creates a very unique and attractive classical crossover – chamber ensemble: string quartet led by guitar. The string quartet and guitar blend infuses new vigor and refreshing outlook in combination with the group’s expressive and enjoyable renditions. The PJE show is well-received across a wide audience spectrum – from traditional chamber music lovers to guitar enthusiasts ! "The Marvelous Wonderettes"
March 15, 2013
The Hit Off-Broadway Musical by Roger Bean and presented by Springer Theatricals. The Marvelous Wonderettes takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, we are treated to the girls performing such classic ‘50s and ‘60s songs as “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick On Your Collar,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” “It’s My Party” and over 20 other classic hits! You’ve never had this much fun at a prom and you will never forget The Marvelous Wonderettes—a must-take musical trip down memory lane! |
"Duke Ellington: Rocks In My Bed"
October 6, 2012
Actor Cedric Liqueur, who has performed with London’s Royal Shakespeare Academy, will return to the stage of The Ritz in Blytheville for one show only the evening of Saturday, October 6, 2012, at 7:00 PM. He will appear as Duke Ellington in his one-man solo presentation “Rocks In My Bed: Duke Ellington and His Music.” The life and music of Mr. Ellington have been described as “beyond category.” Independent actor and playwright, Cedric Liqueur’s newest one-man solo presentation chronicles Edward K. “Duke” Ellington (1899-1974). This music appreciation activity was written in collaboration with DelaBat School for the Deaf in Worchester, South Africa, and Childvision, Education Center for Blind Children located in Dublin, Ireland. “Rocks In My Bed” is appropriate for all ages, but was developed in part as a child-centered, music appreciation activity for visually impaired, hearing impaired, special needs, and unimpaired elementary and middle school children. It is not a concert presentation of the music of “Duke” Ellington, but instead brings to life the person of Mr. Ellington in a personal, one-on-one way, allowing the audience to feel they have had an intimate visit with this extremely talented man and musician. Based on Ellington’s autobiography, Music Is My Mistress, this one-man solo presentation introduces the audience to one of Americas greatest composers and band leaders; it parallels the rhythms, melodies, and colors of some of Ellington’s popular “beyond category” musical masterpieces, short stories of his childhood, glimpses into Duke’s enigmatic personality, and conveys his expressive feelings and emotions as it reflects his contagious love of music and life. “Rocks In My Bed” will celebrate its’ United States premier performance at The Ritz in Blytheville with this presentation. It will then tour the U.S. for the next several months. This is the second event for the 2012-2013 Series presented by The Arts Council of Mississippi County. Tickets are available for $15.00 for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. For information, call 870-762-1744. "Aesop's Dinosaur Fable"
April 16, 2013 at 6:30pm
Our Dinosaur Fable pleases audiences all across the United States. Shrieks of delight fill the halls when children see this rock n' rollin' glow-in-the-dark dinosaur. Aesop's Dinosaur Fable is an original musical production adapted by Bits 'N Pieces from Aesop's well-known tale of the Grasshopper and the Ant. Dinosaur Fable features singing and dancing by six giant prehistoric puppets and the live actor leader of our tale, TryANTasaurus. The frolicking action of our nine-foot-tall dinosaur puppets with wee TryANTasaurus will excite young audiences as they learn the central lesson, "It's better to prepare today for tomorrow." |
