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PARKERSBURG -- The Smoot Theatre will kick off its 2019-2020 Performing Arts in early September with the first of five special shows highlighting a variety of musical styles.
More information about ticket availability and prices is available by calling 304-422-PLAY (7529) or online at www.smoottheatre.com.
∫ The British Invasion Years will be presented Sept. 7 as the opening performance of the series.
The British Invasion Years is three shows in one, beginning with classic songs by iconic sixties British groups including The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Zombies, and Herman's Hermits. Then the Americans: The Beach Boys, The Monkees, and Steppenwolf. It concludes with The Beatles.
∫ On Oct. 28, the Smoot will host a performance by The Vienna Boys Choir.
Boys have been singing at the Viennese court since the 14th century, and in 1498 Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I moved his court and his court musicians to Vienna, thus founding the Vienna Boys Choir. Until 1918, the boys sang exclusively for the imperial court and in the 1920s, the choir was reestablished as a private organization. Since then, the Vienna Boys Choir has toured over a thousand times in over a hundred different countries.
After the turn of the new year, The New York Voices will take to the Smoot Stage on Feb. 14, 2020.
∫ This year marks the New York Voices' 31st anniversary and they show no signs of slowing down. The critically acclaimed vocal group has refined its musical story to a high art. They are known for their close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements and unparalleled vocal blend. Their chameleon-like musicianship allows them to move seamlessly from setting to setting, be it orchestral, big band or the intimate trio lineup.
∫ A Cappella Live! will be featured March 5, 2020, on the Smoot stage.
The show is a high-energy musical celebration of contemporary A Cappella, conceived and arranged by Deke Sharon, vocal producer of Pitch Perfect and The Sing-Off, It features four internationally recognized, award-winning, rising star ensembles: the charming boy band sound and moves of The Filharmonic; the rich harmonies of gospel/R&B legends Committed; chart-topping lead vocals of Blake Lewis; and inspired songstresses Women of the World.
∫ The final show of the series will be "Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story" on April 17, 2020.
Now in its 30th year, the show has been named the "World's Most Successful Rock 'n' Roll Musical. " "Buddy" tells the story of Buddy Holly through his short yet spectacular career and features the classic songs "Peggy Sue," "That'll Be The Day," "Not Fade Away," "Oh Boy," Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," The Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" and more.
Several other shows are planned through the upcoming season at the Smoot, including several returning and seasonal performances. Those include Julia-Ann Jazz: A Night of Jazz in the Square from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 28; "A Christmas Carol" presented by Nebraska Theatre Caravan on Nov. 27 and Hometown Christmas on Dec. 6.
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Wayne Towner can be reached at wtowner@newsandsentinel.com