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Cher & Cher Alike: 2024-25 season starting at the Smoot Theatre

By Jess Mancini 3 min read

PARKERSBURG -- The new season at the Smoot Theatre in downtown Parkersburg opens at 8 p.m. Saturday with a show featuring the hits by Cher.

"The Cher Show" stars Kara Chandler, who bears a likeness to the famous pop singer and actress, performing songs sung by Cher.

Other shows in the 2024-25 lineup include "Shades of Buble," Judy Carmichael, "Classic Stones Live" and Melissa Manchester.

"I think it's going to be a good season," said Felice Jorgeson, artistic director of the Smoot Theatre at 213 Fifth St., across from Trinity Episcopal Church.

Jorgeson, a musician and former marching band director at Parkersburg High School, likes the entire season, but is particularly excited for the Manchester show scheduled for April 12.

"I've always liked her music," Jorgeson said.

Manchester's first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Female Vocal Performance was in 1979 for "Don't Cry Out Loud." She won a Grammy in the same category in 1983 for "You Should Hear How She Talks About You."

Two of her songs were nominated in 1980 for an Academy Award: "Through The Eyes Of Love" from "Ice Castles" and "I'll Never Say Goodbye" from "The Promise." She was the first recording artist in Oscar history to have two songs nominated in the same year.

Her songs also have been recorded by Barbra Streisand, Roberta Flack, Dusty Springfield, Alison Krauss and Kenny Loggins, among others.

"She's going to be great," Jorgeson said.

Tickets to all shows for the season are $45 for adults and $20 for students. A season ticket to all five shows is $190.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. To order tickets or for more information, go to the Smoot website at https://www.smoottheatre.com or call 304 422-7529.

"Shades of Buble" will be on the stage on Sept. 27. "Shades of Buble," composed of three singers, features songs by singer Michael Buble, including "Feeling Good," "Moondance," "Come Fly With Me," "Home," "Everything" and "Fever," among others.

Buble songs have been incorporated into the Smoot Christmas show, Jorgeson said. The Canadian-born performer has been likened to Frank Sinatra.

"He's a really good guy," she said.

Judy Carmichael will perform on Nov. 1.

Carmichael's repertoire includes songs by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. She has been featured on "A Prairie Home Companion," "Entertainment Tonight," "CNN" and her weekly NPR show "Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired...," which has been on radio stations for more than 25 years.

Many people and fans of the Rolling Stones will enjoy the rock and roll in "Classic Stones Live, Jorgeson said. Keith Call, the group's front man, has all the moves of Mick Jagger. Bernie Bollendorf portrays Keith Richards.

The show is scheduled for March 8.

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