The Turlock Community Theatre is bringing in some headlining shows for the upcoming season that managing director Kit Casey says, “Hit all the bases.”
The 2010-2011 season has been dubbed “A World of Entertainment” and is offering a line-up that ranges from the quirkiness of Lake Wobegon to the dazzle of a musical revue.
“We try to keep the season as diverse as possible and bring in the entertainment that people in this area want to see,” Casey said.
The upcoming season will consist of six season shows and at least one additional show with the possibility of other performances being scheduled as well.
The first performance of the season is an additional show featuring the headlining Los Lonely Boys. The trio of brothers hails from Snyder, Texas and performs music that they have dubbed “Texican Rock n’ Roll.” Their debut single “Heaven” was a Top 40 hit in 2004. The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. Tickets range from $25 to $45.
Casey said the show generating the most buzz for the upcoming season is “An Evening with Garrison Keillor.”
“We’ve wanted him for a long time and he has been a tough one to get, but finally everything feel into place,” Casey said.
Keillor is a best-selling author, storyteller, humorist and musician. He is the much lauded host of “A Prairie Home Companion,” the radio program that features guest musicians, comedy skits, and the latest happenings from Keillor’s fictional Lake Wobegon. Keillor will be appearing at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Ticket prices range from $45 to $75.
The next show in the line-up comes in time for the holidays with a performance by the acclaimed country and gospel group The Oak Ridge Boys. The foursome will be performing Christmas favorites as well as some of their greatest hits. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and tickets are $39 to $65.
Staging a return engagement at the TCT is jazz musician and trumpet virtuoso Chris Botti. Botti played previously at the theatre and was so well-received that the theatre sought him out again, Casey said. His performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 2011. Ticket prices range from $49 to $69.
Something the theatre hasn’t been able to do in a while is bring stage plays to town, but Casey says they have found two shows that will work well on their stage. The first of which is the musical sensation “Forever Plaid.” The story is about a 1950s guy group that met an untimely end when their car is hit by a bus filled with schoolgirls en route to see the Beatles perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The play begins with the foursome returning from the afterlife for one more shot at stardom. The show is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 2011, and tickets range from $25 to $39.
The other play coming to the stage is Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps.” The Tony award winning show combines mystery, espionage, romance and comedy and is performed by just four actors. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 17, 2011. Tickets are $25 to $39.
The final show of the season will bring funny woman Joan Rivers to town.
“We’re definitely happy to have her in our line-up,” Casey said.
The renowned comedienne will be performing at 7:30 p.m. May 7, 2011.
Season and individual show tickets go on sale Thursday. Prices for season tickets range from $172-$346 and season ticket holders have first option on additional shows. For more tickets call 668-1169.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
