GAAC sets stage for new season

Published 2:52 pm Friday, September 12, 2014

The Greenville Area Arts Council recently announced the lineup for its 33rd season.

Greenville Area Arts Council Executive Director Nancy Idland said this season’s schedule has a little something for everyone.

“Variety has been one of our goals for the past few years,” said Idland. “We try our best to select shows that will be appealing to lots of different people.”

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Idland said in years past some of the most popular shows have been country concerts.

If that holds true, this season’s opener should pack the Ritz Theatre in downtown Greenville.

The season kicks off with “Sweet Dreams,” a show that features Mandy Barnett singing the music of country music legend Patsy Cline.

As a teenager, Barnett starred as Cline in the stage show “Always … Patsy Cline” at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.

Barnett will bring the sounds of Cline to the Camellia City on Oct. 7.

On Nov. 11, the sounds of Credence Clearwater Revival will fill the Ritz.

Randy Linder and his band have paid tribute to CCR since 2000 and have performed from California to New York to Guam to Mexico.

The group will play CCR songs from 1968-1972, as well as a few of John Fogerty’s solo hits.

Back again this year is the Ritz Players’ production of Christmas at the Ritz, which features local performers singing a number of holiday favorites.

“Our ‘Christmas at the Ritz’ show has been very well received,” Idland said. “Christmas at the Ritz will feature all of the wonderfully talented Ritz Players singing and dancing.”

“Christmas at the Ritz” will be held Dec. 11.

The season will conclude on Feb. 24 with “Della’s Diner” — a musical comedy featuring outrageous characters and country, blues and rockabilly tunes.

All four shows being at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre.

A season pass to all four shows can be purchased for $40 for adults or $30 for students. Tickets to each individual show are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

“A season ticket is the way to go,” Idland said. “Those individuals joining the GAAC are invited to attend post performance parties to meet the actors.”

For more information visit www.gaac-ritz.com or contact Idland at (334) 382-8729, (334) 354-2802, or nancyidland@hotmail.com.