Columbia Theatre has more in store for 2011
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
1/27/11
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CLASSIC MUSICAL COMING TO COLUMBIA THEATRE – Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts kicks off 2011 with “The Music Man,” winner of five Tony Awards, including best musical. The one-time-only performance is scheduled Saturday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts has a great variety of programs remaining through June, including a musical classic, a pair of signature children’s programs, musical blasts from the past, and a repeat performance of magic and illusion.
“In the midst of our chilly winter weather, I know that warmer temperatures are only a matter of weeks away,” said Columbia Theatre Interim Director Kenneth Boulton. “As things heat up, so too does the Columbia Theatre’s exciting spring season, with a brilliant schedule of shows for every taste and fancy. Do come out and help us celebrate our season of great entertainment.”
The second act of the Columbia Season begins with a bang with “The Music Man” on Saturday, Feb. 26. Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, “The Music Man” follows traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, in 1912 into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef.
In March, the Columbia stage will see the first of the Pajamas and Play series, performances for Columbia’s youngest fans. “Seussical,” scheduled March 17 at 6:30 p.m., is adapted from the Broadway version and features 13 actors and enhanced production values. “Seussical” stars the Cat in the Hat as host and emcee, and as a Pajamas and Play presentation, children 10 and under can wear pjs and enjoy milk and cookies before going home.
Following close behind “Seussical,” Big Easy Award-winning actress and vocalist Dorian Rush takes on the role of Janis Joplin in “Livin’ Janis” on March 25. The New Orleans-based theatrical production is an unauthorized, biographical, musical homage to the late great rock legend.
Back by popular demand is magician and illusionist Mike Super on April 8. With his natural ability to entertain and fascinate people, Super – winner of NBC’s television show “Phenomenon” – has pioneered a new form of magic with his own unmatched style and personality.
Less than a week later, the second installment of Pajamas and Play, “The Jungle Book,” will take the stage April 14 at 6:30 p.m. A musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, “The Jungle Book” delights both young and old alike. Theatre-goers will join Mowgli as he learns the “laws” of the jungle with the help of friends like the black panther Bagheera and the lovable bear Baloo, and cheer as Mowgli faces his fear and foils his nemisis, the tiger Shere Khan.
Hotel California: “A Salute to the Eagles” commands the Columbia stage on Saturday, May 1. With great reputation and audience acclaim, Hotel California is known as the ultimate salute to the Eagles. By blending extraordinary vocal and musical talents, Hotel California accurately reproduces the sounds of the Eagles’ studio recordings, while recreating a classic sound that transcends the boundaries of Rock, R&B and Country.
Closing out the 2010-11 season is Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters on June 4. When it comes to describing what one can expect from Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr, the “American Press” said it best: “He’s boogied with James Brown, packed the House of Blues, played at the White House, and traveled to more cities than a Greyhound. Critics hail him as one of Zydeco’s most cherished symbols, and a party seems to break out whenever and wherever he and his band show up.”
For more information on upcoming programs, contact the Columbia Theatre at 985-543-4366 or log on to www.columbiatheatre.org.
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