Monday, November 28, 2011

Broadway Holiday


For me, when I think about the upcoming holiday season, visions of sugar plums are not the only thing dancing in my head. When I close my eyes and imagine Christmas, I see our tree set up in the living room, I feel the heat coming off of the crackling fireplace and I hear Christmas music playing on the stereo.

For me, no Christmas scene is complete without Christmas music. I couldn’t imagine writing my Christmas cards without listening to “Christmas Time is Here Again” or “O’ Holy Night.”

If you are like me and enjoy your fair share of Christmas music, you will want to visit The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Downtown Uniontown for Neil Berg’s “Broadway Holiday” at 8 p.m. Dec. 3.

The Christmas spirit will be alive and well at the State Theatre as they present Neil Berg’s critically acclaimed musical revue. Broadway alumni along with musical director Berg and a three piece orchestra will take the audience on a journey featuring favorite holiday classics as well as musical selections from Broadway hits like “My Fair Lady,” “South Pacific,” “Jersey Boys” and “Wicked.”

Vocalists performing with “Broadway Holiday” include Carter Calvert from “Cats,” “Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” and “Smokey Joe’s CafĂ©;” Jeffry Denman of “How to Succeed…,” “The Producers” and “White Christmas;” Rita Harvey of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Oklahoma” and “Phantom of the Opera;” “Marc Kudisch of “9 to 5,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Wild Party;” and Ivan Rutherford of “Les Miserables” and “Titanic.”

If you are interested in kicking off your holiday season with the sounds of Broadway, be sure to contact the box office at 724-439-1360 or toll free at 1-800-397-2554.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

New Christy Minstrels


Minstrels have played an important part in cultures around the globe for many years. They were often a medieval European storyteller who performed songs that enchanted audiences with stories of distant places and imaginary worlds. Their form of entertainment was often very popular with royalty and would often be retained to perform at lavish parties.
Minstrels also had a place in modern day society with the advent of Vaudeville. The shows would continue to mix the story telling and music but would also add comedic skits.
On Nov. 12, we will be continuing the tradition of the musically gifted storyteller, as The New Christy Minstrels take the stage here at The State Theatre in Uniontown.
Founded in 1961, by Randy Sparks, The New Christy Minstrels perform a wide variety of American folk music. They have recorded more than 20 albums and had success with hits “Green Green,” “Saturday Night,” “Today and” “This Land is Your Land.”  In 1962, the group released their first album “Presenting The New Christy Minstrels” which went on to win a Grammy Award.
Today, The New Christy Minstrels, comprised of eight musicians, perform all across the country entertaining audiences with their unique brand of musical storytelling.
Although tickets are still available, please give us a call at the box office to secure your seat for one of America’s greatest folk singing groups.

“S Wonderful”



There is something about live theater. It almost seems that theater is a Pandora’s box of sorts. It tempts you to open the lid and explore this world that is presented right before your eyes. Sometimes you feel wonderful emotions like happiness, joy and love. While other times you feel agony and heart wrenching sorrow. But, the most remarkable part is you can experience all of this straight from one of the seats here at The State Theatre Center for the Arts!
From the Theatre of Dionysus of ancient Athens and The Globe Theatre in London to the footlights of Broadway, stage performances have been a huge part of civilization spanning the world throughout time.
One of the most popular forms of stage performances is musical theater. The combination of beautiful costumes, memorable characters and catchy songs that all of the actors magically seem to know the words to, are some of the reasons why both young and the young at heart enjoy musicals. Today, with the growing popularity of shows like “Glee” and the “High School Musical” phenomena, younger generations are embracing the genera.
Often times audience members are privy to only the finished product of a musical. It is rare they get to see the creative process of a musical.
But, audiences are in luck!
At 8 p.m. Oct. 15, The State Theatre will present “’S Wonderful,” a singing and dancing musical revue that celebrates composers George and Ira Gershwin. “’S Wonderful” offers the audience a look at the real events that occurred in the lives of George and Ira Gershwin.
Maybe some of you haven’t heard of the Gershwin brothers before, but I am sure you have heard of some of their songs including “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Shall We Dance,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Even if you are new to the Gershwin brothers and their music, you will still find your feet tapping along during the performance of “’S Wonderful.”
Tickets can be purchased at The State Theatre Center for the Arts box office 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by visiting www.statetheatre.info to purchase tickets online.
If you have any questions call, 724-439-1360 or toll free 800-397-2554.
We hope to see you for a memorable evening of song and dance.