New Abilene Idol to be chosen; illusionist returns for CPAS show

Staff reports
·3 min read

Who will be the next Abilene Idol?

That question will be answered Friday night, when the finale begins at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre.

The event is a fundraiser for Chorus Abilene.

Abby French is the reigning Idol.

Performing will by Brody Parris, the current Junior Idol. Parris is 14 and attends Abilene Christian School.

He will sing "Corner of the Sky" from "Pippen." It was performed by his twin brother, Braxton, previously for Idol competition.

"I loved it when he sang, so I wanted a chance to sing it," Brody Parris said.

At last year's finale, he sang "Proud of Your Boy" from "Aladdin." He chose that song because he had been in the junior version of the show done by Mrs. Z's Performing Arts Studio.

The songs was omitted from the 1992 animated Disney movie but due to popularity, it was added to the stage musical.

"I wanted the chance to sing it again," he said.

Parris said he thrives on stage.

"I really do enjoy it. Honestly, whenever I am on stage, I just feel like it's only me," he said. "I just love showing my talent because I love sharing what I love to do with other people."

In January, Parris and other Mrs. Z's students went to the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, Ga. There, they worked up a 15-minute of a musical for critique, and participated in workshops.

"It was super cool. Just a bunch of people who love to do what we love to do," he said.

The audience vote taken at the conclusion of Friday's performance counts 20% toward the winner.

Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and military. Tickets will be sold at the door but can be purchased in advance at chorusabilene.org.

Not an illusion: Jason Bishop at CPAS show

The second Children's Performing Arts Series show of the 2022-23 season is Sunday, with Jason Bishop returning to the Paramount Theatre stage.

The illusionist is bringing back his dog, Gizmo.

Cost is $10 per person.

Magician Jason Bishop tours the world with his shows.
Magician Jason Bishop tours the world with his shows.

Monsters not under the bed

The Monster Truck Nitro Tour roars into Abilene for two shows Saturday at the Taylor Telecom Arena. Show are at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Pit parties, at an additional cost, are planned for noon and 6 p.m. Attendees can meet the drivers and see the 10,000-pound vehicles up close.

For tickets, go to monstertrucktour.com.

Cirque de Mall

Cirque Italia is set up in the tent of the parking lot at the Mall of Abilene through Sunday.

Show are:

  • Thursday: 7:30 p.m.

  • Friday: 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday: 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday: 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $10.

For information, go to cirquetalia.com or call 941-704-8572.

Guns and knives and more

The Silver Spur Gun and Blade Show is back at the Taylor County Coliseum.

Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Attendees can shop, sell or trade new, used and collectible firearms. Survival gear, listed as coins, jewelry and purses, will be for sale.

Guns brought to the event must be unloaded and checked at the door. Ammunition and magazines must be left in vehicles or with security.

Admission - $6 for adults and $1 for youngsters under 12 - is cash only.

Who's on stage

FRIDAY

  • Jim Sadler, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.

  • Allora Leonard, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750

  • Terri Knight, Sharon's Barbeque, 2050 Antilley Road

SATURDAY

  • Matt Austin, Sharon's Barbeque, 2050 Antilley Road

  • Twang, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750

  • Self Family, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.

  • Kidd Callahan, Railhead Tavern, 140 Market St. Baird.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: New Abilene Idol to be chosen; illusionist returns for CPAS show