Performing Arts Center season: musicals, concerts, singers, comedy.

NEW PHILADELPHIA ‑ Broadway musicals will be featured in the 2023-24 season of the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas, with perfomances of "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Annie" and "On Your Feet!" Other highlights include the music of Scotty McCreery, Micky Dolenz and Daniel O’Donnell, comedian Joe Gatto and author and humorist Garrison Keillor.

“Because of the unending support of our community, The Performing Arts Center continues to bring people from throughout the region together to experience extraordinary live performances,” said Brad Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Tuscarawas.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, a new production of the iconic musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" returns to the stage. The show has lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring, according to David Mitchell, PAC general manager.

"Annie" celebrates family, optimism and the American spirit and remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way," Mitchell said. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production.

"On Your Feet!" is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent and each other to become an international sensation, Mitchell said. Their story is a new musical featuring some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark.”

Concerts scheduled for the season include country star Scotty McCreery, Micky Dolenz, the voice of The Monkees, Irish crooner Daniel O’Donnell, the 90’s hit band Blessid Union of Souls and the seven-foot-tall sad clown, Puddles Pity Party, whose golden voice is comparable to rock legends like Tom Jones and Freddie Mercury, according to Mitchell. He said fans of nostalgia will love the immersive concert-style theater show The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Bruce in the USA, the World’s #1 Tribute to the E Street Band’s musical legacy and Boy Band Review that will transport audience members back in time to the days of frosted tips and hunky front-men professing their undying love.

For those looking for a laugh, coming to New Philadelphia is comedian, actor, and producer, Joe Gatto who is best known for the hit TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” Also making a tour stop is Dry Bar Comedy, an online series that offers clean comedy for everyone. This new tour of live shows features comedians who've become Dry Bar fan favorites. Also on the season is Garrison Keillor for an evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience song and poetry.

Several shows will offer holiday entertainment for the whole family. Diamond Rio wil celebrate the season with their Holiday & Hits tour. Christmas In Killarney, An Irish Christmas Celebration set in Killarney, Ireland in the late 1920’s will show what it means to celebrate Christmas the Irish way. Holiday comedy is planned in the show Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas.

The Foolers will bring an evening of interactive illusions curated by icons Penn & Teller to the stage. A clean comedy experience for the entire family, Buckets N Boards is a high-energy show with amazing percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation and an incredible variety of musical talents that will leave you laughing for the rest of your week, Mitchell said.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Beyond Babel is a critically acclaimed dance theatre show about the division of families, friends, and a community. The show is choreographed by Keone & Mari Madrid, an award-winning husband and wife team who have also created dance for stars including Justin Bieber, BTS, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Flying Lotus & Kendrick Lamar.

The season will feature several artists who will provide workshop and performance experiences to local students. Artists include singer, songwriter and international fingerstyle champion guitarist Christie Lenée, the steel pan centric Jonathan Scales Fourchestra and the band Good Shot Judy who harkens back to those formative decades from the 1930s on, when small jazz combos, big brass bands and crooners where everywhere on American airwaves.

“Last year we transformed the lobby into an Italian piazza for a full immersion experience,” explained Mitchell. “Everyone had a blast and immediately asked what we were going to do next. This year we’ll transport patrons to Germany and turn the lobby into a German Festplatz, full of music, food, beer and dancing for those brave enough, while we celebrate Oktoberfest.” The evening features music by Cleveland’s The Shotskis and includes a four-course meal of authentic German fare.

“Another change to the season is perhaps more of a mindset shift than something new,” Mitchell said.

“While the PAC has been the home of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic for the past 13 years, we’ve operated as two separate organizations with two separate seasons. To better serve our arts patrons, we’ve moved to a one season approach. This will allow audiences to have more flexibility and price savings on any performance at the PAC, regardless of show.”

Clare Cannizzaro, executive director of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus said, “We are thrilled to partner more closely with the Performing Arts Center in offering our community a unified experience. Whether coming to a Broadway show, a Philharmonic concert or a night of comedy, together we’ll celebrate the power of a shared community experience in the breathtaking space of the PAC.”

The collaboration will be highlighted when The Texas Tenors, the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America's Got Talent, will be joined on stage by the Tuscarawas Philharmonic and Chorus for a full orchestral experience of everything from country to classical to rousing patriotic favorites. Other concerts on the season include A Musical World Tour featuring clarinetist Dan Gilbert, Home for the Holidays with the Adult and Childrens Choruses, Mystical Impressions with the Philharmonic joined by the Dover High School String Orchestra and The Three B’s featuring violinist Jessica Lee and cellist Dane Johansen from the Cleveland Orchestra.

A complete list of performances and ticket prices are online at www.kent.edu/tuscpac. PAC members will be able to purchase tickets to the 2023-24 season from June 12 to June 21. Discounted tickets are available through pre-sale packages of four shows or more and can be purchased beginning June 22. Single show ticket sales begin June 26. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Performing Arts Center box office, by calling 330-308-6400 or online at www.kent.edu/tuscpac. The box office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free parking is available for all shows. The Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas is at 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia.

2023-2024 Season

∎ Bruce in the USA, Sept. 9∎ The Foolers, Sept. 26∎ Tuscarawas Philharmonic: A Musical World Tour, Oct. ∎ Micky Dolenz, voice of The Monkees, Oct. 10∎ Octoberfest, Oct. 14∎ Dry Bar Comedy Tour LIVE, Nov. 4∎ Blessid Union of Souls, Nov. 17∎ Scotty McCreery, Nov. 19∎ Daniel O’Donnell, Nov. 21∎ Tuscarawas Philharmonic: Home for the Holidays, Dec. 9∎ Christmas In Killarney, An Irish Christmas Celebration, Dec. 12∎ Diamond Rio: Holiday & Hits, Dec. 17∎ Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas, Dec. 19∎ Boy Band Review, Jan. 19∎ Buckets N Boards, Jan. 21∎ The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Jan. 23∎ Joe Gatto, Jan. 27∎ Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Jan. 30∎ "Annie," Feb. 13∎ "One Your Feet!" Feb. 27∎ Good Shot Judy, Feb. 29∎ Tuscarawas Philharmonic: Mystical Impressions, March 2∎ Christie Lenée, March 9∎ Beyond Babel, March 15∎ "Jesus Christ Superstar," March 25∎ Garrison Keillor Tonight, April 2∎ The Texas Tenors with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, April 5∎ Puddles Pity Party, April 25∎ Tuscarawas Philharmonic: The Three B’s, June 1

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Upcoming season of live shows includes musicals, comedy, concerts