Lyric season heats up, tickets for a full season on sale Sept. 8

September 4, 2015
Shelley Koppel
Staff writer/Your Voice News & Views
skoppel@YourVoiceWeekly.com

STUART – For an arts and entertainment reporter, the end of summer isn’t back-to school, its back-to-the season. While the summer offerings grow each year, it is during the season that the stars come down to Florida. The Lyric Theatre, where tickets go on sale Sept. 8, has a busy season planned.

Walter Parks, former lead guitarist for Richie Havens, opens the season Oct. 3. He brings his one-man show inspired by the historic sounds of the Okefenokee Swamp. Also in October, the popular Michael Amante returns for two shows on the 17th. “The Good the Bad and the Tenor” stars Amante and several of his musical friends.

Flutist Gary Arbuthnot, a student of James Galway, will present classical and popular favorites Nov. 7 and country star Lee Greenwood take the stage Nov. 8. “The Jew, The Old Jew and the Guy from Jersey: An Evening of Clean Stand-Up Comedy,” comes to town Nov. 13 and another returning favorite, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus Live!” takes the stage Nov. 20-21.

December is always a busy month at the Lyric and it’s a good time to think about a gift of tickets to upcoming shows. Comedian Kathleen Madigan comes to town Dec. 2, and Dec. 4 brings the National Chinese Circus and the Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. You can celebrate Christmas the Italian way when Franco Corso brings “My Italian Christmas” to the stage Dec. 5 for two shows.

Fans of the legendary band, the Eagles will want to see “7 Bridges-The Ultimate Eagles Experience, Dec. 7. “A Peter White Christmas,” with Rick Braun and Mindi Abair, is a Lyric tradition. The three come to Stuart Dec. 9. Paul Tanner, an impressionist called “The Man of Many Voices,” presents “12 Personalities and No Waiting” Dec. 15.

Those Dukes of Hazzard, Tom Wopat and John Schneider bring “Return of the Dukes Christmas” Dec. 16. Simon and Garfunkel’s legendary 1981 reunion concert in central Park is recreated by Lee Lessack and Johnny Rodgers Dec. 17. The year ends with “On the Radio,” recreating the sounds of the 1970s, Dec. 29 and the Brad Ross Family Magic Show Dec. 30.

The New Year opens with “Menopause: The Musical,” Jan. 4-5. Broadway star and Tony winner Faith Prince presents, “An Intimate Evening” Jan. 7. Local opera star Lorrianna Collozzo returns to the Lyric Jan. 14 with her show, “High Standards,” covering genres including Broadway, opera and familiar songs.

The Irish Comedy Tour comes to town Jan. 16 and the jazz ensemble, “The Hot Sardines” brings its unique sound to town Jan. 21. Arlo Guthrie returns with his “Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour” Jan. 22. The popular vocalist, comedian and pianist Sarge returns Jan. 23 and the political satire troupe Capitol Steps makes an appearance Jan. 25.

The month ends with two special shows, on Jan. 28. Jessica Fellowes presents “Chronicles of Downton Abbey,” providing background and context to the popular Public Broadcasting Show. Superstar violinist Joshua Bell returns to the Lyric Jan. 29.

February begins with “Always…Patsy Cline” Feb. 5-6. The show features Carter Calvert. Political satirist and pianist Mark Russell comes to the Lyric Feb. 13. Valentine’s Day brings The Atlantic City Boys and the sounds of the 1960s. “Ballroom: South Beach Style,” features the art of ballroom dancing with a Latin flair. It comes to town Feb. 17. Tito Puente Jr., is “Keeping the Legacy Alive,” Feb. 20 and Darlene Love brings some of her greatest hits Feb. 22-23.

It wouldn’t be a Lyric season without Doc Grober & the Mudcats. The group celebrates “New Orleans Jazz” Feb. 25. Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash and her guitarist husband John Leventhal come to town Feb. 26. The month ends with “Beginnings: The Music of Chicago,” Feb. 28.

Lyric favorite Steve Solomon combines elements from his popular shows with new material March 1. Actor Jeffrey Tambor, known for his roles in “Arrested Development” and “Transparent,” has a conversation with the audience March 2. “The Magic of Motown” brings that era to life March 7. On March 8, the music of Kander and Ebb is brought to the stage in “Kander and Ebb…and All the Jazz,” with songs from shows like “Chicago” and “Cabaret.”

Legendary entertainer Tony Orlando brings his greatest hits to the Lyric March 10. A tribute to the Bee Gees, “Stayin’ Alive,” comes to town March 12 and the Doo Wop Project explores the history of that musical style March 13. Country music band Savannah Jack brings vocal music and Southern sass to the theater March 15. For those who listen to “A Prairie Home Companion,” guitarist Pat Donahue of the “Guys All-Star Show Band” will perform March 17.

On March 18, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra brings musicians and humor from New Zealand to the stage. Robert Navarro and his Latin Jazz Orchestra present “A Night at the Palladium” March 19. Fiesta Mexico-Americana features the Grammy-winning group Los Lobos March 21.

So far, April has “Celtic Nights: Spirit of Freedom,” exploring the roots of Celtic music and its effect on American music. The show will be presented April 9. Comedian Paula Poundstone returns for two shows April 16.

That’s the schedule now and more shows may well be added. Tickets for those who are not Lyric Theatre members go on sale Sept. 8

Tickets and more information about shows at The Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, can be found on the website www.lyrictheatre.com or by calling the box office at (772) 286-7827.