The Performing Arts Center at at Tuscarawas announced its 2024-25 season highlighted by Broadway musicals Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations and The Addams Family. Other highlights include the music of Andy Grammer, Celtic Woman and Drew & Ellie Holcomb as well as comedian Brian Regan and the hit improv show Whose Live Anyway? The full season is comprised of a diverse line-up featuring additional concerts, family shows and comedies.
“I encourage everyone to immerse themselves in breathtaking live performances that will ignite their soul and captivate their senses,” said Dr. Brad Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer of Tuscarawas. “We invite you to join us for the most anticipated shows of the year and experience the magic at the Performing Arts Center at Tuscarawas.”
Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, The Addams Family is the magnificently macabre hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.
Concerts scheduled for the season include pop star Andy Grammer, the return of Irish sensation Celtic Woman and the husband-and-wife duo Drew & Ellie Holcomb joining together for a rare concert tour. Fans of nostalgia will be treated to several blasts from the past. The Docksiders, America’s Favorite Yacht Rock Band will perform “soft rock” songs of the 70s and 80s for an unforgettable night of fun. Cleveland-based vocalist Helen Welch celebrates the greatest female phenoms of all time with First Ladies of Song while the 90’s get the ultimate dance party experience with Fool House. I Am… He Said – A Celebration of Neil Diamond brings the songwriters best hits to life and classic country gets the spotlight with Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly.
For those looking for a laugh, current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? present their new improv tour: Whose Live Anyway? Stand-up comedians Brian Regain and Drew Lynch make their New Philadelphia debut and Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is the hysterical sequel to the original smash-hitbacked by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Several shows will bring with them the joys of the holiday season for the whole family. Christmas in the Air is a first-class family ‘snow globe come to life’ experience, featuring a cast of awe-inspiring synchronized high-kicking Rockette-style dancers, along with world-class singers and actors. Rock the holidays with Luminare Christmas and experience a concert with a phenomenal light show and a heartwarming story.
Other shows to experience include the dynamic percussionists and dancers of The Pack Drumline who wowed the judges on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. And a must-see for fans of the 1987 film classic, Dirty Dancing In Concert thrills with the digitally remastered hit film experienced like never before on a full-size cinema screen with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs on stage. And for those looking for a party, celebrate Mardi Gras at the PAC with two-time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien and his highly skilled Zydeco Experience band.
Continuing its commitment to educational outreach, the season will once again feature artists who will provide workshop and performance experiences to local students. “Our educational programs give local students the opportunity to perform side by side with internationally recognized musicians for once-in-a-lifetime experiences on our stage,” explained David Mitchell, general manager of the Performing Arts Center. “This season we are continuing the PACK the PAC pricing initiative where every ticket for these designated shows is only $15.” Artists who are part of the PACK the PAC series are the genre-defying trio, TAKE3, created by violinist/vocalist, Lindsay Deutsch, Yanni's featured violin soloist, with whom she has toured throughout most of the 7 continents. Hailing from Sweden, a cappella sensation The Real Group create a unique musical expression between jazz, pop and Nordic European vocal music.
Returning for a third season is a world music and food lobby event. “We’ve transformed the lobby into a full immersion music, food and beverage experience which has sold out the past two years,” explained Mitchell. “This year we’ll transport patrons to Ireland and turn the lobby into an Irish Pub, full of music, food, beer and dancing for those brave enough.” The evening features music by Celtic Rush and includes a four-course meal of authentic Irish fare.
Star of stage, screen and television, Mandy Gonzalez possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. Joined by the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, Mandy Gonzalez will perform an extraordinary songbook from Broadway and beyond. “After a successful collaboration with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic last season, we’re excited to partner again and bring Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez to the PAC stage,” continued Mitchell. “Mandy has stared in some of the biggest shows in Broadway history including Wicked and Hamilton and I can’t wait for our audience to experience her voice accompanied by our very own Tuscarawas Philharmonic.”
Other Tuscarawas Philharmonic concerts on the season include The Talents Within, Yuletide Holiday Spectacular with the Adult Choruses and featuring selections from Polar Express, Love Is All You Need from Rachmaninoff to the Beatles and Timeless Flute Magic featuring world-class flutist, Jessica Sindell.
“Continuing partnerships with our sponsors are a testament to these organizations’ commitment to the arts and assisting us in enriching the lives of the community around us,” added Bielski. “We are excited for the Tuscarawas County Community Foundation to return as our full season sponsor. And we are grateful for the continued support of First Federal Community Bank, Attorney Richard W. Hinig and Alonovus as Platinum Sponsors and Supporting Sponsor Rodriguez's House of Stones. Western Reserve Public Media also continues as our official media partner for the season.”
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 2024-25 season from June 10 to June 19. Discounted tickets are available through pre-sale packages of four shows or more and can be purchased beginning June 20. Single show ticket sales begin June 24. 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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free and convenient parking is available for all shows. The Performing Arts Center at Tuscarawas is located at 330 University Dr. NE, in New Philadelphia.