Broadway Across America presents Rock of Ages
Dec. 7-12
Palace Theater
If you’re a fan of Poison, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benetar, Asia and Whitesnake, this is the Broadway show for you. It’s 1987, and a small-town girl meets a big city rocker in a rock ‘n’ roll club in Los Angeles – as you can imagine, high-octane power ballads and big-haired hijinks ensue. Bring your aquanet and your eyeliner, this is sure to take you back to the glory days of hair metal and high kicks. The best part? Constantine Maroulis, American Idol contestant, Tony Award nominee and current star of the Tony Award-winning musical on Broadway will play the lead in Columbus. www.rockofagesmusical.com
CAPA presents Dave Koz and Friends
Dec. 5
Palace Theater
Dave Koz is no stranger to Columbus. He’s been a part of our holiday season for years, bringing his special blend of jazz and holiday cheer – but he’ll put a different twist on it this year with South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, keyboardist Brian Culbertson and Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer. Koz, a six-time Grammy nominee, platinum selling saxophonist and recent recipient of his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star, is a smooth-jazz-flavored cordial for your holiday sensibilities. www.capa.com
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Lang Lang
Jan. 27
Ohio Theatre
The New York Times has heaped praise on Lang Lang, calling him “the hottest artist on the classical music planet.” The 27-year-old “rockstar” of the classical world has sold out auditoriums in every major city in the world. He’s been sought after by the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and top American orchestras. Now, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra invites Lang Lang to play his
WHAT WILL HE PLAY? IS THIS ORIGINAL MATERIAL?
CATCO presents The Last Smoker in America
Sept. 29-Oct 24
Studio One, Riffe Center
This world premiere musical (yes, that’s right, world premiere) from Tony nominee Bill Russell and Drama Desk nominee Peter Melnick, takes place in an America where smoking has been outlawed. The show, billed as an “original, racous, irreverent musical comedy,” revolves around the life of Pam, who just can’t seem to stop lighting up, even though it’s illegal. What’s more, her wannabe rock-star husband, confused son and busybody neighbor aren’t making it any easier. The cast and crew, all from New York City, will premiere the show in Columbus before packing it up and presenting it off-Broadway back in NYC. “This truly is a world premiere,” says Rolanda Copley, spokesman for CATCO. www.catco.org
ProMusica presents Zuill Bailey
Oct. 10
Southern Theatre
Zuill Bailey, internationally renowned cellist, will kick off the 32cd season of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra’s programming, by playing three Russian masterpieces. Bailey, with his cello that’s over 400 years old (no kidding, it was crafted in 1693, when Bach was just eight years old) will join ProMusica’s collective to play Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Prokofiev’s “Symphony No. 1,” and Shostakovich’s “Concerto for Violincello and Orchestra No. 1, Op. 107.” Sure, the name’s are complicated, but the music is gorgeous. www.promusicacolumbus.com
LeAnn Rimes
Nov. 7
Presented by the McCoy Center for the Arts
The Country Music Association nominated LeAnn Rimes for Best Country Singer when she was only sixteen, and her career has only blossomed since. When she announced she would release her newest album in October, organizers at the McCoy center jumped at the chance to invite her to perform. “We really try to offer diverse programming,” says Julie Kriss, director of constituent relationships at the McCoy Center in New Albany. That’s evident when you look at their fall/winter lineup that features Oklahoma!, the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater and the Neville Brothers, among others. www.mccoycenterforthearts.com
Kristina Isabelle and Bebe Miller
Nov. 18-19
Presented by the McConnell Center for the Arts
“Contemporary dance really uses Modern dance as a springboard,” says Jon Cook, executive director of the McConnell Center for the Arts in Worthington. “Contemporary dance is a little bit of spectacle, a little bit of circus; it’s always a little something out of the ordinary. That’s what Kristina will bring,” he adds. Isabelle’s company of six dancers, both men and women, will be joined by Bebe Miller’s company for the November performance. Miller, a member of the faculty at The Ohio State University, will round out the night; heating up the stage while temperatures fall outside.
Columbus Jazz Orchestra: Guitar Summit
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Renaissance Theater
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Weathervane Theater
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