GUYS & DOLLS

By Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling

September 23-25, & 30, October 1-2 & 7-9, 2011

with 8:00 pm shows and 2:00 pm Sunday matinees

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic romp, considered by many to be the quintessential musical comedy, soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who have become theatrical legends. Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight “mission doll,” out to reform the evildoers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact she’s been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperateas always to find a spot forhis infamous floating crapgame. Featuring the hit songs “I’ll Know”, “Luck Be A Lady”, and “Sit Down Your Rockin’ The Boat”. Recommended for ages 13+.

BOEING-BOEING

By Marc Camoletti

January 27-29, February 3-5 & 10-12, 2012

with 8:00 pm shows and 2:00 pm Sunday matinees

In this hilarious farce, Bernard, a successful architect, juggles three flight attendant fiancées: one American, one French, and one German. He tracks their airlines’ timetables, and his long-suffering housekeeper reluctantly resets the menus and bedroom decor depending on the arrivals and departures. Bernard has been successful at convincing each woman that she is the only one. Bernard’s old school friend Robert arrives unexpectedly, and Bernard proudly explains to his friend how he makes his busy romantic schedule run smoothly. Unfortunately for Bernard, a new, faster Boeing jet has been introduced, changing the timetable. Weather delays occur, and complications arise when things do not match Bernard’s careful planning. Robert steps in to help by keeping the women busy as they arrive. It becomes increasingly difficult for the team to keep the women separate once they all arrive, and the lies told become ever more difficult to reconcile. Recommended for ages 13+.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

April 27-29, May 4-6 & May 11-13, 2012

with 8:00 pm  shows and 2:00 pm Sunday matinees

This black comedy revolves around Mortimer, a drama critic, who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them, a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of their home, and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an accomplice to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-filmactor Boris Karloff. This classic comedic delight is sure to be a true crowd pleaser. Recommended for all ages.

LATE NITE CATECHISM

Sat, November 12, 2011 - 8:00 pm

Sun, November 13, 2011 - 2:00 pm

Late Nite Catechism is a boisterous and extremely funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. The irrepressible Sister teaches class to a roomful of “students.” Throughout the course of the class our benevolent instructor rewards her “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes. Patrons of all beliefs and backgrounds will enjoy this hilariously funny play that will take you back to your youth.

WINTER DANCE PARTY:BUDDY HOLLY, RICHIE VALENS & THE BIG BOPPER

Fri, January 13, 2012 - 8:00 pm

Sat, January 14, 2012 - 8:00 pm

This official live and authentic recreation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper’s final tour includes more than two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the ‘50’s era: “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy,” “Rave on,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace,” and many, many, more! The show features an energetic four-piece band and Jay Richardson, the Big Bopper’s real-life son, who portrays him in this show!

REUNION OF MAGIC STARS

Sat, March 3, 2012 - 2:00 pm, 7:30 pm

The longest-running magic revue presents their 55th annual show featuring six internationally recognized magicians and top variety acts from Las Vegas, Europe, Asia, and Hollywood’s Magic Castle. This show has become a popular staple here at the Norris Theatre. Come see what audiences have been raving about! Seats usually sell out fast to this fun magical event that is great for all ages! Be sure to grab your tickets before they all disappear.

LEGENDS OF MOTOWN

Sat, April 14, 2012 - 8:00 pm

This soulful tribute to the music of the Motor City features The Voices of the Supremes performing the great music of the Supremes, including “Baby Love,” “Stop in the Name of Love” and “I Hear a Symphony” and also featuring The Temptations Revue performing the music of The Temptations including “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” “Just My Imagination” and many others. Backed by a live band, it is a wonderful tribute to the Motor City and the music that has inspired generations.

ROCKETMAN: THE ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE

Sat, May 26, 2012 - 8:00 pm

Back by popular demand! In a show as extravagant as Elton John’s career, Scotsman Rus Anderson re-enacts an early Elton John concert, complete with exact replica costumes, down to the feather boas and crazy, oversized sunglasses. While playing a baby grand piano, Anderson authentically captures Sir Elton’s voice, looks and signature style as he reprises four decades of hit songs, from “Tiny Dancer” and “Your Song,” to “Crocodile Rock” and “Candle in the Wind.”

BOOMER MCLENNAN

Fri, October 14, 2011 - 6:00 pm includes Dinner

Popular local country entertainer Boomer McLennan and his band The Rhythm Rangers will return to the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion for another fun-filled evening of boot-stompin’ country music. The event includes dancing and a delectable Texas-style barbecue dinner with all the trimmings. McLennan has received numerous industry honors including Rising Star from Nashville’s Golden Music Awards; the Male Rising Star from the Online Country Awards, and “Best Non-Resident” performer from the Orange County Music Awards.

FOREVER PLAID

Fri, March 30, 2012 - 6:00 pm includes Dinner*

Sat, March 31, 2012 - 6:00 pm includes Dinner*

Sun, April 1, 2012 - 12:00 pm includes Dinner*

Sun, April 1, 2012 - 6:00 pm includes Dinner*

*Show starts 90 minutes after dinner

This deliciously goofy musical revue centers on four young, eager male singers. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, Forever Plaid is a guaranteed good time, with a program of beloved songs that will keep you rolling in the aisles when you’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the ‘50s.

TITANIC JAZZ BAND

Sunday, November 13, 2011 - 11:30 am with Brunch, 5:00 pm with Supper

Dan Comins leads his “West Coast” jazzers performing the music reminiscent of Lu Waters and Turk Murphy.

YVE EVANS AND COMPANY

Sunday, January 8, 2012 - 11:30 am with Brunch, 5:00 pm with Supper

The return of Yve Evans, whose inimitable wit and vocal style is augmented by trumpet and flugel horn virtuoso Andrew Carney.

TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU

Sunday, March 18, 2012 - 11:30 am with Brunch, 5:00 pm with Supper

After their sensational reception on the Jazz Festival circuit, Tom Rigney and Flambeau will bring their unique blend of Cajun/Zydeco to our stage. Special guest: Bob Draga.

CORNET CHOP SUEY

Sunday, May 20, 2012 - 11:30 am with Brunch, 5:00 pm with Supper

The Cornet Chop Suey will close the 13th season with their high energy show. Best known for its great versatility, CCS applies its own exciting style to traditional jazz, swing, blues and “big production” numbers.

DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR.

August 5-7 & 12-14, 2011 with 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm shows

Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, land of mystery, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! All of your favorite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie.

Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences' spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning Alan Menken, Howard Ashman score with songs including "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me" will certainly make this musical a favorite for many years to come!

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

October 21-23, 2011

with 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm shows

In his comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare weaves an intricate tale of love and deception. There is the sweet, forthright love of Hero and Claudio set against Benedick and Beatrice’s sizzling battle of wits. Thereis Leonato’s gleeful plotting to spark a romance between Beatrice and Benedick and the cruel hoax contrived by Don John to plant suspicion, dishonor Hero and spoil the marriage. It is a celebration of life and love. In Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s characters summon up love, honor and faith to avert tragedy and inspire the heart.

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL

February 17-19 & 24-26, 2012

with 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm shows

Seussical comes from the Tony award-winning duo who brought you Ragtime and Once On This Island. A musical extravaganza filled with toe-tapping tunes, Seussical borrows its plot directly from the characters and occurrences in various Dr. Seuss children’s books. In fact, Seussical integrates the storylines from more than 20 of Seuss’ works, using each tiny town and bizarre species of creature as inspiration. Driving this fanciful tale of self-discovery and true friendship is that beloved master of imagination, the Cat in the Hat. He is helped along the way by Horton and his lovesick neighbor, Gertrude McFuzz, and a wide range of whimsical characters.

HAIRSPRAY

Summer 2012

Hairspray delights audiences by sweeping them away to 1960s Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad has a passion for dancing and wins a spot on the local TV dance program. Overnight she finds herself transformed from outsider to teen celebrity.

CINDERELLA

Summer 2012

The beloved fairy tale comes to life on stage as Cinderella triumphs over her nasty Stepmother and Stepsisters. Thanks to a Fairy Godmother, a trip to the Royal Ball in an enchanted coach, and a glass slipper, Cinderella marries her Prince Charming and... they live happily ever after. This musical production is filled with family fun!

SEASON OPENING CONCERT - "COSB SOLOIST NIGHT"

Sunday, October 16, 2011

VIVALDI - Concerto for Oboe and Strings in D Minor, Op.8 No.9
BACH, J.S. - Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050
ELGAR - Introduction and Allegro, for String Quartet and Orchestra Britten-Simple Symphony, Op.4

ORION AND ANNA WEISS, DUO PIANISTS

Sunday, December 4, 2011

HAYDN-“Lo Special” Overture
MOZART-Concerto for Two Pianos in E Flat Major, K.365
HONEGGER-“Pastoral d’ete”
ST-SAENS-“Carnival of the Animals” (with 2 Pianos and Narrator)

CLAIRE HUANGCI, CHOPIN PRIZE-WINNING PIANIST

Sunday, January 22, 2012

MENDELSSOHN-“Fingal’s Cave” Overture
MENDELSSOHN-Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op.25
GOUNOD, CHARLES-Symphony No. 1 in D Major

CARRIE DENNIS, PRINCIPAL VIOLIST, LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC, and MARCIA DICKSTEIN, HARPIST

Sunday, March 4, 2012

DEBUSSY-“Sacred and Profane Dances” for Harp and Strings
SHULMAN, ALAN-Theme and Variations for Viola and Strings
PAGANINI-“La Campanella” for Viola and Orchestra
GRIEG-“Holberg Suite” for Strings

‘12-GALA SPRING CONCERT-MAYUKO KAMIO, VIOLINIST

Gold Medal Prizewinner, Tchaikovsky International Competition

Saturday, April 21, 2012

ROSSINI-“Tancredi” Overture
MENDELSSOHN-Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op.64
BEETHOVEN-Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op.68 “Pastorale”
Followed by a Reception at the Norris Theatre