Saturday, August 27, 2011

Sept 1: Mike Dempsey and Friends Return with Music from the Movies


Mike Dempsey returns to the Soo Theatre for
"Mike Dempsey and Friends Go to the Oscars",
on Thur., Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m.

Mike Dempsey has created yet another musical production for the entertainment of our local communities, this one called "Mike Dempsey and Friends Go to the Oscars." This performance will take place at the Soo Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now available at the Soo Theatre, 534 Ashmun St.

Large audiences enjoyed his last two Soo Theatre productions, one featuring the music of George Gershwin in 2009, and one featuring the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein last year. The singers and instrumentalists and narrator of the last two years will be joined this year by even more talented artists. And as in the last two Dempsey productions, the artists are all giving freely of their time and talents as a fund-raiser for the Soo Theatre Project, for which the local theatre is very grateful.

Dempsey was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. He attended St. Mary’s and Sault High Schools. He received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, and then served in the U.S. Army. He has been the choral director at Pontiac Central and Pontiac Northern High Schools, and also served as choir director at several Oakland County area churches.

In addition, he has been music director for such large-scale musicals as South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Superman, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Mame, My Fair Lady, Gypsy, Sweet Charity, Lil’ Abner, and The Sound of Music.

In 1995 he founded his singing group “Mike Dempsey & Friends.” In addition to writing the script and arranging the music, Mike serves as pianist. This small group has performed composer-themed musicals throughout Southeastern Michigan, and the Sept. 1 show is another of these.

Dempsey has been married to Ellen for 54 years, and they have three sons. As a published composer he is a member of ASCAP and was chosen to accompany Tony award-winner Anna Maria Alberghetti in a Detroit area performance. He is delighted to return to his hometown and the Soo Theatre, where he has many happy memories. Dempsey is looking forward to an evening at the movies with his Sault audience. Long-time Sault residents may recall Dempsey’s parents, Athaleen and Tom. Tom's brother Pat will be on stage this time, also, playing the part of Sammy Cahn. Pat was also born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and is a music professional in Port Huron.

Other artists performing in this musical production are: Karen Hughes Beacom of Pickford, local soprano star of many Soo Theatre productions and both of the other Dempsey shows; Maureen Delaney-Lehman, another fine soprano, who has sung in the other local Dempsey shows; Eric Shaw, professional tenor coming in from Toronto for the third year, who was also born and raised in the two Saults; Linda Freeze, mezzo-soprano, coming from the Detroit area for the first time, who has sung in other Dempsey productions including his one-woman show featuring the music of Judy Garland; and John Young, baritone, coming for the third year from the Detroit area. The narrator is the Sault's own Tom Ewing of Sovereign Communications. Instrumentalists are Gig Stewart, double bassist from Petoskey, and local percussionist Eric Gadzinski.

Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students, $5 for children 12 and under. Group rates are available. Tickets are on sale at the Soo Theatre, 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, call the theatre at (906) 632-1930 or visit our website at www.sootheatre.org. Poster for the event

Audience members will know most, if not all, of the music being performed at this show, and will sometimes be invited to sing along with the piano. The words will be provided. Please plan to attend and enjoy this wonderful evening of movie music.


Check the Soo Theatre Project website at sootheatre.org and follow us on Facebook - Soo Theatre Project, Inc.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Aug 26: Northern Dance Collective 2011 Show

STARS Dance Camp 2011 is in full swing! Our campers are studying hard this week with our visiting dance masters:

  • Gregory George, Artistic Director, Great Lakes Contemporary Ballet, and,

  • Peggy Wright, Director, Novi Academy Division, Great Lakes Academy of Dance
Join us at the Soo Theatre on Friday, August 26th at 7pm for the "Northern Dance Collective 2011" performance. The dancers are sure to light up the stage! Open to the public - admission by donation.

For more information, call (906)632-1930.

Poster


Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) is a community arts center offering instruction in music, dance, theater, visual arts and yoga for students of all ages. STARS is a program of the Soo Theatre Project, partially housed in the historic Soo Theatre complex.

Follow us on Facebook - Soo Theatre Project, Inc.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

The Marriage of Figaro at the Soo Theatre Aug 18, 19, and 21

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famed opera The Marriage of Figaro will bring alive the historic stage of the Soo Theatre Project August 18, 19, and 21st.

Sault Symphony Conductor John Wilkinson and Canadian Director Timothy Murphy have come together to bring you one of the most popular comic operas of all time. This hilarious opera will be presented in English with Resident Soprano Karen Hughes Beacom being joined by visiting professional guest artists John Arnold, Tom Gunther, and Dawn Krogh. The rest of the cast will be comprised of local talent including members of Soo Theatre’s recent hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Show times are at 7:30pm with a 2pm matinée on the 21st. Be sure to get your tickets now by calling 632-1930 or stopping in the office at 534 Ashmun Street. Call ahead for group discounts.

Poster for the show



Check the Soo Theatre Project website at sootheatre.org and follow us on Facebook - Soo Theatre Project, Inc.



Monday, August 8, 2011

Aug 12: Don Ross and Brooke Miller Perform Live at the Soo Theatre

On Friday, August 12, one of the world's best guitar players and one of Canada's best singer-songwriters return for one night only to the Soo Theatre.

Don Ross has wowed audiences with his intricate playing style and is one of the most viewed performers on YouTube. Brooke Miller's heartfelt and introspective music has been winning fans since a young age and has earned comparisons to Bruce Cockburn and Joni Mitchell.

If you don't know these artists, you should. You can see some of Don's amazing fretwork HERE and check out Brooke HERE. You can see them together live from the Soo Theatre HERE. If you're a fan of guitar, you'd have to be daft to miss this show!

Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and $10 for students. Group rates are available. Tickets are on sale at the Soo Theatre, 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, call the theatre at (906) 632-1930 or visit our website at www.sootheatre.org. Poster for the event

This will be the first US date on their world tour. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see two of today’s finest musicians in an intimate setting.


Check the Soo Theatre Project website at sootheatre.org and follow us on Facebook - Soo Theatre Project, Inc.

  Based on © Blogger template 'Minimalist E' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP