Pasco: PHCC has season of swing and soul music

PHCC has season of swing and soul music

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN

NEW PORT RICHEY -- If you're a fan of big band, Broadway and the smooth sounds of 1950s Motown/harmony groups, the upcoming performing arts season at Pasco-Hernando Community College should suit you fine.

The 10-show schedule opens Oct. 15 with The Sounds of Harry James and the Andrews Sisters and winds up on March 25 with a last look at Martin Preston impersonating entertainment icon Liberace in Farewell to Liberace. In between are two singing duos, a 15-piece orchestra playing swing tunes, a Las Vegas-style music and dance revue, two Motown groups, a Russian music and dance troupe and a touring company version of the Broadway musical 42nd Street.

"There's something in there for everyone," said Catherine Baumbach, executive director of the PHCC Foundation, which sponsors the series.

Even so, the season will have particular appeal to the over-50 crowd, she said. "Sometimes when we tried to do things for younger groups, the response has been kind of disappointing."

Ms. Baumbach is hoping the upcoming season will introduce younger audiences to tried-and-true entertainment from years past.

The season and comments by Ms. Baumbach:

Oct. 15: The Sounds of Harry James and the Andrews Sisters: "Bill Ziza is bringing us this show, and he always finds wonderful singers for that group."

Nov. 18: La Mystique: "This is the Las Vegas revue, with singing, dancing, lavish costumes. It includes a look at several styles, starting with a USO-style show, some tunes from the '50s and excerpts from A Chorus Line."

Dec. 2: A Holiday on Broadway with Meritt & Moreau: "This is Don Meritt and Annette Moreau, and they have really nice voices. This show includes Christmas and holiday music, as well as some from Broadway hits. They're of Italian descent and have performed from New York to Los Angeles."

Dec. 16: The American Swing Orchestra's Musical Tribute to Benny Goodman: "The leader is Clem DeRosa, who was in Glenn Miller's Air Force band. He's been a professional musician for 40 years."

Jan. 20: Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival: "This should be fun. Director Nicolai Massenkoff created this to celebrate his Russian heritage. They've performed all over the world. It's three musicians and five dancers."

Feb. 18: Spectrum as The Four Tops: "I saw the video and, boy, did they ever sound like the real Four Tops. They had the body movements, the sound, everything. I think they're going to be really great -- but I like that kind of music." The original Four Tops' hits included Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch; Reach Out, I'll Be There; and Standing in the Shadows of Love.

Feb. 25: The Platters: "This is one of the Platters groups that includes four men and a woman." The original Platters' hits included Only You, The Great Pretender, The Magic Touch, My Prayer, Twilight Time and You'll Never Know.

March 4: 42nd Street: "This is from the same agent who sent us A Chorus Line last year. That really went over just great; we had a packed house." The 1980 Broadway musical is based on the 1933 movie about a small-town girl who goes to Depression-era New York to be a bit player on Broadway. She makes it big when she has to step into the lead role after the leading lady twists her ankle. Songs include We're in the Money; Lullaby of Broadway; Shuffle Off to Buffalo and the title song.

March 18: An Enchanted Evening, the Music of Broadway: "The singing duo Lee Lessack and Joanne O'Brien sound so professional, so smooth. They've gotten lots of acclaim where ever they've performed." Their program includes medleys of songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and movie tunes.

March 25: Martin Preston's Farewell to Liberace: "This is supposed to be his last tour (as Liberace). He's introducing another generation to Liberace. He'll have William Garon as his opening act."

Season tickets holders will be given a chance to renew their subscriptions and keep their current seats between Aug. 14 and 18, Ms. Baumbach said. The remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Aug. 28.

Subscriptions are available for either 10 shows ($110-$128), seven shows ($77-$90) or five shows ($55-$64). Individual shows are $14 for center sections, $12 for side sections or $10 for floor seats. The box office at the PHCC Performing Arts Center on the New Port Richey campus is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. during the designated purchase days.