Music, Musicals, Art and More Slated for The Grand's 2016-17 Season

As a premier entertainment showplace for acclaimed international stars, iconic American artists, and celebrated regional performers, The Grand 1894 Opera House continues to produce an annual performing arts season that delivers "living in the moment" entertainment experiences that capture the imagination of its audiences. Its 2016-2017 Performing Arts Season will include many such memorable events.

Explains Maureen M. Patton, Executive Director of The Grand: "The magic of live performance − where talented artists share their creative joy while feeding off the energy of a captivated audience − is like nothing else. And, if ever there were a time to add something joyful and uplifting to our day-to-day lives, this would be it!"

During The Grand's 2016-2017 season, one of the world's greatest movie stars, Sophia Loren, will share her stories about Hollywood and motion pictures, live on stage. Ben Vereen, Chubby Checker, and the Queen of Country Music Loretta Lynn will fill The Grand with their amazing talents. Be part of The Grand's audience during the live taping of The Texas Tenors in Concert, which will be the trio's second national PBS Special. The season also includes the best in Broadway, Holiday Shows, comedy, and eye-popping new productions embracing a thrilling mix of music, movement, and spectacle!

Subscription packages are available now. Contact The Grand's box office at 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or visit The Grand at www.thegrand.com. Non-subscription single tickets (if available) will be on sale beginning August 29, 2016 at 9am. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grand 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice Street in Galveston's historic downtown Cultural Arts District, and is recognized as "The Official Opera House of the State of Texas." All major credit cards accepted.

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THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE, PERFORMING ARTS SEASON 2016-2017:

SEASON OPENER - The Texas Tenors in Concert | Sat., Sept. 10, 2016 - 3pm/8pm

It's easy to see why Marcus, JC, and John are America's favorite tenors! Since their whirlwind debut six years ago on NBC's "America's Got Talent," they've collaborated with some of the most prestigious symphonies, performing arts centers, and arenas in the United States and performed more than 1000 concerts around the world. Their unique musical blend of country, classical, Broadway and current pop is delivered with a delightful combination of humor, cowboy charm, and vocal fireworks.

An Evening with Mark Russell, Politically Incorrect | Sat., Sept. 17, 2016 - 8pm

Just in time for the Presidential election, and sure to be a Grand sell-out! Long before Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, there was Mark Russell, daring to joke and sing about our often absurd political process. Playing off the day's headlines, Mr. Russell performs "up-to-the-minute" stand-up comedy while accompanying himself on the piano. He draws merriment from the pomposity of public life on all sides of the American political spectrum. Mark's impeccable timing and on-target insights are sure to bring much-need laughter to this year's political season!

Steppin' Out Live with Ben Vereen | Sat., Sept. 24, 2016 - 8pm

Actor, dancer, singer, star of Broadway, motion pictures, and TV, Tony-winner Ben Vereen is best known for his roles in Pippin, Fosse, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jelly's Last Jam, and Wicked. Ben received an Emmy nomination for his memorable portrayal of Chicken George in Alex Haley's TV mini-series, Roots (1977). Now's your opportunity to see a true theatrical legend performing songs he made famous on and off Broadway! With his powerful vocals, charismatic stage presence, and talented trio of backup musicians, Ben Vereen will leave you mesmerized from the moment he takes the stage to the moment of his final encore.

Chubby Checker and the Wild Cats | Sat., Oct. 15, 2016 - 8pm

The man who taught the world to do "The Twist" returns to The Grand with an evening full of rock 'n' roll memories and a great back-up band! Named by Billboard as the #1 single in the history of charting pop music, "The Twist" led to Checker classics including "Pony Time," "Let's Twist Again," "The Hucklebuck," "The Fly," and "Limbo Rock." For more than 50 years, Chubby Chucker has appeared before enthusiastic audiences of all ages who have marveled at his personal charisma and high-energy performances. So, get on your dancin' shoes, and join us for all the fun!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - (1923) silent film - with Rob Landes | Sat., Oct. 29, 2016 8pm

Prepare yourself for another "Howling Halloween" as organist Rob Landes accompanies this Universal Studios movie extravaganza, a feature film that cemented the studio's position through the 1940s as "The House of Horror." Based on Victor Hugo's powerful novel, the film stars "master of disguise" Lon Chaney as the tortured hunchbacked Quasimodo − deaf, half-blind bell-ringer of the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. The massive set recalling 15th-century Paris was one of the largest ever built in the history of Hollywood. Rob Landes' evocative musical score is the perfect complement to this silent film classic at The Grand!

Elf, The Broadway Musical | Sun., Nov. 13, 2015 - 3pm / 7pm

ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. Variety proclaims, "ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!"

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical | Sat., Nov. 19, 2016 - 2pm / 5pm

The beloved, made-for-TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage of The Grand this holiday season! Enjoy all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph! What makes Rudolf such an endearing and enduring part of Christmas theatrical entertainment? It's a fun-filled, holiday adventure with a simple, yet powerful message: "What makes you different can be what makes you special!" Give your family some "Reindeer Magic." See you at The Grand!

The Priests | Sun., Nov. 27, 2016 - 7pm

Hailed as a musical match "made in Heaven," this trio of Roman Catholic priests has achieved international acclaim for their stirring Irish tenor voices. They are one of the most recognized and successful acts in both the religious and secular world, and their 2008 debut album set a Guinness World Record for "the Fastest Selling Classical Debut Album of All Time." The Grand invites you to experience a joyful encore performance by Fathers Eugene and Martin O'Hagan and Father David Delargy. Whether you're a fan of classical, pop, or religious genres, The Priests will make you believe in the uplifting power of music!

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol | Fri., Dec. 2, 2016 - 8pm | Sat., Dec. 3, 2016 - 3pm

Back by popular request! Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future come together in this delightful performance featuring stunning sets, lush costumes, and plenty of music and dance. The miserly Scrooge is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own Christmases. This new adaptation of Dickens' ever-popular classic fills the stage with veteran Broadway actors and a timeless message. With beloved traditional carols of the season included, it's an enchanting evening for the entire family.

Jerry Jeff Walker | Sat., Dec. 17, 2016 - 8pm

Praised for his unpretentious poetic sensibility and restrained, but endearing singing style, Jerry Jeff is a great storyteller with a "say what you mean, sing what you say" delivery. As one of the Lone Star State's most popular musical ambassadors, he sees the world with a troubadour's eyes. His songs are the way he makes sense of the world, how he passes on stories of the people he meets, how he expresses his feelings on a given morning. As we prepare to ring in 2017, Jerry Jeff returns to The Grand for a memorable evening, filled with heart-tugging ballads, spirited melodies, and down-home fun!

Loretta Lynn, Queen of Country Music | Sun., Dec. 18, 2016 - 4pm

"To make it in this business, you either have to be first, great or different," says living legend Loretta Lynn. "And I was the first to ever go into Nashville, singin' it like the women lived it." One of the most awarded musicians of all time makes her first appearance at The Grand, on the heels of Full Circle (her first new studio album in 10 years) and the 2016 PBS Special, American Masters - Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl. Don't miss a Grand evening with this "Coal Miner's Daughter" and hear why she is Country Music Royalty!

Wiesenthal | Sat., Jan.14, 2017 - 8pm

Written by and starring Tom Dugan, Wiesenthal is the riveting, true story of Simon Wiesenthal, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. Having been transferred to multiple concentration camps and barely surviving World War II, Simon devoted the rest of his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Intelligent, funny, flawed and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero whose unbelievable dedication and tenacity over decades is honored in this play. Tom Dugan's portrayal gives equal weight to this survivor's wisdom and wit during his long, purposeful life. "Heartfelt & Deeply Moving!" (Huffington Post)

The Oak Ridge Boys | Sat., Jan. 21, 2017 - 7:30pm | Sun., Jan. 22, 2017 - 3pm

Since 1947 - always entertaining and still going strong! The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. Their unparalleled four-part harmony; joyful, upbeat music-making; thirty-three albums; and seventeen Number One hits on Billboard's country singles charts continue to make them one of the hottest country acts around! They've earned Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards, and in 2015, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Don't miss their Grand performances - just for the fun of it!

Pippin, The Musical | Sun., Jan. 29, 2017 - 2pm / 7pm

PIPPIN is a high-flying, death-defying hit Broadway musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as "an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza" (NY1), it's unlike anything you have ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man's journey to be extraordinary. PIPPIN is noted for many Broadway standards including "Corner of the Sky," "Magic To Do," "Glory," "No Time at All," "Morning Glow," and "Love Song." Join us... for a magical, unforgettable new PIPPIN.

An Evening with Sophia Loren | Sat., Feb. 4, 2017 - 8pm

The prolific career of legendary star Sophia Loren spans over five decades, earning her a remarkable array of notable accolades, including the first Academy® Award presented for a foreign language role with "Two Women." Decades later, in 1991, Loren received an Honorary Award from the Academy in acknowledgment of her incredible contributions to world cinema. Synonymous with grace, beauty and artistry, the Oscar-winning actress will captivate you with an intimate onstage conversation at The Grand. She'll be chatting with former Entertainment Tonight host Bill Harris, and you'll enjoy film clips, home movies, and a Q & A from the audience.

Pump Boys and Dinettes | Sun., Feb. 12, 2017 - 5pm

A little strip of highway along rural North Carolina has become THE place for a fill-up, some fried chicken, and a large helping of down-home music! Now's your chance to experience this fun-tastic Broadway musical about four gas station attendants and two sisters who waitress at the nearby "Double Cupp Diner." The high-energy cast, performing on guitars, piano, bass and kitchen utensils, shares their stories to a country rock/pop beat. Moving from plaintive to jubilant, the musical score brings to mind country radio staples ranging from the pound-the-piano country rock of Jerry Lee Lewis to heart-sore tales of absent men evoking the music of Tammy Wynette.

Montana Repertory Theatre presents Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park | Sat., Mar. 4, 2017 - 8pm

You fall in love. You move in with each other. Then, you've got to learn to fall in love all over again? This Neil Simon relationship comedy explores the art of marital negotiation, a process experienced by two naive twentysomething newlyweds within the first four days of living together in their new, 5th floor walkup apartment. Add a new job, and a visit from the new mother-in-law, and you'll get a crash course in love, relationship, marriage, family, the pangs of loss, and the joy of reunion. Presented by Montana Repertory Theatre as part of their 50th Anniversary season.

The Rob Landes Trio - Music from the Movies | Sun., Mar. 12, 2017 - 4pm

These returning Grand favorites will take you on a magical, musical journey through the movies. Time-honored oldies like "Over the Rainbow," "Laura," and "As Time Goes By" will take the spotlight. You'll also enjoy Academy Award-winning melodies and other nominated songs that failed to win the golden statue. Finally, experience the drama and excitement that a musical score adds to a piece of film footage. First, you'll watch a film clip without its musical background. Then be amazed by how a scene comes to life when the Rob Landes Trio adds the music into the filmed scene. Now, that's entertainment!

42nd Street | Sat., Mar. 18, 2017 - 2:30pm / 8pm

The quintessential backstage story, 42nd Street is a dazzling and thoroughly entertaining homage to the world of musical theater and the power of the American Dream (..."you're going out a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!") Penned in the midst of the Great Depression, this all singing-all dancing show resonated with those longing for a golden age where smiling chorus girls could tap anyone's troubles away. Enjoy some of the greatest show tunes ever written, including "We're In The Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off To Buffalo," "I Only Have Eyes For You" and of course "42nd Street."

Scrap-Arts-Music | Fri., Mar. 24, 2017 - 8pm

Transcending language, culture, and age, Scrap-Arts-Music offers a highly physical, wildly theatrical, and thoroughly entertaining taste of the musical vanguard. Musician/composer Gregory Kozak and architecture-trained Justine Murdy began their collaboration in 1998, creating 145+ tune-able, large-scale, mobile sculptural instruments artfully fashioned from industrial scrap and offbeat materials. They also developed an "action-choreography" style of movement reflective of Vancouver and the energy of percussion. Today, the Scrap-Arts-Music ensemble creates unforgettable performances that are as visually striking as they are sonically riveting. Join audiences from around the world who have embraced their intoxicating mix of music, movement and spectacle!

Greater Tuna | Sat., Apr.8, 2017 - 3pm & 8pm | Sun., Apr. 9, 2017 - 3 pm

Greater Tuna is an irreverently hilarious comedy about Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. All of the town's eclectic residents are portrayed by only two performers, making this satire on life in rural America both crazy and delightful! Called "a good ol' down-home laugh-out-loud fest" by DC Metro Theater Arts, the show has enjoyed worldwide success, including long-running engagements both on and Off-Broadway and on HBO. Each performance will be followed with a Q & A with director Jaston Williams that's bound to be as entertaining as the show!

The Midtown Men | Sat., Apr. 29, 2017 - 8pm

This sensational production reunites Four Stars from the Original Cast of Broadway's Jersey Boys. Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer, star in this one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the music that defined the '60s. Experience their lively renditions of timeless '60s hits of The Beatles, The Mamas and the Papas, The Four Seasons, Motown, and The Beach Boys. More than just a tribute to a bygone era, their performance of your favorite '60s hits will show you - or remind you - of what it was like to see those groundbreaking artists live onstage! Not a performance of, nor affiliated with the show Jersey Boys.

ARTRAGEOUS | Sat., May 6, 2017 - 8pm

Art & Music Go Wild! Experience the excitement of watching a team of artists create giant paintings that spring to life at electric speed right before your eyes! Delight your senses with the spirit and action of amazing vocals, creative choreography, high-energy live music, and unforgettable audience interaction. ARTRAGEOUS is a show for the entire family and the journey of a life-time!

Arlo Guthrie | Sat., May 13, 2017 - 8pm

The career of veteran singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie exploded in 1967 at the Newport Folk Festival, when he performed his quirky protest song, "Alice's Restaurant." The song was credited with helping to foster a new generation's commitment to social awareness and activism. As a member of American folk music royalty, Guthrie relives those classic, inspirational songs and shares timeless anecdotes from a life campaigning for social justice. Sure to be a sell-out!