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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD On June 1, the curtain came down on "The Full Monty" for the final time, signifying the end of the Majestic Theater's 11th season. But before the stage lights could dim, Danny Eaton, founder of The Theater Project, made sure he'd lined up a mammoth summer schedule, ensuring that the stage would not be dark for long. This summer, the Majestic Theater will feature 16 different events from June until Aug. 13, including 10 musical acts, four different productions of children's theater, nine nights of Open Mic and two nights of Charades for Cash. "We are busier in the summer with all of the activities than we are during the regular [theater] season," Eaton said in an interview with Reminder Publications. "Everyday there is something for everyone." Last Friday, the theater kicked off their summer lineup with "A Ray of Elvis," an Elvis Presley tribute by Ray Guillemette Jr. Shows will continue this week with the Greg Caputo Band on June 12; Frank Manzi performing original and soft rock covers on June 13 and the Memories, a group performing doo-wop and 50's hits, June 13 - 14. Lee Chambers, director of Public Relations for the Majestic Theater, explained that in addition to bringing back some of the highly successful events, such as the Open Mic nights and the children's theater, they have also included some new events such as a Guitar Hero video game contest on July 16. She added that with rising gas prices, those in the Pioneer Valley are looking for activities closer to home and that the Majestic Theater is committed to family fun, especially during the summer months. Eaton said this year the Children's Summer Theater will feature an ensemble of six actors within a rotating repertory. They will perform multiple productions this year including "Androcles and the Lion," "Alice in Wonderland" and the musical "Godspell, Jr." Eaton noted that this summer season will include the first musical ever preformed by the Children's Summer Theater. "We put together a company of young actors who are very serious minded about theater," Eaton explained. "It's great training [for them] and the kids in the audience just love it." He noted that the Summer Children's Theater has added evening performances in order to provide working parents the opportunity to enjoy the theater with their children. Eaton said that the productions are for children ages four to 10. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to interact with the cast after each performance in the Majestic Theater Caf , he added. This summer season will also feature a short run of the comedy "Rounding Third," from July 10 Aug. 2. This contemporary play tells the story of two fathers and Little League baseball coaches who have a dramatically different outlook on youth sports one demands a win at all costs, while the other believes that wining is secondary to learning sportsmanship and the fundamentals. "The play is about how they resolve their differences," Eaton said. Chambers explained that the summer season is an example of the Majestic's "objective to provide a great variety [for people with] varying interests. We really try to get to the different demographics." Tickets for events are now on sale at the box office located at 131 Elm St. For more information about the summer lineup call the Majestic Theater at 747-7797. Those wishing to participate in Open Mic nights must call the theater to book their performance. The complete lineup of summer shows at the Majestic Theater is as follows: June 12: Greg Caputo Big Band Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $23 and $25. June 13: Frank Manzi (original and soft rock covers) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $15. June 14: The Memories (doo-wop and 50's hits) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17 and $19. June 15: The Memories at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 and $19. June 19: Mitch Chakour Family & Friends From the Mohegan Sun All-Stars (classic R&B, rock, gospel and folk) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $23 and $25. June 20 - 21: The Diamond Collection (Neil Diamond tribute) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $16 and $18. June 22: Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood Featuring TJ Dwyer (Blues) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $14. June 26: Tom Ingram (original and cover rock) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $12. June 27: Today, Tomorrow & Forever Patsy Donna Lee (Patsy Cline tribute) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $17. June 28: Bennie and the Jets (Elton John tribute) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and 17. July 10 - Aug. 2: "Rounding Third" (a play). July 10 at 7:30 p.m., July 11 at 8 p.m., July 12 at 8 p.m., July 13 at 2 p.m., July 17 at 7:30 p.m., July 18 at 8 p.m., July 19 at 8 p.m., July 24 at 7:30 p.m., July 25 at 8 p.m., July 26 at 8 p.m., July 31 at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 1 at 8 p.m., Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. June 24 - Aug. 19: Open Mic Nights (June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19) will begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per night, however, there is a special price for the finale on Aug. 19. Weekly prizes are $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third. Each first place act will compete for grand prizes in the finale. June 25 and July 23: Charades for Cash Night at 7 p.m. for a cost of $5. First place winner will receive $50, second place will receive $30 and third place will receive $20. July 7 - 23: Summer Children's Theater will present "Androcles and the Lion." Tickets are $7 and $9. July 7 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 8 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 9 at10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 20 at 3 and 6 p.m., July 21 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., July 22 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 23 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 14 - 30: Summer Children's Theater will present "Alice in Wonderland" on July 14 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 16 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 27 at 3 and 6 p.m., July 28 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., July 29 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., July 30 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Aug. 4 - 13: Summer Children's Theater will present "Godspell, Jr.," on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Aug. 8 at 7 p.m., Aug. 9 at 7 p.m., Aug. 10 at 2 p.m., Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. | ||||||
