It’s almost time for the Smoot Theatre to begin the 20th season of presenting entertainment to the people of the Mid Ohio Valley.  This year the Theatre will offer a series called Those Were the Days, a look back at America over the last 80 years.   As our country steps into a new era – talks of  recession, depression and in general difficult times, why not take a few evenings and remember fun-filled days gone-by!  Let’s remember the good times!

Feelin’ Groovy, on September 26 is the Theatre’s annual party-in-the-alley opening event. Do you remember Woodstock, bell-bottoms, peace signs, Sounds of Silence, flower power, Mrs. Robinson, Viet Nam, VW busses, platform shoes, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix .

Then you will certainly enjoy the opening evening at the Smoot Theatre as Piano Man Jim Witter returns with his newest show, Feelin’ Groovy: A Musical Journey Through the 60’s.  For his fourth visit to Parkersburg, Jim will feature the music of Simon and Garfunkel.  His INDOOR show will be prefaced by the traditional OUTDOOR party in the alley where food, drinks and 60’s rock will take center stage.  Don’t miss it!  Admission is  $40.  Time will be announced.

FDR:  As Americans are hearing so many references to FDR, his New Deal and his approach to the economic difficulties of the 30’s, the time is right to combine entertainment with history on November 10 at 8 PM.  The Theatre Guild and the Smoot Theatre are proud to announce that Ed Asner, recipient of seven Emmy Awards (“Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “Lou Grant”) and 16 nominations, five Golden Globe Awards, and member of the TV Academy Hall of Fame, will star in the solo performance drama, FDR, based upon Dore Schary’s Broadway hit “Sunrise at Campobello”.   FDR explores the life of one of America’s best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. This powerful play follows the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II.  Adult are $35; students, $20

CABARET(Winner of Best Musical in 1967 and Best Revival in 1998)   On February 2 at 8 PM, theatre goers will hear“Wilkommen!, Bienvenue!, Welcome!”, as the Emcee of the Kit-Kat Club sings through painted lips and the people of 1929 Berlin join him.  Whatever your troubles, you will forget them at the Cabaret.  Sally Bowles, a middle-class lass from Chelsea, London, is working as a singer at Berlin’s Kit-Kat Club and trying her best to live the thrilling decadent life which the city is supposed to offer.  Into her orbit comes Cliff Bradshaw, a young American writer, and Sally soon moves in to join him in his room in the boarding house run by Fraulein Schneider.  Their fellow lodgers include the cheerful whore Fraulein Kost, and the gentle, graying fruiterer Herr Schultz.  As the clouds gather, Sally, now pregnant by Cliff, is still determined to show the world what a good time she is having and she will not or cannot hear the noises of Nazism around her.  But the others can.  Songs include It Couldn’t Please Me More, Wilkommen, Cabaret, Don’t Tell Mama and Two Ladies. Adults are $30; student, $20.

RAVE ON:  Remember poodle skirts? How about carhops, the twist, hula-hoops and Buddy Holly? Well, the ‘50’s aren’t just a thing of the past… Rave On offers you an electrifying show paying homage to rock n’ roll’s immortal legend – Buddy Holly.  The impact of the music will have a lasting impression on everyone who attends this fascinating show.  Billy McGuigan has received national acclaim for his portrayal of Buddy Holly and you’ll be awed by his realism, sincerity and talent.   Adults $22; students $14

SWING, SWING, SWING:  Even though the 30’s were known as turbulent times, the music that grew out of this era was wonderful and is still alive and well today.  The composers?  The Gershwins, Ellington, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Richard Rodgers, Jerome Kern, the list goes on.  You’ll hear from all of them as the House Band and local singers perform on Friday, April 23 at 8 PM.   Adults are $20; students, $12.

Tickets are still available either on an individual basis or as a package if the patron would want to purchase the entire series ($135).   Patrons who do purchase the package are entitled to several perks, one of which is the pre-show party prior to all season events that includes wine, cheese and entertainment.  Those who do not wish to buy all events can simply pick and choose.