Do you appreciate musicals? Documentaries? Good old-fashioned concerts? Then you will definitely enjoy shows of the theatrical concert experience genre. Never heard of it? It’s a live performance that combines the best elements of watching a live documentary, a Broadway musical and a stadium concert all rolled into one. That mixture can take you back in time—bringing up old memories or providing new context for the past—and let you celebrate the music on a much deeper level. Mount Baker Theatre’s Renowned Sounds just happens to have four great shows ahead that can all help you see why a theatrical concert experience is a truly profound way to appreciate the music you love.
A Night with Janis Joplin
Saturday, October 14 is your chance to relive your favorite songs by one of the most powerful female singers of her time. Texan Janis Joplin shot to the top of the music charts beginning in 1967 with greats like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby” and “Summertime”to become the queen of rock ‘n’ roll.
Her unique, distinctive voice, emotionally honest messages and powerful, short life are brought back to us once again through Broadway storytelling. Also celebrated are those that came before her—those blues, soul, gospel and rock singers that influenced her music and performance—Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith.
This exhilarating musical takes you back to witness her volcanic performances, one-of-a-kind style and fearless delivery at places like the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Revisiting her music will also help you hear hints of those that have been influenced by her music.
By the end of this fabulous show, you’ll feel like you were there when it all happened.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
You can take a stroll through history with one of the world’s most successful music duos, Simon and Garfunkel on Sunday, October 29. This moving story portrays how two young boys from Queens, New York made a lasting impression on millions with their acoustic guitar and incredible, lasting harmonies.
Transport back through time with songs like “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” “Cecelia,” “The Sound Of Silence” and many more. The Simon & Garfunkel Story enjoyed sold-out performances in London’s West End and is touring around the globe.
Critics agree that the production respects the music itself and that the singers faithfully match the vocal harmonies of this masterful duo with pitch perfect sensitivity. With a full live band and state-of-the-art lighting and projection, this show will make you feel like you were there with them as they made history.
Celtic Nights—Oceans of Hope
Through the eyes of the spirited Irish people, this production brings forth the stories of the brave and adventurous who left behind their families and lives, traveling across the challenging seas to new opportunity in the wilds of American and Australia, bringing with them their heritage and culture.
Through Irish song and dance, we see the stubborn survival instinct of a people fleeing famine and sorrow to find hope and laughter.
Performed by some of the Emerald Isle’s finest vocalists and dancers, this show is like the voyage they lived, with twists and turns, inspiration and sincerity. Rich costumes and visual imagery adds additional depth to the performance.
You’ll also witness the influence of the old music on what became American sounds. You’ll recognize hints of Bluegrass, Appalachian, Country and Western and enjoy the lasting songs and ballads. Sing along with your favorites like “Danny Boy,” “Isle of Hope,” “Whiskey in the Jar” and “My Love is in America.” The jigs and reels, hornpipes and polkas with have you foot tapping in your seat. Perhaps you’ll be transported back to the time you first heard or learned a tune—in childhood, at a show, while traveling or with old friends and new in a pub.
Celtic Nights—Oceans of Hope will take you on a trip—full of song and dance—for just one magical night.
Lonesome Traveler: The Concert with Peter Yarrow
On Saturday, March 3, you can experience the lasting influence of American folk music by taking a musical journey exploring the history of Americana with the folk legend Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. Lonesome Traveler: The Concert with Peter Yarrow is the concert version of the critically-acclaimed off-Broadway musical.
Yarrow and his group of versatile and talented young performers celebrates the music of great folk artists from the ‘20s to the ‘60s including Woody Guthrie; Pete Seeger and the Weavers; Gordon Lightfoot; Peter, Paul and Mary; Bob Dylan; the Byrds; Cat Stevens; Don McLean; James Taylor; and Van Morrison including a special tribute to Leonard Cohen.
This immersive, modern multimedia concert will take you back in time to when you first heard the greats. The cast will encourage you to sing along with tunes like “If I Had a Hammer,” “Puff The Magic Dragon,” “This Land is Your Land,” “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Hallelujah.” The songs are honored through skilled performances with guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, keyboards and bass fiddle.
You won’t want to miss this show that took NAACP Award-winner James O’Neil four years to create. Musical direction by Tony nominee Dan Wheetman and orchestrations by Grammy Award-winner George Grove of the Kingston Trio make this an unforgettable experience.
Whether you take the ride through Mount Baker Theatre’s theatrical concert experiences with the raw emotion of Janis Joplin, the iconic harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the Irish people coming to new lives and lands, or with Peter Yarrow across American folk history, you’re sure to be instantly transported back to their era. Each journey promises to be as entertaining, memorable and inspirational as the classic music they share.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-733-5793
Tickets: 360-734-6080
www.mountbakertheatre.com
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