Shipshewana's Blue Gate Theater Announces 2012 Season
Posted
Staff Report-
SHIPSHEWANA – Shipshewana Blue Gate Theater’s 11th season includes a broad selection of entertainers that includes five Grammy winners, more than 270 performances and concerts, and two musicals based on books by New York Times bestselling authors. It’s a season of soul-searching drama, belly-shaking humor and spirit-lifting musicals. Marketing Director Andy Rohrer said the coming season will serve up an impressive banquet of productions. “We think everyone will find that this season is a big step up in the type and quality of entertainment that people have been able to get in the region. We’re sure these plays and concerts will be intensely enjoyed – designed to touch, inspire, and thrill the heart,” he said. The Blue Gate kicks off its Signature Concert Series May 4 with bluegrass and country music legend Ricky Skaggs, and follows May 5 with six-time country music group of the year Sawyer Brown. Both concerts will start at 6 p.m. at the Shipshewana Event Center. Later in the year, the Blue Gate will host Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Amy Grant, Guy Penrod, Ray Stevens, Diamond Rio and their annual Christmas Piano Extravaganza. On April 24, the hit musical “The Confession,” based on the New York Times best-selling book series by Beverly Lewis, opens for its second full season. The musical, adapted by playwright Martha Bolton, with music written by Wally Nason, will run through Aug. 18.“It’s a brilliant love story and a keep-you-at-the-edge-of-your-seat mystery all wrapped into one,” sayid songwriter Wally Nason. And show producer Dan Posthuma said, “Beverly Lewis is a remarkable storyteller. She has given us a rich plot, with compelling characters that courageously confront their past, their future, and their faith. And the music! You’ll have a hard time deciding which tune to hum on the way home.” Then on Aug. 24, the Blue Gate will present the world premiere of the new musical “Half-Stitched The Musical.” Based on the new book by New York Times best-selling author Wanda Brunstetter, the musical explores the differences between an Amish widow and the six “English” folks that decide to join her beginners quilting class. Lots of humor, awkward situations and a few life lessons ensue, and it all adds up to a great time for the audience. “Half-Stitched” will run through Dec. 8. Tickets for the 2012 season are on sale now. Visit www.BlueGateTheater.com for tickets and more information. Information about group sales for 12 or more patrons may be obtained by contacting bgate@riegsecker.com or by calling 888-447-4725.
