Upcoming shows during the City Opera House Performing Arts Series feature returning favorites, Grammy winners and witty adaptations of Broadway favorites.

Most prominent among the first-timers is the trio of Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky. Their show, which opens the season, brings together internationally famed superstar and multiple Grammy-winner Newton-John, Grammy nominee Nielsen Chapman and SOCAN Award winner Sky. They will showcase their individual gifts and 11 new songs from their collaborative effort, LIV ON. Not only will they be singing, they will share their musical and life stories with the audience. The three perform Thursday, October 12.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy

Returning to the City Opera House stage will be Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy performing Visions from Cape Breton & Beyond. The celebrated Canadian husband and wife fiddlers showcase passion, energy and family, bringing their children with them. They perform February 10.

Another returnee is Tommy Igoe, who wrote the book on jazz drumming—literally. Not only did he write the drum set book for Disney’s Broadway production of The Lion King, where he served as principal drummer and conductor, he’s also written best-selling drumming instructional books and DVDs. Oh, and he also leads two different bands, one on each coast. His previous adrenaline-fueled performance at the City Opera House left the audience breathless and the many musicians in the audience shaking their heads. Igoe and the Birdland All Stars perform February 25.

The Manhattan Transfer

Prominent jazz group, The Manhattan Transfer, brings its vocal artistry to the City Opera House for the first time. The group celebrates 45 years on March 16. Janis Siegel, Cheryl Bentyne, Alan Paul and Trist Curless blend their voices on songs by everyone from Chick Corea to Todd Rundgren to Louis Armstrong. They were the first group to win Grammy Awards in both the pop and jazz categories the same year, doing so in 1981 for “Boy From New York City” and “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket),” respectively.

For those who enjoy Broadway musicals, “Forbidden Broadway: 35th Anniversary Tour” brings back iconic shows like Pippin, Les MizWicked and more—with a twist. Gerard Alessandrini has rewritten favorites from those shows and others with a sardonic edge. Flamboyant costumes and a talented cast complete the transformation. The show takes place November 19.

The schedule also includes trips to Michigan State University. Broadway Bound! shows offer patrons the chance to travel to East Lansing for performances by presenting partner the Wharton Center.


City Opera House Performing Arts Series

The complete schedule follows. For tickets and additional information, go to cityoperahouse.org.

LIV ON: Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky | Thursday, October 12

An American In Paris Broadway Bound! | Saturday, November 18

Forbidden Broadway | Sunday, November 19

Pete the Cat | Saturday, November 25

Squirrel Nut Zippers and Davina & The Vagabonds | Friday, January 19, 2018

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond | Saturday, February 10, 2018

On Your Feet! Broadway Bound! | Saturday, February 17, 2018

The Birdland All-Stars featuring Tommy Igoe: The Art of Jazz | Sunday, February 25, 2018

The Manhattan Transfer: 45th Anniversary Season | Friday, March 16, 2018

Benedetti Elschenbroich Grynyuk Trio | Thursday, April 12, 2018

The Moth Mainstage | Friday, April 20, 2018

Disney’s The Lion King Broadway Bound! | Saturday, July 14, 2018


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