Levon Helm Opens Stanley season Sept. 26

Multiple award winning Marvin Hamlisch is part of the lineup for the Stanley Center for the Arts 2009-2010 season which also includes national touring productions of Mamma Mia! and Riverdance and "something for everyone," officials announced today.

Stanley Executive Director Ron Thiele said, "The 2009-2010 Stanley Season is living proof that The Stanley is the place to be for World Class entertainment, and a World Class venue where audience goers can ‘live on the edge of your seat’."

Tickets will be available to Stanley Center for the Arts pARTners next week. Tickets for some single events will go on sale Aug. 24. To receive a brochure, call the Stanley Ticket office at 724­4000, or visit www.StanleyTIX.com.

The theater at 259-261 Genesee St., Utica, features appearances by Master Illusionist David Copperfield, a return bow by the "highly successful" Cirque Dreams troupe which appeared last April, and national touring productions of Mamma Mia! and Riverdance. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and former lead vocalist for The Band, Levon Helm will appear along with fellow singer songwriter Vonda Shepard.

The renovated center’s second full season also kicks off its opening weekend in late September with an exclusive Upstate New York  performance by Franc D’Ambrosio, billed as "The World’s Longest Running Phantom", who will audition community based vocalists and theater actors for the guest roles of Raoul and Christine.

Broadway revue Smokey Joe’s Cafe will  make its debut on the Stanley Stage along with the comedy of The Three Redneck Tenors and Comedian Brian Regan.

Capping it all off will  be a presentation by Oscar, Grammy, Tony, Emmy and Golden  Globe winner, Marvin Hamlisch, who will be accompanied by the Utica Symphony Orchestra.

Pilobolus, the "ground breaking modern dancers" that have been featured on the Oscar telecasts and on Conan O’Brien’s Late Night also perform.

According to Stanley Presenting Manager Frank Malfitano, the Theatre’s second season has something for everyone and is not to be missed: "We think the 2009/2010 season is one of the most comprehensive and most entertaining lineups we’ve ever presented at the Stanley.  It’s a second season we’re enormously proud to present, and one which we hope will please Central New Yorkers all season long."

Here is the lineup of the 2009-2010 Stanley Season for the Arts Events, with some information from the Stanley about the performers:

The Levon Helm Band, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Vocalist / Drummer with The Band,  "a legendary group with multi-generational appeal," Rock Hall of Fame member, 2007 Grammy Award winning album, New Album out June 30. The 15 piece band "turned in the strongest performance at last year’s Saratoga Music Festival."

Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway -- The Phantom Returns Unmasked! 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. He has made over 3,000 performances as the Phantom. Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway has been on tour for over three years. Plus local contest for a "Christine" & "Raoul" to perform with him. He will lead a master class on Sept. 14.

David Copperfield 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. Returns to the Stanley Stage after a 20 year hiatus. One of the best known illusionists of our time. Award Winning TV show!

Three Redneck Tenors 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. It’s basically a foot stompin’, knee slappin’ uproariously funny musical redneck romp, with the tunes of Elvis to Puccini, Country to Opera (C’opera if you will), from Paris, Texas all the way to their triumphant debut at New York City’s "Carn-iggy" Hall.

An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. In partnership with Valley Health Services with the Utica Symphony Orchestra. Award winning composer ­ Three Oscars, Four Grammys, Four Emmys, A Tony and Three Golden Globes. Noted for The Sting and A Chorus Line.

Mamma Mia! 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Dec. 8-10. Over 40 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! The ultimate feel-good show. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives.

Brian Regan 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. In partnership with the MVCC Foundation. Appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien & The Late Show with David Letterman. Sophisticated writing meets hilarious physical comedy.

Cirque Dreams Illumination 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. "Dazzling ... great family entertainment ... a reason to stand up and cheer."  --New York Daily News. New Show from the company who gave us Jungle Fantasy in 2009.

Smokey Joe’s Café 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010. Classic oldies by composers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Includes: "Hound Dog," "Spanish Harlem," "Yakety Yak" and "Jailhouse Rock."

Pilobolus 8 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2010. The "original outsider" dance company. They call themselves "the dance company for those who don’t like dance... and for those who do." -- Lesley Stahl, 60 Minutes (CBS). Performed at the Academy Awards, and on Conan O’Brien

Riverdance 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, April 6-8, 2010. The thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play three farewell performances.

An Evening with Vonda Shepard 8 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2010. 12 million records sold. Featured on Ally McBeal. Singer/Songwriter— Don’t Cry Ilene and Can’t we Try (with Dan Hill). Modern-day soul

SCA pARTners get "substantial" discounts on selected events including Mamma Mia!, Pilobolus, and Cirque Dreams Illuminations. 

In addition, when tickets to four or more events are purchased, patrons can purchase half-price tickets to The Three Redneck Tenors, Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway, Vonda Shepard, and Smokey Joe’s Café.  These special offers are in effect until Aug. 24, when tickets for some single events will go on sale.

"We want to reward our patrons for supporting all Stanley events," said Stanley Theatre Manager John Faust. "With these special packages, people can attend many of these incredible events at extremely reasonable prices."

On the net: www.stanleytheatre.net/

www.StanleyTIX.com.