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Contact Information

Marketing and Communications
Administration 101
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662

Phone: (740) 351-3810
Fax: (740) 351-3179

kbobo-stump@shawnee.edu

May 15, 2018

The Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association (SOPAA) and Shawnee State University have announced the new line-up for the 2018-19 season.

This season marks the 23rd year of the SOPAA/SSU partnership that has brought many exciting and intriguing performances to southern Ohio.

Subscription renewals will be mailed out early June, and new subscriptions and single ticket purchases will start July 9.

The line-up for the 2018-19 season is as follows:

Collin Raye – Sept. 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Raye built his career on soulful delivery of emotional songs that set country standards in such beautiful ballads such as “Love, Me” and “In This Life.” He has also performed songs such as “My Kind of Girl” and “That’s My Story.” Raye continues to perform his genre of country music to audiences with the same passion and golden tones for which he is known for all around the world. Check out Collin Raye at collinraye.com, or watch some of his videos.

Artrageous – Oct. 18, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

This performance invites people to “sit back and watch the paint sing.” Artrageous takes its audience on a unique visual journey packed with captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting audience interaction. Artrageous’s troupe of artists, musicians, singes and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons, and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings that result in a one-of-a-kind crossover experience. For more information on Artrageous, go to artrageousexperience.com or watch a video.

The Wizard of Oz Image

The Wizard of Oz – Oct. 29, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

The greatest family musical of all time is coming to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Audience members will be captivated with Dorothy as she travels the Yellow Brick Road with her new friends, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow. The performance will blow the audience away from the moment the tornado touches down and transports you to a dazzling Oz! More information is available at wizardofoztour.com or watch a video.

A Christmas Carol – Nov. 27, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

The classic Charles Dickens tale uses the power of Christmas time to breathe life into even the most “Bah humbug” of individuals with such holiday favorites such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” and “Greensleeves.” Follow Scrooge as he learns the quintessential lesson that although material possessions may bring us immediate satisfaction, true bliss can only be obtained through good will, respect and a humble heart. To find out more information, go to christmascarolontour.com, or check out a video.

Jim Brickman – Feb. 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Brickman’s distinctive piano style bings back the popularity of instrumental romantic music, and just in time for Valentine’s Day! His two Grammy nominations, a gospel music Dove award, 21 number one albums, 32 top twenty radio singles, illustrate his impact on popular music. To find out more about Brickman, go to jimbrickman.com or watch a video.

Ladies of Longford – March 7, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

SOPAA and SSU are thrilled to welcome one of Portsmouth area’s favorite performers. Celebrating over 17 years of their special brand of music, the Ladies of Longford serve up a unique blend of contemporary Celtic, traditional Irish and fresh acoustic styles. They are most often defined by their superb vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship. Learn more at ladiesoflongford.com or watch a video.

Chicago The Musical – Apr. 23, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Chicago is the longest running American musical and the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxy Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the idea and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. More information is available at chicagothemusical.com or watch a video.

In addition to the performances in the joint SOPAA/SSU season, SSU will also offer its annual concert by the Oak Ridge Boys. Tickets for this concert are presented by the VRCFA and will be sold separately from the subscription series. After 18 years, the tri-state region’s love for the Oak Ridge Boys’ Christmas Show has far surpassed being a Christmas tradition and become a beloved institution. The Oak Ridge Boys will perform Nov. 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the VRCFA. More information is available at oakridgeboys.com.

Tickets

Tickets are available at the McKinley Box Office 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and up until one hour prior to performances. Discounts for groups and families are available. Contact the box office or more information at (740) 351-3600. With the exception of the Oak Ridge Boys Concert, current subscribers can renew and purchase tickets starting in June. Oak Ridge Boys tickets will go on sale at the end of August.

For more information or questions, contact the McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600 or online at sopaa.org or VRCFA.com.

The 2018-19 SOPAA/SSU season is presented with the support of the Ohio Arts Council, an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the SSU Development Foundation, the City of Portsmouth, OH, Gracie Plum Investments, the Marting Foundation and the Scioto Foundation.