The Van Singel Theatre has once again opened after its holiday closing. It’s a good time to book ahead for the second half of its 2013-2014 season. Season subscribers get a discount on tickets.
Coming up in January are two groups that have been big hits here in Grand Rapids. Returning first are the Hit Men, who sing the golden oldies of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Their special twist is that the Hit Men includes original members of some of the early groups, including the Four Seasons and the Shondells. On January 24, they’ll once again be reprising their top hits, such as “Oh What a Night,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Peace Train” and “You’re So Vain.”
The following week, on January 31, the all-women musical group the Moxie Singers lay out their foot-stomping, feel-good traditional Celtic and Americana tunes. In March, the Church Basement Ladies bring the latest installment of their musical comedy to the theater. Lessons are learned, and hilarity ensues. This group never fails to get a laugh. They are performing two shows, on March 20 and 21.
The Gainey Gallery at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center opens the year with a show of landscapes and still life paintings by James Johnson. “Indoors and Outdoors” should provide a welcome visual relief from all the snow and cold. The show is already up. The reception on January 19 is open to the public. Stop by for a look and a little refreshment.
A mixed-media group show follows at the gallery in February, by artists Linda Doering, Annette Halvorson and Laura Vogelzang. That show, “Passionate About Paint,” opens on February 11. The reception is on February 23. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 12-5 p.m.
The center also supports the arts programs of Byron Center High School. Theatre, music and visual arts are part of the curriculum. The students will be performing their version of “Guys and Dolls” from February 27 through March 1. Get your tickets now.
Looking ahead, keep in mind the Van Singel Fine Arts Theatre Summer Camps. Open to students in grades three through eight, the four-day workshop finishes with a mid-day performance for family and friends. There is room for performers and non-performers alike. Kids get their chance at role playing, improvising, rehearsing and costuming as well as performing. Your little stage manager will feel right at home.