Varied lineup set for 2016-17 at Turlock Community Theatre
Entertainment comes in many forms and genres, and the Turlock Community Theatre’s upcoming season lineup promises shows that reflect that variety.
Rock and country music, comedy, magic, musical theater, derring-do and a darn good story all are on the new slate of shows that begin in September at the historic theater.
Leading the way will be Stockton native Chris Isaak on Sept. 11. It marks the first time the singer will stop at the Turlock venue, but not for lack of trying, according to Managing Director Kit Casey.
“We’ve tried to get him a number of times, and it never worked out before, so we are happy to get him,” he said.
Also on tap will be musicians Granger Smith, Jonny Lang and Tower of Power; funnyman Billy Gardell; a troupe of magicians; a musical stage show based on Sun Records stars; a top touring acrobat company; and storyteller Garrison Keillor.
The nine-show lineup – expected to grow as the theater adds shows here and there – follows another successful season of sellouts or near sellouts for the 1,000-seat venue.
“Things went very well for us last season,” Casey said. “We had a good amount of shows and all of them did very well.”
Last year was kind of a little more unusual (with 13 shows). That’s the most that we’ve had in a season. ... Usually we have eight to 10 shows, and this (season) is right around that.
Turlock Community Theatre Managing Director Kit Casey
There ended up being 13 shows during the 2015-16 season after a couple of add-ons, an usually large slate for the theater, Casey said.
Among last season’s most popular acts were country singers Dwight Yoakam and Josh Turner, two “The Price is Right” touring shows (so popular the first time that Casey added the second one during the season) and classic rocker Jackson Browne.
Casey hopes for another success for 2016-17 with its multigenre lineup. “This season we’re excited to have a little bit different variety, for sure.”
Season tickets went on sale Friday; individual ticket sales begin 10 a.m. July 22. Here’s a closer look at the artists:
Chris Isaak, Sept. 11: Opening the season is this Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actor and talk show host. Isaak’s hits include “Wicked Game,” “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying” and he has appeared on television and films including Showtime’s “The Chris Isaak Show.” Tickets will be $49-$79.
Granger Smith, Sept. 29: Influenced by country legends such as George Strait, Granger Smith wrote and produced his first album at age 19. His comedic alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., also will make an appearance in Turlock. Smith’s current album is “Dirt Road Driveway.” $22-$32.
Masters of Illusion, Nov. 16: Masters of Illusion – Believe the Impossible! is the world’s largest touring magic show. Promising a two-hour spectacle, the magicians will perform illusions that include levitation, appearances and vanishes, escapes, comedy magic, sleight of hand and dancing. $29-$49.
Jonny Lang, Dec. 4: Blues artist Lang found incredible success at the age of 16 with his debut album “Lie To Me.” This is a return visit to Turlock for the Grammy winner, who has toured with artists including The Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Blues Traveler, Jeff Beck and Sting. $36-$56.
Billy Gardell, Dec. 10: “Mike & Molly” star Billy Gardell brings his standup to Turlock. With several TV credits, Gardell began as a touring comic with a down-to-earth point of view and stories about his rough childhood, wild adolescence and new family life. The show is for mature audiences. $39-$59.
Garrison Keillor, Jan. 24: Keillor is a writer and humorist best known for his popular live radio variety show “A Prairie Home Companion,” as well as radio and online program “The Writers Almanac.” A best-selling author, he has published more than two dozen books. Keillor returns to Turlock after a popular visit there in 2010. $39-$69.
Golden Dragon Acrobats, Feb. 22: While the theater has hosted acrobats in the past, this will be the first time this lauded troupe from China has appeared there. The show includes acrobatics, traditional dance, costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques. $22-$34.
“One Night in Memphis,” March 12: A tribute to legendary Sun Records recording artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley, this stage show offers rockabilly, country, gospel and ’50s rock’n’roll. It’s created by John Mueller, whose “Winter Dance Party” has been popular in the region. $29-$40.
Tower of Power, March 31: Soul powerhouse Tower of Power has been touring since 1968 with its smooth rhythm and horn-driven sound. Hits include “You’re Still a Young Man,” “What is Hip?,” “So Very Hard to Go” and “Down to the Nightclub.” $35-$59.
This story was originally published July 9, 2016 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Varied lineup set for 2016-17 at Turlock Community Theatre."