This winter and spring, the Miller Theater and Columbia County Performing Arts Center will be offering a variety of performances, shows and musicals gathered from the globe to offer patrons fresh and fun entertainment.
With programs curated for families with children of all ages or those looking for some mature, good-humored fun, both facilities have something everyone can enjoy this year.
Miller Theater events:
- March 11 – Rickey Smiley, comedy legend and well-known entertainment mogul, and Friends will perform “clean” comics amongst fellow high tier comedians. Smiley has made millions laugh for over 30 years by taking everyday observations and turning them into jokes. Treating audiences to special characters, such as “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie” and “Beauford, Smiley is sure to show attendees why he is a “top-rated” comedian and radio personality. For tickets, go to https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?partner_id=240&performance_id=4611784&method=restoreToken
- March 18 – Featuring special guest Terence Young, Master City Entertainment and the Augusta Miller Theater will present An Intimate Evening with Will Downing live at 7:30 p.m. With a career spanning over 30 years and 25 released albums, Downing is seen as “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul,” and known as one of the most beloved baritone voices. His repertoire includes signature R&B classics such as “I Go Crazy,” “Wishing On A Star,” and “I Try” as well as original hits like “A Million Ways” and “Sorry I.” Creating refreshing melodies and arrangements, Downing established a unique niche in the music industry. To purchase tickets, visit: https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?utm_source=hive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hive_email_id_162876&performance_id=7630954&method=restoreToken
- May 3 – The World Ballet Series will perform an enchanting retelling of Cinderella at the theater at 7 p.m. Fit for all ages, the ballet will be a “wonderful dose of humor,” and present “the promise of ‘happily ever after,’” according to a press release from the Miller. Part of the show involves a cast of 40 multinational, professional dancers to reenact the “most celebrated fairytale.” Choreography by Marina Kassler will be highlighted by “Sergei Prokofiev’s “passionate” score,” “150 hand-sewn costumes” and detailed “hand-crafted sets” to truly inspire audiences with a magical performance. To purchase tickets, visit: https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?utm_source=hive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hive_email_id_163501&performance_id=6115729&method=restoreToken
- May 4 – Six String Southern presents Girl Named Tom at the Miller Theater at 7 p.m. Small-town sibling trio Girl Named Tom is seeking to “create harmony in a world divided,” according to the Miller. Based in the Midwest and prior to the pandemic, Girl Named Tom spent their first year traveling and performing throughout the country. Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty won audiences over through distinctive harmonies, and heartfelt performances to eventually become the only group to win NBC’s “The Voice.” Along with chart-topping covers of “River,” “The Chain,” and “Dust in the Wind,” the group is also known for writing original music which “projects them to become the best-known harmony trio of their generation,” said a Miller Theater press release. To purchase tickets, visit: https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?partner_id=240&performance_id=6771924&method=restoreToken
- May 13 – With guest stars Ryan Abel and friends, the Junior League of Augusta and the Miller Theater will present a tribute show to Laurel Canyon at 8 p.m. “California Dreamin’” returns for its second year, and will include performances from hitmakers such as Mamas and the Papas, James Taylor, The Eagles, The Doors and Neil Young. All concert proceeds will benefit the Junior League of Augusta and support its community programs. For tickets, go to: https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?utm_source=hive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hive_email_id_162876&performance_id=8804256&method=restoreToken
- May 23 – The Miller Theater presents Alabama’s St. Paul and the Broken Bones who will deliver captivating performances of “impassioned vocals,” and “electrifying soul sound.” Founded in 2011 out of Birmingham, the group consists of vocals, bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, trumpets, trombones and a saxophone. Since releasing their recording debut in 2014, the band has continued to expand their sound with records “branching out well beyond old-school soul into sleek summertime funk, with a few glimmers of straight-up disco,” said a Miller Theater press release. Sharing stages with legendary artists like The Rolling Stones, Lizzo and The Black Pumas, the band has even performed for Sir Elton John at his Oscar Party in 2017. Purchase tickets at https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?partner_id=240&performance_id=2865897&method=restoreToken
- April 22 – A musical act from the future, Million Dollar acts from the past are being brought together for a show at the Miller Theater at 7:30 p.m. The Million Dollar Time Machine is “America’s newest musical sensation,” and encaptures hit songs from 24 of “the greatest artists that have ever lived.” Audiences can expect to see live tribute performances from Elvis Presley, Cher, Prince, Johnny Cash, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and several more – “for a truly epic and mind blowing evening of music,” according to the theater’s website. Attendees of Million Dollar Time Machine will experience the “ultimate time travel experience” with features from professional impersonators from around the world. To purchase tickets, visit: https://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?partner_id=240&performance_id=7738313&method=restoreToken
- June 25 – The theater and the Varna International Music Academy presents 2023 Muzika: The Grand Music Festival. On Sunday, at 4 p.m., the music festival will feature orchestral performances of composer J.A.C. Redford’s two most recent concert works, “Symphony #2: A Plague Journal” and “Muzika! Fanfare.” The concert will also highlight a performance of “Homecoming” – a four-movement cantana created for mixed chorus and orchestra with texts by Redford. Redford has also arranged and conducted Academy Award-winning composers on projects such as “The Little Mermaid,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Avatar” and several others. “I seek to write music that appeals to the heart and mind, body and spirit,” said Redford in a press release. “I’m thrilled to be working with the Varna International Music Academy to bring this music to life for their audiences.” To procure tickets, visit: https://millertheateraugusta.com/?utm_source=hive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hive_email_id_165919_january-30-2023-muzika-the-grand-music-festival&h_sid=45c87df6ba-4b359cf3c7272b3ba8a62f55&h_slt=eyJoYXNoIjoiNmRmZDllOTVhZTNmZDFiIiwiaGl2ZV91c2VyX2lkIjo3NDkzNjkwNX0%3D
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Columbia County Performing Arts Center events:
- March 4 – The Columbia County Performing Arts Center will host a concert at 6:30 p.m. with Hairball and special guests Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers. Part of their Retro Concert Series, Hairball will highlight favorite “legendary hits” from Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, Aerosmith and more. “Over the past 20 years, Hairball has evolved into an explosive national touring act that brings the glory of the 80’s to hundreds of thousands of fans throughout the country,” said the Columbia County Arts Center’s website. Accompanied by an arena-sized light show, smoke, fire and pyrotechnics, Hairball’s concert will “hit you so hard, you’ll forget it’s not the original.” To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E005D3B8C221DAF
- March 9 – The Columbia County Arts Center presents “Jesus Christ Superstar” at 7:30 p.m. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the “iconic musical phenomenon” will return to the stage to bring viewers a new “mesmerizing” production. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival “garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. By creating a modern, theatrical world, theater and music fans will be enraptured by a story that is “uniquely fresh and inspiring.” “Jesus Christ Superstar” follows a series of events during the final weeks of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots, the score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Superstar.” For tickets, visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/jesus-christ-superstar-evans-georgia-03-09-2023/event/0E005CE7ABE126E9?CAMEFROM=CFC_COLUMBIA_COUNTY_WEB_VEN-WEB_JCS030923
- March 18 – Presented by Herbert Homes, the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus are bringing a free concert to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond for their communities. Since their conceptions in the mid-nineteenth century, the Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus have been considered the oldest and largest of the U.S. Army Field Band’s performing components, and are known for their national tours. According to a press release from the performing arts center, the featured band is considered by music critics to be one of “the most versatile and inspiring musical organizations in the world.” The joining of these two groups will offer an impressive variety of programming, which will range from “orchestral masterworks” to Sousa marches, jazz classics, pop hits and Broadway musicals. Tickets for the concert are free, but must be reserved at https://www.thecenterofcc.com/ For more information, visit: https://www.armyfieldband.com/
- March 30 – Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour will be performing at 6 p.m. Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes various cities different and unique. Famous for explaining and exploring with children various exciting tools such as trucks, excavators, tractors and more, Blippi teaches basics such as colors, numbers, shapes and words. This show contains flashing lights, fog, confetti and is free for those under 2-years-old. “Get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party,” said the performing arts center’s website. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E005D64A4541E82
- April 21 – In the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums – “bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the U.S.,” according to a press release by the performing arts center. With carefully selected musicians and a visual experience unlike any other the show, the concert promises to be a night of “rock and roll magic.” The Black Jacket Symphony will perform and recreate Tom Petty’s iconic album Full Moon Fever live in its entirety, including some of his greatest hits. To purchase tickets for the show, visit: https://www.thecenterofcc.com
- May 3 and 4 – As the New York Times called it “the best musical of this century,” the Washington Post said, “it is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” The Book of Mormon is considered by critics to be a “hilarious,” “genius,” “brilliant” and “phenomenal” performance. The nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical is a satirical comedy that examines the beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. Creators of South Park Matt Stone and Trey Parker as well as Bobby Lopez, Oscar-winning composer of Disney’s “Frozen,” collaborated to bring audiences a story following the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, tasked to travel halfway across the globe to spread the good word. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.thecenterofcc.com/event/the-book-of-mormon/
- May 17 and 18 – The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool show will bring its first live stage show to Columbia County. The series follows a 6-year-old Blue Heeler dog, Bluey, who loves to spend his free time playing, and turning everyday family life into extraordinary, hilarious adventures. After first launching in 2018, Bluey has won the hearts of families around the globe, and is known as the most-watched show ever on ABC. After the stage show enjoyed immense success in Australia, fans of all ages will be able to enjoy characters like Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli as audiences have never seen them before. Based on the original, new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the performance will also feature music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/columbia-county-performing-arts-center-tickets-evans/venue/115876
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
