The Renaissance Theatre has added three August shows to its summer drive-in series called the ‘Ren Backlot.’ These installations consist of film screenings, sing-alongs, and live performances featuring local talent in the back parking lot of the theatre; food trucks and concessions are often on-site.
The added shows are Newsies: In Concert, You Can’t Stop the Beat: The Best of the Ren Broadway Series and Ain’t Misbehavin’, which are all part of the Avita Innovation Concert Series.
Newsies: In Concert will take place on August 7 and 8 at 9:00 PM. One of the Ren’s biggest hits returns in a concert version, reuniting original cast members and featuring video and photo footage from the Renaissance’s 2018 production. Newsies tells the story of the newsboys in 1901 New York and their struggle for higher wages, better working conditions, and the respect they’ve been denied. A rousing score by Alan Menkin, (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast), Newsies is the perfect event for the entire family.
You Can’t Stop the Beat: The Best of the Ren Broadway Series will take place on August 21 and 22 at 9:00 PM. Some of the most unforgettable moments ever presented on the Renaissance stage will be recreated for this event. Featuring songs from Les Mis, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Avenue Q, Matilda, The Little Mermaid, Always Patsy Cline, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mamma Mia, Chicago, Sunday in the Park with George, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, and much, much more! This family-friendly concert has something for everyone.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ will take place on August 28 and 29 at 9:00 PM. A fully staged revival of the Renaissance’s 2018 smash hit, this rollicking revue features the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller and includes such hits as “Honeysuckle Rose”, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, “Mean to Me”, and “Your Feets Too Big.” With the original cast: Condrea Webber, Krystal Lawrence, Chantel Ross, Jody Odom and Deon Taylor. These performances will replace the originally-scheduled Hollywood Under the Stars concert.
Tickets for these three shows are $25 per car and are on sale at www.RenTickets.org or by calling the Box Office at 419-522-2726. For health reasons, cash will not be accepted at the gate.
For all Ren Backlot events, gates will open one hour before the designated performance/screening time. Audio is broadcasted on an FM radio station and outdoor speakers. Renaissance restrooms are open to patrons, who are expected to wear masks when leaving their vehicles. Patrons may bring their own food, though Renaissance concessions and food vendors (depending on availability) will be on-site.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
