The Columbia Theater for Performing Arts puts on a multitude of entertaining events every year.  Everything from ballets to theater to concerts can be seen.  The upcoming 2012-2013 season is no different.
“We take a look at the categories that have been successful at Columbia in the past,” said Roy Blackwood, interim director, on how acts are chosen.  “I also get feedback from the community of things they’d like to see.”
Blackwood went on to explain a conference call he goes to in New York where he consults with agents and finds talent.  He was not short of excitement as he explained the diverse acts set up for this upcoming season.
To begin the Christmas season, the Hammond Ballet Company will perform the Nutcracker on Dec. 7 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. Young local dancers will perform the classic alongside professionals from around the country.
Soon after that, the National Circus of the People’s Republic of China will be performing “Cirque Chinois” on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.  
“It’s going be over the top, absolutely fabulous,” commented Blackwood on the act. “This is the most celebrated circus trip in China.  This group has influenced circuses around the world.”
The company, from Beijing, influenced “Cirque du Soleil” by expanding from the traditional animal circus to a non-animal circus.
On Jan. 24, “Ricky Nelson Remembered” can be enjoyed.  This unique show will include live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs performed by his twin sons, Matthew Nelson and Gunnar Nelson.  Also, never before seen video footage of the Nelson family and various interviews will be shown.  
“Ricky Nelson was a huge talent in the late 50s, so his two sons are going to be presenting a tribute to their father,” explained Blackwood.
Classic theater can be enjoyed with “The Full Monty” on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The show portrays unemployed steelworkers coming up with a way to make quick money after seeing how their wives enjoyed watching male strippers.  
The theater will bring to life the inspirational and tragic story of popular music legend, Buddy Holly.  “Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story” will be performed Mar. 7 at 7:30 p.m.  The play will tell the story of Buddy Holly’s life as he became the world’s top recording artist before dying in a plane crash at age 22.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company will bring the stage to life on April 9 at 7:30 p.m.  The company was created by Paul Taylor, who presented his choreography in 1954.  Taylor later became a cultural icon and  celebrated artist.  
Other shows and performances include an Opera Workshop on Feb. 7 and 8, Chamber Orchestra on March 28, Wind Symphony on April 25, the “Travelin’ McCourys” performing bluegrass music on May 3 and more.
In addition, the Columbia will be adding a new entertainment series in the upcoming season.
“We are starting another initiative of movie type venues if you will,” said Blackwood.  “We are going to be doing a series making the theater a movie type venue.”  
This series began Nov. 29 with showing a film of the band, The Doors.  Future films will include a Led Zeppelin film, art cinema, classic movies and more.
“We’re going to do some unique and creative things in the Columbia and put things on the stage that the audience will enjoy,” said Blackwood.
This series will contain cinema for all crowds.  As of this writing, the schedule of upcoming films is not yet released.
To enjoy the many shows and performances coming soon go to 220 E. Thomas Street in downtown Hammond.  Contact the Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts administrative office at 985-543-4366 for more information or visit www.columbiatheatre.org.