Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St. in New Hope, has announced the lineup for its 2021 Visiting Artists Series. This is one of the few times on the calendar when outside producers take the stage to showcase their work.
Taylor Simon King: A Celebration of Three American Troubadours takes place Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45. The lives and careers of three iconic singers – James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carole King – have always overlapped and interlinked, and their music is unforgettable. This new tribute show explores these musical icons through clever musical arrangements and selection of carefully chosen songs. Headlined by Lisa Sherman – with a talented band consisting of Byron Smith, Mary McCrink, Gary Oleyar, Ralph Notaro, Tommy Labella, Lance Stark, Mario Casella, Todd Sherman and Sam Sherman – Taylor Simon King is a towering tribute to three American troubadours.
The Hot Club of Philadelphia with Phyllis Chapell takes place Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. Founded in 2011 by guitarist Barry Wahrhaftig, The Hot Club of Philadelphia is an exciting acoustic ensemble dedicated to playing “Gypsy Jazz” – the musical genre pioneered by the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli and their Hot Club of France Quintet. With the use of acoustic guitars, bass and violin, rather than horns and drums, the quintet added some French and Gypsy sounds and created a blend of music that is popular and accessible. The Hot Club of Philadelphia mixes the original style of these genre-breakers along with their own modern influences, and will be joined at the Playhouse by vocalist Phyllis Chapell and special guest accordion virtuoso Dave Hartl. The group has performed throughout the region and released its first CD Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams in 2010, followed by Gypsy Routes in 2015. The current release Gypsy – Americana was chosen as WRTI Jazz Radio’s “Album of the Week” in January.
The Rat Pack: One More Time takes place Nov. 18-28. Tickets are $45. The famous Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. – were the “Kings of Las Vegas Swing” from the late 1950s into the 1960s and they formed “the pack” as their own nightly on-stage party. Get ready to hit the bar and settle in for a celebration of the great music, revelry and spirit as three incredible entertainers recreate the magic that made this trio the hottest ticket on the Vegas strip.
Bucks County Playhouse has joined performing arts organizations across the country in requiring that all guests provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, along with photo ID, to attend indoor performances. Masks will also be required for the duration of the performance. Visit bcptheater.org/covid-19-precautions for more information.
Tickets for all events in the Visiting Artists Series are currently on sale at buckscountyplayhouse.org. Special pricing available for groups of 10 or more. Call 215-862-2121 for more information.
