Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St. in New Hope, announced the lineup for its Visiting Artists Series, which kicks off Jan. 20. Tickets are on sale now at buckscountyplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 215-862-2121.
The Visiting Artists Series represents one of the few times on the calendar when outside producers take the stage to showcase their work. Renowned and unique performers from across the country — and around the globe — join local favorites for a lineup of crowd-pleasing fare that runs through the end of the year.
“The Capitol Fools” is Jan. 20, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 21, at 1:30 p.m. The Capitol Fools features former members of the Capitol Steps. The stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by the Capitol Steps continues upward with The Capitol Fools, the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer from the Capitol Steps. The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to the crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that continue to inspire belly laughter.
“Divas3” is Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 28, at 1:30 p.m. Three female singers with powerhouse voices sing the biggest hits of the greatest divas in music history. This vibrant show spans four decades covering the 1960s through the 1990s, with hits by Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Cher, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, Abba and more.
“Portrait of Aretha” is Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 3, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Aretha Franklin taught people how to “Think” and demand “Respect,” all while riding the “Freeway of Love.” In this show, CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Award-winning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Rock Steady.”
“Shades of Bublé” is Feb. 10, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 11, at 1:30 p.m. With three voices singing songs like “Feeling Good,” “Moondance,” “Come Fly With Me,” “Home,” “Everything,” “Fever” and “Save the Last Dance for Me,” this tribute brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Michael Bublé to the stage in a high-energy concert event.
“Dixie’s Tupperware Party” is Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Dixie demonstrates alternative uses for the iconic plastic kitchen staple. Filled with funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, the show aims to leave each attendee’s heart a little bigger and their food a little fresher. This show has adult content. All patrons under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult chaperone age 25 or older.
“Cross That River” is Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 24, at 1:30 p.m. The unsettled West of the 1860s provides a new life and new dreams for Blue, a runaway slave who escapes to Texas to become one of America’s first black cowboys. This compelling tale of freedom integrates fiction with historical fact, and each song presents a different page in this complicated chapter of American history. Age recommendation is 5 and up. Best suited for ages 8 and up.
“Always Olivia” is March 1, at 7:30 p.m., and March 2, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This tribute is a one-of-a-kind that features five costume changes and four decades of music, all honoring one of the most celebrated and beloved pop icons of all time: the late Olivia Newton-John.
“The Sounds of Soul” is March 8, at 7:30 p.m., and March 9, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Relive the hits of Motown and beyond as this high-energy act unleashes vocals and dance moves powered by pure soul. It features hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, The Supremes, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Barry White and more.
“The Jersey Tenors” is March 15, at 7:30 p.m., March 16, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and March 17, at 1:30 p.m. From Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli, The Jersey Tenors are the newest opera/rock mash-up sensation, creating an explosive blend of iconic opera classics alongside rock ‘n roll greats like Queen, Elton John and Bon Jovi, to name a few.
“Isaac Mizrahi” is March 23, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This is a cabaret-style show with plenty of panache. A talent way beyond fashion, Isaac Mizrahi has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as a performer, host, writer, designer and producer for over 30 years. Accompanied by his band of jazz musicians, Mizrahi will perform a range of tunes from Madonna and Barbra Streisand to Billie Eilish, Cole Porter and more. He also adds in hilarious musings.
“Chris Funk” is March 30, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Comedy magician Chris Funk performs an engaging multimedia experience that has family audiences talking and scratching their heads. From NBC’s America’s Got Talent and FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen to CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion, his unique approach to magic has been featured on numerous programs.
“The Ugly Duckling” is April 5, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Semi-finalists from America’s Got Talent in a show for the young and young at heart, Lightwire Theater brings a classic tale to the modern stage in a theatrical experience. Lined with electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of The Ugly Duckling plays out on stage through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance. Age recommendation is 5 and up.
“Take3” is April 12, at 7:30 p.m. With a flair for the wild and unexpected, the genre-defying trio Take3 brings the refinement of a rigorous classical music background and infuses it with rock star charisma. Trained at the world’s top conservatories, Take3 has expanded its repertoire from Bach and Beethoven to Bieber and The Beach Boys.
“Norbert Leo Butz” is April 13, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and April 14, at 1:30 p.m. Two-time Tony Award-winner Nobert Leo Butz (Wicked, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) makes his Playhouse debut in a cabaret performance of Broadway songs he is famous for, original music and some class blues and rock. It features Catherine Porter.
“The Great DuBois” is April 27, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A fast-paced, high-energy circus show for all ages, it features incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction, all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy. It’s a unique two-person show. Recently featured in Hugh Jackman’s hit movie The Greatest Showman, The Great DuBois has amassed an impressive list of credits, including the Tony Award-winning Pippin on Broadway, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Britney Spears World Circus Tour and the movie Burlesque, just to name a few.
“Claybourne Elder” is May 4, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Using his favorite music from Sondheim, the Great American Songbook, Whitney Houston and beyond, Claybourne Elder, star of Company, Sunday in the Park and HBO’s Gilded Age, explores sex, fatherhood and what exactly happens when you eat the body of Christ.
