Ring in the New Year with the Rednecks

Premiering at Grand Prairie's Uptown Theater on December 31, 2009 ....

..... 3 Redneck Tenors: Broadway Bound

That's right, the boys are back. And as they say themselves, they put the odd in Broadway! Join us on December 31, 2009 as the boys hit the Uptown stage for a brand new show!

Tickets are available for the 8:00 curtain and for a post-performance reception featuring the Rednecks themselves.

www.UptownTheaterGP.com/tickets

or call us at 972-237-8786

Happy Holidays from your Uptown Theater!

GPAC's Miracle on 34th Street

Well, way to go GPAC. Miracle on 34th opened brilliantly last night! One down, seven performances to go. The audience really seemed to enjoy the performance - so if you haven't seen it yet just come up to the box office (with your gloves and scarf and wooly hat on) to grab your tickets.

Friday and Saturday shows have 8pm curtains and Sunday is 2pm. Come to the Uptown for more holiday cheer!

Right, So That Was Awesome

If you missed the Rockapella concert last night you missed quite a lot. I've been humbugged all winter but this show completely put me in the holiday spirit - these guys are amazing.
We just released some great seats - come on out to the Uptown tonight for FUN and holiday cheer!

Rock Your Christmas Season with Rockapella

It's finally Rockapella week at the Uptown! Tickets for Saturday night are moving fast so hop on the website to grab yours. If Saturday doesn't work for you then check them out on Friday - that's right - two nights of Rockapella holiday!

We are so excited to bring this internationally renown group to Grand Prairie's Uptown Theater in time for the Christmas season. Our trees are up and decorated, the popcorn will be fresh, the volunteers will be friendly, so come out to the theater and pick up some holiday cheer.

The Holidays are Here - Ready or Not

This just in: our friends in Redneck Tenors are coming back this week to use our awesome Studio Theater. They rehearsed Broadway Bound here and LOVED it. So, back again to get their holiday grooves on.

Christmas is here. We hope you are ready. This year Elvis will be here with his Christmas show even before Thanksgiving, so we have to put the trees up REALLY early. The performance is the Saturday before the holiday. Bad news is that if you don't already have your tickets you are so out of luck. Staff can't even get into this one. We had three singles available at opening this morning. At noon we had zero. So, we are literally full. Fuller than full.

November 27, 28, 29th are 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-YULE-ar performances at vastly reduced ticket prices. $21 and $26 is a total steal for this award winning show.

Rockapella Holiday is December 4th and 5th. Look it up. It is awesome. http://www.rockapella.com/

Whew. That is just the tip of the iceberg. GPAC is in with Gobfest this weekend and Miracle on 34th rolls in December. Check their website http://www.artsgp.com/ for all of their information.

Celebrate and Honor our Veterans This Weekend!

Yes, they are back. MetroPraise helped us open the Uptown Theater and we are so glad to have them back just a few days shy of one year later. This big band will blow your socks off! Join us in a spiritual tribute to our veterans on Saturday, November 7th at 8:00 pm.

We have significantly discounted ticket prices for military families - call us at 972-237-8786 for more information or for tickets.

As an added bonus on Saturday night, we'll be celebrating the one year anniversary of the reopening of the theater. Cake and coffee after the show - don't miss out!

Street and Treat

It's almost Halloween! We are celebrating at the Uptown by handing out candy to folks who participates in the Parks and Recreation Department's Street and Treat event on Halloween night.

Also, the Grand Prairie Arts Council is producing a haunted house in our Studio Theater! Terror Town at the Uptown has a small admission - $5 - and a large number of screams!

Next show at the Uptown: Tribute to our Veterans on November 7th at 8:00 pm

Great Weekend at the Uptown

So Joe Ely and Teye were spectacular this weekend. If you missed it you missed a lot! In addition to their fabulous performance the crowd enjoyed Grand Prairie High School's Mariachi Azul opening the show.

Oh yeah, and the 3 Redneck Tenors interupted the welcome by announcing that they will be in the house on December 31st wtih their brand new show "3 Redneck Tenors: Broadway Bound." They are rehearsing it in the Studio Theater and it sounds amazing. Unfortunately it is a heavily choreographed show so Billy Joe is really losing his belly!

In other news Darden Smith is in Grand Prairie today and tomorrow with his Be An Artist program. The fourth graders at Sallye Moore Elementary School are enjoying the program this morning! When I left he had them smiling and laughing and getting ready to write their own songs. Stunning how he gets them to open up and smile!

Next Up: Market Square Grand Opening on October 24th

Texas Legend in the House!

Yes, the parade of legends gracing the Uptown stage continues this weekend when Joe Ely opens the 2009-2010 Arts Series.

Long known as a co-founder of The Flatlanders and an artist who can collaborate with anyone, Ely will be rocking out on Saturday night with the help of long time friend and former bandmate Teye.

The show will open with Mariachi Azul and a group of dancers from a local ballet folklorico company.

Don't miss out on this very special event - Saturday night at the Uptown Theater at 8:00 pm.

If I was more internet savy I'd be able to post the actual video. As it is - just check them out on YouTube....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au_rFMop27w

GPAC's Godspell

Grand Prairie Arts Council's production of Godspell opened last night and it's official - people LOVE it! The run continues this weekend with performances tonight and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Ditto next weekend - Thursday through Sunday.

All Beatlegras All The Time

I'm just going to keep on talking about this show since I know it is going to be so good. Beatlegras is one of those bands that you just need to see and hear, to really experience, in order to get just how great they are.

Don't believe me? They are on the short list for nominations for the Grammy Awards. Just getting on The List is a huge accomplishment. Best wishes to them for their inclusion on the even shorter list.....

So you need to come to the Uptown to check them out. This is their only fall performing arts center performance - which quite frankly is the best way to see them. The 2500 who saw them at an outdoor venue in an unnamed neighboring city might disagree with me since I heard that show was a blast too. But, personally I'll take an intimate, climate controlled venue with $2 popcorn and $4 beer over chiggers and heat any day.

Beatlegras - Back at the Uptown

Yup, we announced this show quite a while ago and now it is almost here. Did you know that Beatlegras made it to the short list for Grammy Award nominees? AWESOME - Congratulations, guys!

Tickets are still available online at http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/ or by calling Jessica at the box office at 972-237-8786.

Dave Alexander in Concert

Asleep at the Wheel told him to check out the Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie he did. And boy, are we glad! Join us this weekend as we experience DAVE ALEXANDER in concert.

The 3-time Grammy Award nominee will bring the house down. Don't miss it! Group discounts available at half-price so call your friends, get five of them together, call Jessica at the Box Office 972-237-8789 and we'll see you Uptown!

Walkin' the Line

Johnny and June

That's right, Johnny & June are coming to the Uptown Theater this weekend. Well, okay, not really. But the fabulous show Walkin' the Line will be in the house on

Saturday, September 5th at 8:00 p.m.

I accidentally saw this show at a restaurant/bar/concert venue this spring. I was completely skeptical because I LOVE Johnny Cash. Love. Love. Love. I have all of the American Recordings and some "Best Of" and even June's last CD. I didn't rock my baby to sleep with Barney, I rocked him to sleep with Johnny Cash. I even have that really cool "CASH" t-shirt. So imagine my surprise when I actually really enjoyed this show. I was planning on hating it. I really liked it. Really a lot.

So come out to the Uptown this weekend to enjoy this amazing tribute to the Man in Black. You'll be glad you did.

Tickets at the door or online at http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/ or 972-237-8786. See you soon!

Found this on Flickr

IMG_6171, originally uploaded by krystal.pritchett.

I was scouring Flickr today for Uptown Theater images and found this sweet shot from the Hayes Carll concert on November 9, 2008.

I guess Krystal Pritchett had a great seat at the show; she took some great photos and video of Hayes. I wish I could put this on our facebook page - it is cool!

End of Summer - Fall Performance Season Begins

Almost everyone is busy getting kids ready to go back to school next week. In the hustle and bustle don't forget to get your tickets to "Walkin' the Line" featuring Bennie Wheels as Johnny Cash. You won't believe his voice and his talented wife joins him for a few numbers as June Carter Cash. They'll be rolling in to the Uptown on Saturday, June 5th at 8:00 pm.

So, spend your day at Joe Pool Lake at the Ultimate Outdoor Experience and then join us at the theater for a night of classic Cash.

Chicago the Musical

Chicago the Musical started last night was fantastic! There was even a minor emergency at the theater which always makes things interesting. Don't worry - the trumpet player is okay.

Everyone takes the stage again tonight at 8:00 and then for a Sunday matinee at 2:30. These are the last live theatre productions of the summer so don't miss them. Ohlook Theatre's productions have been wonderful as usual.

LOTS of new shows announced

Big day at the Uptown yesterday. LOTS of new shows announced and on sale to our season ticket holders. Where do I start?

August brings two hot shows to the Upt0wn:

Ohlook Theatre presents

RENT

Opening on Friday, August 7th at 7:30 pm and continuing for a Saturday matinee at 2:30 pm and Saturday night at 7:30 pm. The show closes on Sunday the 9th at 2:30 pm..

CHICAGO

Opening on Thursday, August 13th at 7:30 pm and continues on Friday, August 14th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, August 16th at 2:30 pm. Saturday performance time is still to be determined ----we have a private party to work around.....

Don't miss these performances - Ohlook produces amazing performances! TICKETS available at http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/ or by calling the box office at 972-237-8786.

Star Wars: Phantom Menace & Fanboys

That's right - it's another double feature at the Uptown. For $10 and a canned food donation you gain entry into Thursday night's double feature that starts at 6:00pm with a screening of Phantom Menace. After a break and a trivia contest we'll screen Fanboys.

Rumor is some storm troopers will be here - don't miss out on the fun!

Dance Camp!

Right on! It's dance camp at the Uptown this week. I kind of feel like we are in Fame! Lots of little leotards and tights and dancing shoes in the Studio Theater! Their end of camp recital is Friday - stay tuned for performance time - it will be great to see all that they accomplished this week when they get on the Uptown stage to DANCE!

Next week - Art Camp. Please visit www.artsgp.com for registration and more information.

ALSO - BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming very soon. Very big. Very hairy. Very funny. Announcement. Later this week. Stay tuned.

Jack and the Beanstalk

I think beanstalk is one word, not two, so I'm sticking with that. No matter which is correct the show is ON for this weekend. Saturday afternoon at 3:00 and 5:30 at the Uptown Theater. Tickets are $4.00 of kids, $6.00 for adults.

Tickets are available online at http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/ or by calling the box office at 972-237-8786.

The kids have been working hard every day this week - you'll be amazed at their performances!

This just in! Dictonary.com says it IS one word. Victory!

GPAC and Missoula

The Grand Prairie Arts Council and Missoula Children's Theatre kick off auditions today for "Jack in the Beanstalk." Auditions start at 10:30 this morning and continue all day. Please contact the Arts Council for moe information.

Beatlegras - Back at the Uptown

Beatlegras is Back!

Back by popular demand, Beatlegras, the critically acclaimed three man phenomenon, will play at Grand Prairie’s newly restored historic Uptown Theater, located at 120 East Main Street in Grand Prairie, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m.

You can hear them and see a performance at www.beatlegras.com. They recently toured in Ireland where they headlined with Sinead O'Connor and Albert Lee.

They also will be appearing in the upcoming children's movie "Tommy and the Cool Mule" along with Ice T and Kevin Sorbo (TV's Hercules). George Anderson, who plays bass in Beatlegras, is proud to be from Grand Prairie and looks forward to playing in his home town.

"George always steals the show when he plays an upright bass solo," says Dave Walser, Beatlegras guitarist. "It's like nothing you'd expect or have ever heard."

"The vocals are spot on and the playing is fresh and mind blowing," says guitar genius Rhett Butler. Together, Beatlegras provides a unique twist on the Beatles that leaves even the most hard core Beatles fans impressed, smiling and singing all the way home.

"If I had a mop top I'd be shakin' it!" says Ralph McLean, BBC.
“Beatlegras isn't just for Beatles fans, but for those of us who love great musicianship played out as one of the sweetest sounds imaginable,” says Gary Cogill, Movie Critic of WFAA. “A sound that remains constantly in my CD player."

Join your friends and family and fans at the beautifully restored Uptown Theater for this evening that won’t be soon forgotten. Reserved seats are $21 and are available at http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/ or by calling 972-237-UPTN.

Gary Kelly Photography Exhibit Opens Tuesday

Free public reception for Gary Kelly's photography exhibit on Tuesday, July 13, 2009 at 7pm

Join us as we celebrate the first one-man show at the Uptown Gallery.

Gary Kelly, a resident of Grand Prairie since 1952, is a retired CPA who worked as a financial manager for NationsBank and its predecessors for over thirty years. He began photography in the Army in 1958 and has attended numerous training workshops and seminars. After retiring from banking in 1996, he became more active in photography, travelling and photographing extensively in the western United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Costa Rica. He also has extensive portfolios of southwestern scenes, nature, flowers, still life and candid portraits. Currently, he is active in the Dallas Camera Club, where he is a past president, and the Association of Grand Prairie Artists. He does frequent slide shows for various civic groups and camera clubs. He has won numerous awards including Picture of the Year at the Dallas Camera Club three times and Best of Show at the Grand Prairie Arts Council Annual Art Exhibition. His creative philosophy is that a camera should be used the way an artist uses paints and brushes.

Included in this exhibit are images from historic theaters, including Grand Prairie’s newly rehabilitated Uptown Theater, roadside gems, and stunningly moving portraits. Kelly will welcome guests and answer questions about the images and his process in a public reception on July 14th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to this free exhibit and reception.

Additionally, tours of the Uptown Theater will be available and 2009-2010 Arts Series tickets will be on sale. Season tickets are available to the general public and include six live music performances beginning in October with a concert by Texas legend Joe Ely.

July at the Uptown

Congratulations to the Grand Prairie Arts Council for a great run of the Music Man! Attendance was great and the show was spectacular. We can't wait for Godspell!

July is more GPAC - with summer art camp for kids. Today the Children of the Strings Orchestra Camp kicked off. Check back with us to see when they schedule their end of camp concert.

Next week GPAC hosts Missoula Children's Theatre with a week long event for kids that culminates in two performances of Jack In The Beanstalk on Saturday the 18th. Check our website for details and ticket information.

MOVIES: Free Movies continue at the Uptown. Last week's sing along Grease was hilarious. Tomorrow - Tuesday, July 7th at 2:00 pm we screen the Marilyn Monroe classic "Some Like it Hot." The first 400 guests get in FREE!

Join in the fun at the Uptown Theater

Welcome to Grand Prairie's Uptown Theater blog. Summer is in full swing at the Uptown and there is nothing but fun going on!





The Grand Prairie Arts Council just completed their opening weekend of Music Man with great crowds in attendance. There are plenty of tickets available for this weekend's performances. 8:00 curtains on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a final performance at 2:00 on Sunday.





Also this week - join us for a FREE MOVIE on Thursday afternoon. We'll be screening sing-a-long Grease on the big screen. This event is free to the first 400 guests at the theater. The concession stand will be open so grab a popcorn and Coke before you go in.








Don't forget season tickets are on sale for the City of Grand Prairie's 2009-2010 Arts Series. The season is spectacular and opens in October with Texas legend Joe Ely in concert. For more information visit our website at http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/ or join us on Facebook or Twitter!