THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University will welcome a variety of talents including a Beatles tribute band and Chinese acrobats in a new theater series titled ‘Oh Là Là’ that will be held in the Mary and Al Danos Theater.
Opening the series is “Let’s Hang On” a Frankie Valli Tribute show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7. Next up is The Duttons Christmas Show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, followed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, and the Golden Dragon Acrobats at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 25. The final show is titled “The Complete Beatles Experience” by the Liverpool Legends at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.
“Here at Nicholls, our vision is to be the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Bayou Region. The diversity of world-renowned acts coming to our campus as part of the Oh Là Là series fits perfectly with what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy.
Let’s Hang On! is unique in that the group, which includes four male and two female vocalists and dancers, also features a live band. Touring to sold out shows ranging from Las Vegas to New York for the past seven years, Let’s Hang On! showcases hit songs from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “December,” “Who Loves You” and “My Eyes Adored You,” among others.
The Dutton Experience is a 15-member family band that performs bluegrass, classical and “everything in between.” Comprised entirely of family members, the Dutton family band has been performing together since 1991. Now, they spend most of their time performing at their theater in Branson, Missouri, and their hotel in Mesa, Arizona.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is a full-scale symphonic orchestra located in New Orleans. Formed in 1991, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively-operated orchestra in the United States.
Originally established in 1967 as the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats in the Republic of China, the troupe has since moved to the United States under the ownership of Danny Chang. The acrobat troupe has been recognized as the preeminent Chinese acrobatic company in the U.S. Performing across the globe, the award-winning troupe once played for President Bill Clinton during a meeting in Shanghai.
Handpicked by the sister of George Harrison, the Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends are a combination of four musicians and actors that specialize in all things The Beatles, down to vintage instruments and special effects. The set list includes originals from the band, as well as singles from their solo years.
The series is the first to be held in the recently renovated Mary and Al Danos Theater. The 55,000 square-foot theater reopened in September after $9.6 million in renovations. The Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation pledged $1 million over four years to support the theater.
“Mom and Dad would have loved this and attended every show,” The Danos Family said in a statement. “Oh Là Là is exactly what Dad had in mind when he started raising money for the theater.”
Cenac Towing Co. is sponsoring the theater series and several individual shows.
“Mary and Al Danos were close friends of mine and I love Nicholls State University, so I’m proud to support the Oh Là Là theater series,” said Benny Cenac, owner of Cenac Towing Co.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Upper-level season tickets are $125 and single tickets are $30, while lower-level season tickets are $150 and single tickets are $35.
Tickets will become available on August 4. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, call Tammy Toups at (985) 448-4134 or email tammy.toups@www.nicholls.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2017
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
