Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a Season of Hits

The Robson Performing Arts Center’s new season brings five shows, including the unforgettable musical “Wizard of Oz.”

The Scarecrow, Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Man are off to see the Wizard.

With the approach of fall, we look forward to cooler days, the start of school, and a new season of shows at the Robson Performing Arts Center. Five hit shows are coming to Claremore and promise something for all ages. “It is important to us that each year, we grow and bring productions that not only our patrons would like, but would also create new patrons,” states Executive Director Ruby Quinn.  
    The season opens with the musical “Wizard of Oz.” This touring production is presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas. It will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening at the theatre on Tuesday, September 27. “This show will probably be the biggest production as far as size and scope that we’ve ever had at the center,” states Quinn. “I am so excited.”
    Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel returns to the Robson PAC with the first-ever play about the life and music of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Performed by 25 actors and musicians, “A Ride with Bob” includes the live performance of 15 of Wills’ most well-known songs in a plot that interweaves Ray Benson’s present day reflections. “A Ride with Bob” will be performed October 28 and 29, 2011.
         Ringing in the holiday season will be “Miracle on 34th Street” on December 1. This musical is also one for the entire family based on the classic movie loved by all. It is a stunning spectacle of a show complete with Kris Kringle himself.  
    “Deer Camp the Musical” performs on February 18. Get ready to laugh your antlers off! This new musical is packing them in throughout the United States tour. This show stars Tony Papenfuss, well known as “My Brother Darryl” on the Newhart show. Under a threat from their wives to get a deer or no more hunting trips, they find themselves in panic mode. With great songs about wives, grunt horns, coupon clippers, relationships, beer and bingo, the show is one you will smile about for months.
    “Flipside: The Patti Page Story” rounds out the season on May 3 and 4, 2012. “Flipside” is a tribute to Claremore’s very own Patti Page, featuring 23 of her beloved songs. It parallels the life of Clara Ann Fowler (Page’s birth name), the humble soft-spoken country girl born in Claremore and who skyrocketed to fame in the music world. Presented by the Claremore Convention & Visitors Bureau, this show came together based on interviews with Ms. Page and her sister Peggy Layton. “I had the good fortune to attend a performance of this show last year, and I was blown away by the amazing voices I heard. I could swear I was listening to Patti Page and that she just stepped out of the 1950s,” states Quinn.
    Season tickets and advance tickets are currently available. For questions, contact the Robson PAC Box Office at (918) 699-7390 or visit their website at ­www.claremorepac.org.

For more information, contact

Robson Performing Arts Center

(918) 699-7390