Another year and another season is upon the Ritz Theatre as the Greenville Area Arts Council sets the stage for a variety of performances.

Executive Director Nancy Idland said she is not only excited about the quality of the shows coming to town, but also the quantity.

“It’s always our goal to offer a variety of things that most everyone would enjoy, and so every year, for the past several years, we have tried to pull in a little bit of everything from country music, to rock and roll, to theater, and now we have had success in adding this children’s theater,” Idland said.

Kicking off the year on Oct. 18 will be something Greenville hasn’t been exposed to in quite some time, according to Idland.

“One thing that we have new for the first time this year is we’re bringing in a comedian,” Idland said. “As far as I can remember, Greenville has never had a single solo comedian perform on our stage, and we’re really exited that James Gregory, who is pretty well known in the South especially, is coming to be with us.”

The Missoula Children’s Theatre will be stopping in Greenville for a second time to use local talent to showcase Hansel and Gretel on Nov. 10.

After the first of the year, two shows will be featuring music that Idland hopes will have mass appeal.

“One of them is the music of John Denver, and there will be a wide range of people that will be able to relate to this music,” Idland said. “Even young people will know the tunes.”

The tribute show titled “Take Me Home,” will feature Jim Curry playing Denver’s music on Jan. 29.

“To finalize our regular season, we will have a fabulous show that will appeal to everyone, and it’s the Legends of Motown (and More),” Idland said. “There aren’t many people that can’t relate to the Motown sound.”

Detroit’s Horizon is comprised of a three singers accompanied by a three-piece band that will perform on Feb. 23.

“People will wonder about Putting on the Ritz, but Putting on the Ritz is a separate show that is separate fundraiser,” Idland said. “That is the fundraiser that helps us bring these shows to you for the price that we are able to bring them.”

A season ticket to see all four shows is $40, and more information is available in brochures located at the Greenville City Hall and The Pineapple.

For more information contact Idland at (334) 382-8729, (334) 354-2802, or Nancyidland@hotmail.com.

“I’m really excited about the fact that we have four shows this year,” Idland said. “This is live entertainment. There is just something magical and special about walking into the Ritz and seeing a live-stage performance.”