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The Greenville Area Arts Council (GAAC) announced the 2023-2024 41st Ritz season lineup. The GAAC will produce four professional shows on a Thursday evening during the months of October, November, January, and February and also introduce the Roberta P. Gamble Community Arts Scholarship in honor of its founder, friend, and inspiration Roberta “Bobbie” Gamble. 

“Our shows are very comfortable and easy to enjoy with friendly people who are having a good time,” said Director of GAAC, Nancy Idland. “You will most likely walk away from the theatre with a song on your mind from that night.”

The season will kick off with “The Return – Beatles Tribute Show” on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. A “British Invasion” themed community street party is planned  in front of The Ritz Theatre at 6:00 p.m. The event will be the only show with a pre-party. Attendees are encouraged to dress in British colors, styles, big hats for ladies, Beatles t-shirts, etc. Prior to the show, the winner of the scholarship will be announced. 

The Roberta P. Gamble Community Arts Scholarship is intended to provide funds of up to $1,000 to a student in Butler County seeking to enrich themselves or others through the arts. Students can apply online at seeyouattheritz.com; the application deadline is Aug. 20.

“This scholarship is not just for college bound students,” Idland said. “This can be for a young middle schooler who needs a saxophone, or a high schooler that needs dance lessons or wants piano lessons. We’re looking for someone who desires to enrich their life through the arts but are not financially able to do so. Kids need more of these opportunities in a community like ours that has limited access to the arts. I believe children who are heavily involved with the arts are always going to be successful in one way or another. They’re going to gain confidence, opportunities, and skills that will make the world a better place.”

Other performances in the season feature “Sean of the South – story teller and musician” on Nov. 16, “The Heart Behind the Music – Songwriters Showcase” featuring John Ford Coley, Lenny LeBlanc and Marty Raybon on Jan. 18, and “Chi Town – Transit Authority” on Feb. 22. All three programs will begin at 7 p.m. 

“We want to thank the Greenville Area Arts Council,” said Linda Horn, GAAC sponsor. “Nancy Idland has championed the arts in so many ways for the hometown she loves. Her ongoing diligence to attract professional shows and entertainers to our Ritz Theatre stage at affordable prices is just a small part of the love she shows our community. Horace and I are happy to support the fund-raising efforts, season tickets sponsorships and cultural opportunities our city enjoys.”

The GAAC encourages community members to purchase a $80 season pass for the best price per ticket and reserved seating. Otherwise, tickets are available for $25 per show. To purchase a season pass visit the website at seeyouattheritz.com. Individual tickets will not be available for purchase online until the end of Sept. Tickets can be purchased at the door, though seats are not guaranteed if the show is sold out. 

“We work diligently to offer a variety of genres of concerts in hopes everyone sees something they enjoy,” Idland said. “The GAAC is committed to enriching the community through music, dance, drama, and art. I hope to see you at the Ritz!”