Hits! The Musical is a high energy production featuring America’s best young superstars.
The cast of approximately 22 members will consist of the country’s most talented singers and dancers, ages 8-23.
Musical Journey through the Decades
The show will take audiences on a musical journey through the decades, highlighting the biggest hits of all time in Pop, Country, Rock and Broadway.
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Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” Sat July 23 at Allentown Symphony Orchestra
It will incorporate fast-paced production medleys, dazzling costumes, and is sure to thrill audiences young and old!
Hits! is the brainchild of the longtime director of the Tampa based, “Entertainment Revue,” which has produced many successful recording artists, Broadway stars and professional actors.
High-Level Production
The show is being produced by Robert Gries, owner of RGJ Productions.
Mr. Gries is a highly successful private equity executive and philanthropist. Mr. Gries’ family were also minority owners of the Cleveland Browns for 60 years. He has a passion for helping young people and has generously decided to donate 100% of profits to support the arts.
The Hits! Team
Executive Producer Bob Gries
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Robert Gries is CEO and founder of the Gries Investment Funds. Mr. Gries has over twenty-five years of investment experience. This experience ranges from being a mezzanine lender to real estate to acquiring companies.
The Gries Investment Funds are most recognized for its investment in and growth of Public Power, a deregulated electricity supplier in Connecticut. The company was acquired in 2009 for $13 million, taken public and sold to Vistra Energy in 2019 for $486 million.
In addition to his business interests, Mr. Gries’s family has a longstanding history with professional sports. Mr. Gries’s grandfather was a founding member and owner of the Cleveland Rams in 1936 and the Cleveland Browns in 1946. The family’s minority ownership ended sixty years later in 1996 when Mr. Gries’s father refused to be part of moving the Browns to Baltimore and sold the family’s ownership interest. Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s, Mr. Gries served on the board of the Cleveland Browns with his father. Mr. Gries also owned Arena Football teams in Tampa and Orlando and was owner of the Tampa Bay Storm teams when they won championships in 1991 and 1993.
Philanthropy and helping young people are passions in Mr. Gries’ life today. In addition to being an active philanthropist, Mr. Gries has assisted many charitable organizations, including serving as Co-Chair of the Tampa Boys & Girls Club annual fundraising drive in 2018 and 2019 which raised record amounts each year. He has served on many non-profit and civic boards including the University of Tampa, Berkeley Preparatory School and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Director Cynthia Nekvasil
Cynthia Nekvasil is the founder of Entertainment Revue, and served as its artistic director and choreographer for 26 years until retiring in 2015.
Cynthia was a sophomore studying political science at the University of Tampa when she was offered a position as an “after school” music instructor at a small local elementary school. That opportunity led to a summer music camp, which she directed, and Entertainment Revue was born in 1989.
During those final years in college, Cynthia developed a presence in the community by becoming active in the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Visitors Association, and successfully secured a corporate sponsorship from the Pepin Distributing Company.
Entertainment Revue became a well-known group in the Tampa Bay area and began building a repertoire to fulfill the demands of their new corporate clients. In 1992, Cynthia formed a non-profit organization and set up an educational scholarship fund. Cynthia’s intention was to provide “need-based” tuition grants, as well as establish a college scholarship fund for cast members. To date, Entertainment Revue has awarded over $500,000 in educational scholarships, which have been paid out to girls in universities all over the country.
Director / Musical Arranger / Composer Tony Bruno
For the last 12 years, Tony has worked with Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias, K’naan, Karmin, Delta Goodrem to name a few. Tony is responsible for all facets of live shows, awards shows and TV shows, working closely with the artist, Audio and Visual people as a team. “We try never to repeat ourselves on TV shows. Its important, especially with YouTube out there. You’re basically giving your audience a small collection of videos.”
His TV credits include The Grammys, Americas Got Talent, La Voz Kids, X-Factor, the AMAs, Jay Leno, Top Of The Pops, MTV Music Awards and TRL, and Wetten Das, and countless others. Tony has written and produced songs for top artists including Mandy Moore, Donna Summer, INXS, Colin Hay and Enrique Iglesias. His song Daylight in Your Eyes for German artists No Angels was the 2nd best selling German single of all time.
Choreographer Grady Bowman
Grady’s work has been seen across many different genres including Broadway, off-Broadway, television, circus, dance companies & numerous universities. Most recently, he was nominated for a Helen Hayes award for his choreography of Singin’ in the Rain at the Olney Theatre Center (DC).
Grady has also created 4 original dance pieces commissioned by NC School of the Arts. Associate Director credits include Big Apple Circus (Lincoln Center), A Night with Janis Joplin (Regional Tour), and The Great American Mousical (Goodspeed Opera House; Dir. Julie Andrews). Associate Choreographer credits include Dogfight (Off-Bway; Choreo. Chris Gattelli), In Your Arms (The Old Globe/NY Stage & Film), and Top Hat (NY developmental lab).
In his previous life as a performer, Grady was in the original Broadway companies of Billy Elliot, South Pacific (2008 Lincoln Center revival), Honeymoon in Vegas, Wonderland, and The Pirate Queen. He toured internationally with Fosse and Pilobolus Dance Theatre and also appeared in the films Forrest Gump and The Last Five Years.
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Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
Lehigh Stunned by Sweet Innovation From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever, Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.
These new Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.
“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.
Lehigh Invaded with Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.
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Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.
Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.
The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.
The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.
Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.
Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.
Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
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Penn’s Peak Annc’s Back to the 80’s Show with Jessie’s Girl, Saturday, December 9
Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Back to the 80’s Show with Jessie’s Girl, Saturday, December 9, 2022 at 8pm.
Every Saturday night for the last 5 years, crowds of ecstatic fans and newcomers alike have thrown on their best spandex, leg warmers and metal gear, lined up, and come to downtown NYC for an all-out celebration at the Back to the Eighties Show.
Each week you can find hundreds of fans singing at the top of their lungs, dancing and having the time of their lives as the top-notch musicians and vocal performers of Jessie’s Girl blow them away. Jessie’s Girl has mastered stunning renditions of the world’s most vibrant songs, all while dressed up as the unforgettable characters of that decade!
Bon Jovi, Cindi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and many more
come to life right before the dazzled eyes of the crowd.
It is theatre, meets live music, smothered in 80’s glitz. A performance like no other and a party you have to experience to believe.
Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Back to the 80’s Show with Jessie’s Girl, Saturday, December 9, 2022 at 8pm.
Tickets on sale Friday, July 29th at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.
General Admission
Advance: $25.00
Day of Show: $30.00
About Penn’s Peak
Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers. Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.
Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event. It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.
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Lehigh Valley’s premier Halloween event, Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, is back Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
The Lehigh Valley’s premier Halloween event, Halloween Haunt, is back with a vengeance for 2022.
They are releasing hundreds of terrifying ghouls and ghosts into the park, all ready to turn your nightmares into reality.
Every corner is cursed with haunted scare mazes,
scare zones and
live (or maybe not live) entertainment.
Hordes of hungry zombies and blood-thirsty vampires eagerly await you – i.e. their next meal.
And those wicked screams!
There’s just no escaping them. Add world-class thrill rides that instill a brand of fear all their own and you’ve got an extreme, supreme Halloween event and – dare we say it? – FUN. They’ll scare the living daylights out of you, but it’s an AMAZING night and…
one of Pennsylvania’s best things to do for Halloween.
Fear is waiting for you.
Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, is back Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
CarnEvil
The Clowns of CarnEVIL are a unique Company, outcasts, rejected and let go from a former show that they have resided with before. The reasons these clowns were let go is not exactly known, however rumor has it these individuals have something odd and not quite right about them, wreaking havoc and turmoil wherever they go. Serving up tricks that make even the bravest of men jump and tremble, and treats that have been rotting for some time, making those with even the strongest of stomachs queasy.
What started out as a simple traveling Halloween carnival featuring clowns, has turned into something more akin to a twisted and evil horror show.
Step right up!
Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, is back Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
Dystopia
In a distant but close future, exactly two centuries from now in 2222, a lot has changed in society, or what’s left of it. Unfortunately, government has devolved to nothing as technology and media made the last surviving humans turn to a more rogue lifestyle with an obsession of who they are not.
Anthropomorphic, obsessing over their ancient heritage, deeming themselves deities or other bizarre avatars, everyone remaining have done drastic things over the years to turn themselves as physically realistically possible into the online personas they’ve claimed to be and match their virtual profile pictures. These individuals had been named ‘The Rust Rogues.’
Any human they find who hasn’t been corrupted is an otherworldly sight to them, and some tight-knit communities respond to strangers with nothing, acceptance, or drive them away, generally with fear and noise. Those in the community who hate sound don’t thrive as successfully as those who love it and show it.
Strength does come in numbers, which has made the more extroverted Rust Rogues gather in smaller communities, each one having their own different morals, hunting strategies and hierarchies.
Within each group, they’re all finding ways to stay alive and well in the harsh world they’re forced to call home.
Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, is back Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
Port of Call
The scallywags here may seem friendly, but cross just one of them, and you might end up at the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker.
Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, is back Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
The Hollow
The Hollow captures the spirit of Halloween with dazzling décor and eye-catching pumpkin displays of all shapes and sizes. Visit while sunlight shines and it’s sure to make any jack-o-lantern smile.
As darkness falls, mist rolls into The Hollow, bringing a still, eeriness to the once friendly Halloween pumpkin patch. As you make your way through the winding vines, you find yourself face-to-face with ghoulish, flickering pumpkin carvings. Did that one just move? Step in for a closer look and find out if these pumpkins really are alive or if it’s just your imagination playing tricks on you.
Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, is back Sept. 16 – Oct. 29
The Lair
Each night of Halloween Haunt you can journey into the catacombs and tombs of the most feared creatures of Transylvania to bear witness to the abomination of the children of the night. Over a century’s worth of blood starved vampires lurk around each corner of their daytime prison as they wait for the curtain of darkness to shadow their search for the liquid of the living. The damned and demonic hellions with needle sharp fangs call you to quench their need for fresh blood.
Watch your neck and clutch your garlic before you join the ranks of the barbaric and ravenous living dead in this haunted house. Only you can discover the truth of THE LAIR.
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Miller Symphony Hall Offers ‘ Christmas In July’ Sale – Save Big on Year-long Entertainment
Miller Symphony Hall, home of the Allentown Symphony, offers you to save big on year-long entertainment with their ‘Christmas In July’ Sale.
Save 15% off ticket prices when you order before July 31 using discount code: July.
Holiday Pops!
Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 PM
Allentown Symphony OrchestraSave 15% off the Holiday Pops! concert when purchasing this month – July only! Use code JULY at checkout.
Join Allentown’s newest holiday musical tradition. Your family and friends will be thrilled with the season’s spectacle – a sparkling celebration of carols, classics, sing-alongs, and more! (And yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus.)
“A Salute to the Eagles”
Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 PM
Allentown Symphony OrchestraSpend an evening livin’ it up at the Hotel California! Join the Allentown Symphony and Pops Conductor Ronald Demkee as they salute one of the biggest bands in music: the Eagles. Featuring all the hits from their bestselling catalog, this concert will be full of chill West Coast vibes — a musical journey from rock and roll to country, folk, and back again.
Tickets are selling fast for this one!
Be sure to grab your seats today.Watch four iconic productions from the Met Opera Live in HD series, projected on a 4-story GIANT screen at Miller Symphony Hall.
Lehar’s THE MERRY WIDOW
Wednesday, July 13 at 6:30 PMPuccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 PMPuccini’s LA BOHÈME
Wednesday, August 3 at 6:30 PMDonizetti’s LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT
Wednesday, August 10 at 6:30 PMAllentown Symphony’s 22/23 Season
Featuring Three Premieres, a Spotlight on Underrepresented Composers, Hallmarks of the Classical Canon, Plus a Celebration of John Williams’ 90th Birthday, and Disney ClassicsEnjoy all 10 concerts for the price of just 8!
