Play back the hits with popular Middle Georgia show heading to the Hawkinsville Opera House

An unprecedented sold out Warner Robins Little Theatre show has taken to the road and is set to perform Saturday and Sunday at the Hawkinsville Opera House.

“America’s Top 40: Hits From the 60s, 70s & 80s,” an eight show, three-weekend run that had patrons waiting in line at the box office hoping for someone to cancel a reservation, has been revamped for the exclusive showing at the Opera House. Patrons can count down their favorite songs and take a walk down memory lane with a wide selection of musical genres spanning three decades.

The 18 cast members, ranging in age from 12 to their early 70s, will be performing in a 1960s diner setting with a central jukebox bringing music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s to life. A few of the favorites will include “Piano Man,” “Yellow Ribbon,” “Hey Mickey” and much more. The musical selections will highlight both well-known solo artists and popular bands.

The cast’s continually changing wardrobe of colorful and vintage period-clothing and accessories and ever-popular dance moves from the decades will take attendees back in time. Audience members are encouraged to sing along to their favorite tunes and can even come dressed in their favorite decade attire.

Director Corey Dinkins, who studied drama at Northside High School under the direction of long-time local drama teacher Gerald Ray Horne, said his inspiration for the play came from wanting to do something that had not been done before at WRLT. However, he chose to do the show in the city of Hawkinsville because of its hometown feel, and he had always wanted to bring a big show to a small town and give them a great experience.

“The success of ‘America’s Top 40’ definitely hinged on the great talent we have on stage,” he said. “The energy is amazing, and I think that energy carried us to the very success we’ve had with this show.”

Co-director and producer Renee Alday said she and Dinkins were so enamored by the outpouring of love and support from the Warner Robins community that they just weren’t ready to end it all. The audiences loved the show, and the performers loved entertaining the audiences so much that when the opportunity arose, as a collective group, they decided to keep the show going a little longer.

“We chose the Hawkinsville Opera House because of the beauty and history of the venue,” she said. “It is close enough to Warner Robins to allow those who missed it the first time another opportunity to come out, but also an opportunity for the surrounding local communities to get to know us and enjoy an exciting, talent-filled, original production.”

Alday said there are currently 37 songs that will be performed and includes solos, group numbers and choreographed dances. In addition to the vocal and dance performances, there will also be a rendition of the “Grown Kids” skit, which was originally performed by Art Linkletter.

“We think people will enjoy this show because it’s an opportunity for them to take a trip down memory lane,” said Alday. “It’s a chance to remember those times in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s when there was a specific song that reminded you of a special moment, or just a simpler time in life. Whether it’s a time you lived through or your parent’s music you grew up listening to, there is something for everyone.”

Dinkins, along with Abi Brown, choreographed all the songs, several of which include large dance numbers with the entire cast. Some of these numbers include “I’m Still Standing,” “Conga,” “YMCA,” “Freak Out,” and “Love Shack.”

“I think all the songs are going to be a great draw,” Dinkins commented, adding that the skits provide some comedic relief and complete the play.

“I think the audience will most like the energy and enthusiasm of the cast,” said Alday. “It is contagious. They give 110 percent for every single show. We encourage everyone to come out and to be a part of another time and space. Sing and dance along, enjoying all the hits you remember.”

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at hawkinsvilleoperahouse.com, reserved or purchased by calling 478-783-1884 or purchased at the box office.

This story was originally published November 7, 2024 at 10:52 AM.