Summer Season 2023

TASTE OF THE SPENCER

JOHN MUELLER'S WINTER DANCE PARTY

SAT JUNE 3

VICKI LAWRENCE & MAMA

SAT JUNE 17

ALL AMERICAN CONCERT

SAT JULY 1

SPENCER THEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER SEASON 2023

EDDIE IRVING AND THE CLASSIC SWING BAND

SAT JULY 8

DOUG STONE

SAT JUL 29

DINNER DANCE FUNDRAISER

FRI JUL 14

SPENCER THEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER SEASON 2023

RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED

SAT JUL 22

SPENCER THEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER SEASON 2023

TOP OF THE WORLD CARPENTERS TRIBUTE

SAT AUG 5

SPENCER THEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER SEASON 2023

CROCE PLAYS CROCE

SAT AUG 19

MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATRE

KING ARTHUR'S QUEST

AUDITIONS:

MON JUL 24

PERFORMANCE:

FRI JUL 28

LITTLE TEXAS

SAT AUG 12

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

THU AUG 24

FRI AUG 25

A TWO WOMAN SHOW

Please consider sPonsoring a season or show! s P onsorshi P s are a PP reciated at any level . c ontact the B ox o ffice (575)336-4800 B oxoffice @ s P encertheater . com

PRESENTED BY

SANDY ERWIN • KAY BIRD • ROLLA HINKLE III - Vicki Lawrence & Mama

SANDRA & RON CARROLL - Doug Stone

SANDRA & RON CARROLL - Little Texas

R.D. & JOAN DALE HUBBARD FOUNDATION - Pure Prairie League

SPONSORED IN-PART BY

BETH & FRANK SAYNER - Winter Dance Party

s

PLAYING THE PART sponsors

FIRST NATIONAL BANK - All American Concert / Guest Artist Sponsorship - Community Foundation

Southern NM • Donna Tate • Connie & Larry Candelaria

WENDY LAMB KNUDSEN & JIM KNUDSEN - E ddie Irving & The Classic Swing Band

RUIDOSO FORD LINCOLN - Missoula Children’s Theatre • King Arthur’s Quest

SCOTT NORTHAM - Croce Plays Croce

season sPonsors

the sPencer circle is the sPencer theater’s Primary suPPort grouP, Providing funds to enhance Programming and the cultivation of educational and community outreach Programs. the sPencer theater is a 501(c)(3) non-Profit PuBlic charitaBle organization.

the sPencer circle contriButor courtesies

( * ) FOUNDERS ROOM PRIVILEGES • COURTESIES FROM ALL LOWER LEVELS APPLY

EXECUTIVE CIRCLE $25,000+ • Two complimentary show and dinner tickets for every performance you request! Use them personally or give as gifts. ( * )

PRODUCERS CIRCLE $10,000+ • Two complimentary dinner tickets for every show that you order. ( * )

FOUNDERS GOLD CIRCLE $5,000+ • Guaranteed tickets to EVERY show! Spencer is NEVER sold out when a Founders Gold Circle contributor wants a pair of tickets! ( * )

FOUNDERS CIRCLE $3,000+ • Free valet parking. • VIP ticket services (refunds, seating changes when available, exchanges anytime). • Business/Corporate Listing. ( * )

DIRECTORS GOLD CIRCLE $2,000+ • A free rental of the Founders Room for non-commercial events such as weddings, parties, dinners. ( * )

DIRECTORS CIRCLE $1,000+ • First choice of Spencer season show tickets two weeks before public sales.

• Pre-show dining in the Founders Room. • Private rental of the Founders Room. ( * )

PERFORMERS CIRCLE $500+ • Advance ticket purchasing! You will have a one week window to purchase your tickets before sales begin for the general public. • Invitations to receptions for artists during the year.

SPOTLIGHT CIRCLE $250+ • Advance ticket purchasing, a one week window to purchase tickets before the general public.

FLOODLIGHT CIRCLE $100+ • Advance season ticket information.

Fostering a community & heritage of performance since 1997 contributors

LIMELIGHT CIRCLE $50+ • Recognition in each playbill.

The official #1 tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper

Sponsored in-part by Beth & Frank Sayner

Saturday, June 3 at 8pm, $55 - $79

Coconut Shrimp and Beef Skewer Buffet at 6pm, $25

John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party”® is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era: “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Oh, Boy,” “Rave on,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace” and many, many more.

John Mueller, the critically acclaimed former star of the U.S. touring version of the London/Broadway hit musical “Buddy..the Buddy Holly Story,” performs as Buddy Holly with Linwood Sasser as the Big Bopper and Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens. The very authentic and energetic four-piece band (guitar, drums, standup bass and sax) includes Grammy Award winning Mike Acosta on saxophone.

The Winter Dance Party show has performed in front of over 2 million people on national TV for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada at theaters and is the only show endorsed and honored by Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly.

“John Mueller (as Buddy Holly) gives a stunning portrayal. Highly recommended.”-Chicago Sun Times

TASTE OF THE SPENCER

TASTE OF THE SPENCER

A plated lobster tail and filet mignon dinner with generous pours of fine wines takes top billing at the 2023 “Taste of the Spencer” Party & Fundraiser on Saturday, June 17th at 6 p.m. Everyone’s invited to this night of tasteful fun in which all Spencer Theater patrons play a part.

The evening’s meal will be on stage in a festive salute to the theater’s success then followed by a fast-paced live auction, guided by Texas State champ Clay Golden. Auction offerings include idyllic adventures and luxurious getaways – all distinctive journeys reflecting the worldly spirit of the Spencer. Know that a challenge match of one-to-one giving for every dollar raised has been pledged by one ardent supporter, encouraging full-on participation by all donation levels. Raise your paddle and join in the fun, or simply toast those pledging generous support. Just being at the party is a fabulous measure of friendship – and we thank you!

The annual “Taste of the Spencer” is a community-wide effort of fundraising magic. This year’s special project “ASK” will be continued support of the 26-year-old building’s limestone exterior material replacement, a costly, multi-season project necessitated by time and climate.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17 AT 6pm, $135 -all inclusive

THIS IS THE MOMENT!

YOUR SUPPORT IS PARAMOUNT!

Sponsored in part by

In celebration of our great country’s independence, Maestro Lonnie Klein of Las Cruces has gathered together a special Festival orchestra in performance of patriotic American music and classics. Featured guest singer soloist Diane Penning further adorns the dynamic, spirit-filled program.

Various American masterworks and folk favorites with salutes to military of all stripes will highlight the night of music, as will great traditional Sousa marches, Broadway standards and many more classics.

Don’t miss this one night only show. Celebrate our country’s independence enjoying an “All-American” night with a full orchestra.

Saturday, July 1 at 8pm, $55 - $69

Black Angus Hamburger & All Beef Hot Dog Buffet at 6pm, $25

Guest artist presented by Community Foundation of Southern N.M. with a generous donation by Donna Tate. Additional sponsorship by Connie & Larry Candelaria

Presented by: Sandy Erwin, Kay Bird and Rolla Hinkle III

Vicki Lawrence & Mama

Saturday, July 8 at 2pm & 8pm

Show Tickets, $55 - $69 Filipino Herb Braised Chicken Buffet at 6pm, $25

<< 2 SHOWS

Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence returns to Spencer spotlights for an afternoon matinee & evening of hilarity, with her award-winning, no-nonsense alter ego “Mama” in a two-tiered standup comedy show. Dressed in her floral print dress and blue hair coiffeur, the buxom old-timer’s bite and worthy insights are the stuff of wisdom – and pure gold for laugh-loving patrons! Plus, enjoy Vicki’s sharing of riotous highlights and tales from her tremendous performance career.

Lawrence is one of the most beloved television personalities of her generation. Plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior, Vicki went on to become part of the now-legendary cast of the “Carol Burnett Show,” the mega-award-wining sketch variety show. In the show’s 7th season, at the ripe, old age of 24, Vicki created her most endearing character to date, Thelma Harper, aka “Mama.” After the Burnett Show, Vicki went on to star in the CBS sit-com spin-off “Mama’s Family,” which consistently topped TV ratings for its entire 6-year run and won the no-nonsense “Mama” a cult status among legions of fans. During her fast-paced career, Lawrence also earned a gold record for the 1973 hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”

“I think people will get a kick out of the things Mama has an opinion about. We’re creating new material with a more modern and cutting edge. Where Mama is concerned, expect the unexpected. There’s really nothing she can’t do,” Lawrence says.”

(Performance contains adult language)

A Two Woman Show

We all know her as “Mama,” the iconic ol’ gal who never fails to tell it like it is!

• “L.O.V.E.”

Friday, July 14 at 6pm, $125

• “Crazy Thing Called Love” • “SWAY” • “When I Fall in Love”

• ”The Way You Look Tonight”

• “All of Me” And other “Rat Pack” Era Swing Favorites.

• “The Look of Love”

Classic Swing, tango, waltz, lite rock, salsa, cha-cha, rumba – you name it, the consummate artistry of Eddie Irving & The Classic Swing Band delivers all. Staring the charismatic crooner Eddie Irving, this is a swing band that gets you tapping your feet and swinging to the joyful beat.

Active in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, North Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for more than 20 years, this high-energy, fun and exciting swing band has been called “classy” and “brilliant” for both their musicianship and finesse setting the mood for a night of special memories.

Eddie Irving, vocals • Tom lepper, band leader; wind & brass • Jeff Pitts, piano

Greg Williams, bass • Mike Kinard, percussion

The three-course opulent meal on stage is followed by the live swing band music and dance.

Sponsored in part by: Wendy lamb knudsen & jim knudsen

all proceeds benefit spencer’s exterior repair

A musical celebration of America’s first “Teen Idol,” the legendary Ricky Nelson emerged from his childhood role starring with his family in the historic TV hit series “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” to establish himself as one of the most important and influential musicians of the last 50 years. Becoming one of the superstars of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he was a founder of the country-rock genre, selling an astonishing 140 million+ recordings – all before his tragic death at age 45.

The Nelson Family Legacy continues as Ricky’s twin sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson present a multi-media rock & roll concert experience, taking the audience on a musical journey down memory lane. As triple platinum recording artists with their band NELSON, the brother’s perform their dad’s greatest hits, including “Poor Little Fool,” “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walking,” and “Garden Party,” alongside their self-penned chart toppers like “After The Rain” and “Love & Affection” – a #1 hit on the Billboard charts that placed the Nelson family in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ONLY family in entertainment history with three generations of #1 hit--makers!

“Ricky Nelson Remembered” is truly a slice of Americana, a nostalgic, interactive concert appealing to multi-generational audiences.

Matthew and Gunnar’s rock band NELSON has five Top 40 Billboard hits, four #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide!

“Garden Party”

“Travelin’ Man”

“Hello Mary Lou”

Performance Friday, July 28th at 7pm

Adults $18 • Children $10

Auditions: Monday, July24th at 9 am sharp! (arrive by 8:30am)

Spencer Theater is calling for 50 to 60 young actors age 6-17 to participate in this summer’s Missoula Children’s Theatre musical, King Arthur’s Quest!

King Arthur, of legend and song, strode across Medieval England with courage & confidence…or did he? What if the troubles of his kingdom threatened to overwhelm him? Watch the Damsels in Distress sound the warning of trouble. Witness the Lady of the Lake as she produces the sword in the stone. Cheer for the King when he makes friends with the terrible dragon. Join the Knights and Squires of the Round Table as they try to do the right thing. Hope for the best outcome as your favorite characters of Camelot - Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, Taliesin, the Raven, and Lancelot wrestle with the challenges faced by their people. Follow the original twist on this familiar story as it weaves its way through a landscape full of surprises!

Participation in both the audition & the acting workshop are open to visitors & residents alike. No experience is necessary... just wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, a big smile, and be committed to a week of rehearsals! Participants should arrive by 8:30 am on Monday (guardians must fill out a brief consent form). All children given parts receive their daily rehearsal schedules following the auditions. Rehearsals are morning and early afternoon - approximately 2 hours each day, culminating in the Friday evening stage performance. For more information please visit spencertheater.com or call the box office at 575.336.4800.

The acting workshop continues to be free, thanks to the generous support of Ruidoso Ford Lincoln.

Adored for his delicate baritone voice and laid-back style, neo-traditional country hitmaker Doug Stone found his first real success in his early 30’s when debuting “I’d Be Better Off (In a Pine Box),” in 1990 on Epic records. The self-titled album produced a handful of chart-topping singles, including his first No.1, “In a Different Light,” a Grammy nominee for Best Country Song. Both this album and its successor, 1991’s I Thought It Was You, earned platinum certification from RIAA. Two more albums for Epic, 1992’s From The Heart and 1994’s More Love, were each certified gold.

Now, more than 32 years into his Nashville career, Stone’s impressive legacy sparkles with 10 studio albums, 33 singles earning eight No. 1 hits, 26 charted singles, lead acting roles in two country-themed movies and 10 million albums sold. Joined by his band, The Stoned Age - this will be an evening of timeless country memories!

Presented By: Sandra & Ron Carroll

Saturday, July 29 at 8pm, $66-69

Fried Catfish Buffet at 6pm, $25

Who can forget the incomparable music of the Carpenters? The popular brother/sister duo of the ‘70s and early ‘80s gave us some of the most unforgettable ballads and melodic pop songs of all time, winning four Grammy Awards, and scoring three #1 singles and 12 Top Ten hits.

The Carpenters tribute group Top Of The World brings the most authentic versions of Karen and Richard Carpenters’ music to the stage. Vocally rich classics like “Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days And Mondays,” and many other hits are presented with astounding pitch-perfect authenticity. Backed by their eight-piece band, Taylor’s naturally precise vocals evoke the warm tones and contralto range that made Karen’s voice so unique. And the incredibly complex, lush arrangements created by Richard Carpenter are delivered to perfection. Paired with saxophone, trumpet, flute and percussion, each song is impeccably honored.

Starring Debbie Taylor , Lead Vocalist • Paul Stewart , Guitar & Keys • Felix Gomez , Piano • Ross Goldman , Saxophone, Flute, Ewi, and Keys • Jack Ciano , Drums • Rafael Valencia , Bass Guitar • Alvaro Rosario , Vocals Diana Hernandez , Vocals, Trumpet, and Percussion • Tiffany Delit , Visual Technical Director

Saturday, August 5 at 8pm $76 - $79

Chicken Piccata w/ Rigatoni Buffet at 6pm, $25

8/5

“Close To You”

“We’ve Only Just Begun”

“Rainy Days And Mondays”

“Please Mr. Postman”

“Yesterday Once More”

“Top Of The World”

Presented By: Sandra & Ron Carroll

In the early ’90s, as a new brand of country music was commanding the airwaves, Little Texas burst onto the scene with all original songs & intricately stacked harmonies, quickly becoming one of the top vocal bands of the decade.

Thousands of shows and 8 albums later (with over 7 million units sold), it’s easy to understand why the group earned the moniker “Hardest Working Band in Country Music.” During its heyday, Little Texas racked up 12 Top 20 singles (with 7 Top 10s and 3 No. 1s) and received multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM nominations, winning the ACM for Top Vocal Group of 1993. To date, band members have continued to write or co-write, record, and play every note on every single they’ve released.

Lead guitarist Porter Howell developed a signature slide guitar technique that further delineated the band’s unique sound. Now, more than 30 years after their Albumn release, First Time For Everything, Little Texas fills Spencer stage lights, performing all their greatest hits and personal favorites.

Featuring original band members Porter Howell (lead guitar and lead vocals), Dwayne O’Brien (rhythm guitar and vocals), Duane Propes (bass and vocals) and drummer Del Gray.

•

“WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN”

“FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING”

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKIN’”

“YOU AND FOREVER AND ME”

“I’D RATHER MISS YOU”

Saturday, August 12 at 8pm, $66 - $69 Country Style Meatloaf Buffet at 6pm, $25

8/12

“MY LOVE” • “KICK A LITTLE”

“GOD BLESSED TEXAS”

Americana and blues singer/pianist Adrian James “A.J.” Croce performs “CROCE PLAYS CROCE,” a special night of music featuring a complete set of 70s folkrock classics by his late father, singer-songwriter Jim Croce, one of the greatest American folk songwriters and artists ever.

Timeless Croce tunes “Operator,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” “Time in a Bottle (a song written for A.J.),” “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” will resonate through the night with A.J.’s notably soulful style and artistry, as will sprinklings of personal memories about his legendary dad.

The tremendous gift of music passed from father to son. Dubbed “a song crafter of the first order” by New Times , A.J. has recorded 10 studio albums, charting 20 Top 20 singles. Enjoy this full evening of all-time favorite melodies that influenced both father and son.

Croce plays

“time in a bottle“

Featuring A.J. Croce

Gary Mallaber on drums, David Barand on bass and guitarist Garrett Stoner

Sponsored in part by Scott Northam, CPA, PC

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

AT 8PM, $55 - $79

CASHEW CHICKEN BUFFET AT 6PM, $25

“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown“

“Photographs & Memories“

• “Amie”

• “Two Lane Highway”• “Falling In And Out Of Love”

• “Early Morning Riser”• “Let Me Love You Tonight”

As crisp and clean as spring water and as comfortable as a well-worn cowboy shirt, the one and only PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE still brings it all back home!

The pioneering force of PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE continues to amplify the rich five-decade history of country-rock music. Best known for their iconic #1 hit “Amie,” and Top 10 hits like “Two Lane Highway,” “Let Me Love You Tonight,” PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE is the band that bridged the gap between country and rock, becoming trailblazers of the blended genre.

This distinctly American band, with roots in southern Ohio, journeys to the Spencer to perform their spirit-catching mega hits plus personal Americana favorites from their mid-60s beginnings through current day. The innovative pedal steel guitarist, John David Call, (a PPL founding member), will be at the helm with fellow originals, the propulsive drummer/vocalist Scott Thompson, and master keyboardist/vocalist Randy Harper, plus new members Jared Camic on bass/vocals, and ace guitarist/vocalist Jeff Zona. In concert these guys treat their legions of loyal fans to legacy music that sounds as good today as it did when it was first performed, knowing that people come to hear the music the way it was first played. As aptly described by one recent reviewer: “PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE sound combines sweet memories with edgy, contemporary muscle. Their vocals are as strong as Kentucky moonshine and the musicianship and performance skills are as sharp as a straight razor.”

Whether they are “Pickin’ To Beat The Devil,” or taking you riding down a “Two Lane Highway,” PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE live on stage is a sure-fire good time with crowd-pleasing classics and high fidelity sound.

Spencer TheaTer for The performinG arTS

SPENCER THEATER SEATING CHART & INFORMATION

ORDERING. We accept orders on paper at any time; Phone and web ordering begins May 16th. Public series (four or more events) will be processed starting May 15th. Use the season order form, or order online at www.spencertheater.com. There are both fax-friendly order forms and an interactive seating chart with online ordering.

WAYS TO ORDER.

BY PHONE: Starting May 16 - 9-5 M-F (575) 336-4800

MAIL: Spencer Theater Box Office 108 Spencer Road Alto, NM 88312

IN PERSON: Spencer Theater Box Office, 108 Spencer Rd., Highway 220 , Alto, NM. 9-5 M-F May 15 series sales; May 16 single event sales.

ONLINE: www.spencertheater.com Starting May 16 (per ticket/order service charges apply). spencertheater.com and tickets.com are the ONLY authorized ticket selling sites.

Not responsible for 3rd party ticket sales. No exceptions.

<<<<< WATCH FOR IMITATION SITES

NO TICKET REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. The value of tickets not being used, if returned to the theater box office prior to the performance, may be considered a tax-deductible donation.

CHILDREN. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted; exceptions must be verified by Spencer Theater staff. Children under the age of 12 may not be seated in the upper galleries or front row balcony. New Mexico laws require patrons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult since alcohol is served at the theater.

SPECIAL NEEDS. Wheelchair seating, hearing assistance and handicap parking are available. When valet parking is offered for an event, complimentary valet parking is offered to handicapped patrons.

* Ticket zones not applicable to all shows

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: MAIN COVER PHOTO - Timothy Hursley Robert D. Flaherty I Dave Shultz I Stephan Lemaire I Dave Tremblay Lauren Bergeron I Brad Cooper I Kathleen McDonald I Spencer Archives