Top, Irish music group, The Ryan Clan will be one among a number of performances this coming season at the Chenango County Arts Council, beginning with a murder mystery show in October. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – As Chenango Arts Council begins its 2022-23 season, in-person theater has been back for a while.

One of the best things about this is the ability to rediscover old favorites as well as find what’s fresh and new.

This year’s season will be a pleasant mix of both, beginning on Saturday, October 8.

Chenango Arts Council will get into the Halloween spirit by staging Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the beloved murder mystery that enjoyed an uninterrupted 50 plus year run in London’s West End. Amazing local talent will bring this classic to life as they partner with Norwich Theater Company to reveal “who dunnit?”

On November 5, the Arts Council will combine old and new when one of the largest scale movies of the Silent Area is paired with a live score created just for the occasion. Film and Strings: Robin Hood will combine the 1922 Douglas Fairbanks version of the legend with a live performance by the trio Opus Black. The grandest sets, most daring stunts, and brightest stars of Hollywood’s youth are combined with a one of a kind musical performance complete with violin, viola and cello.

Our December 10 Christmas show will bring fun for all ages when Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix come to the Martin W. Kappel Theater. During this delightful comedy performance, Ringling Brothers Clown College Graduate Peers will preside over the hilarious antics of his cast of rescue dogs.

This marvelous act has appeared on Letterman and even at The White House! Chenango SPCA will be present on the night of the event, giving animal lovers the opportunity to support their work.

Chenango Arts Council is also excited to showcase excellent local bands. Early 2023 will see two musical acts on our stage. Matt Beadle and The Billy Joel Guys will perform on February 18.

Comprised of members of several beloved Upstate New York groups, including The Beadle Brothers and The Uptown Groove, they’ll put a fresh spin on Billy Joel’s greatest hits, while preserving the essence that made them classics.

The upbeat, dance-worthy hits will continue March 4 with a very different musical genre, Irish Music! The Ryan Clan is a Southern Tier favorite, made up of 6 family members performing tunes that are authentically Irish.

They promise a “hand clapping, foot stomping” good time, and that by evening’s end, “if you aren’t Irish, you’ll wish you were!” Come celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day early with Chenango Arts Council.

Chenango Arts Council would especially like to thank this season’s generous sponsors, NBT Bank, Preferred Mutual, and The Community Foundation of South Central. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and Robin Hood: Film and Strings are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House. 

There’s something for everyone this season, and theater lovers can save by purchasing season tickets! Call 607-336-2787 to reserve your favorite seats today! Tickets to individual performances can also be purchased at ChenanagoArts.org. As always, Chenango Arts Council is deeply grateful for the support of our community.

– Information from the Chenango Arts Council