News Release
THE DAILY HOME
September 21, 2002
Fall 2002 at the Ritz
by Laura Nation
Some of the best-loved country music ever and theater that has set the standard for more than 400 years come to Talladega’s Ritz Theater in October, both part of the theater’s Fall 2002 Season.
It’s all out Bluegrass Oct. 19, with two performances from the legendary Ricky Skaggs, who by age 21 was considered a master of his art.
Skaggs started early on his journey to becoming a professional musician, and by the age of 10, he’d spent time performing on stage with the likes of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and the Stanley Brothers.
The flavor of Skaggs’ bluegrass roots stayed clear in his music, even when the 1980s brought a country music style many regarded as a “pop” sound, not country.
It was country music performer Chet Atkins who said Skaggs had “single handedly” saved real country music by staying close to his bluegrass beginnings.
Skaggs was determined to keep playing music the way he likes it best, and in the 1990s, Skaggs decided to create his own record label, Skaggs Family Records.
He released Bluegrass Rules! in 1998 with the band Kentucky Thunder, and the result was a huge hit, and the start of a rekindled interest in the bluegrass music Skaggs loves.
Skaggs toured the country with The Dixie Chicks, and hosted a Public Television broadcast of An All Star Bluegrass Celebration this year, and has continued to make appearances on the Grand Ole Opry.
Skaggs will appear in Talladega with Kentucky Thunder, and fans may choose to attend either a 6:30 p.m. or an 8:30 p.m. show. Adult tickets are $22, and for students, seats are $16.
The Aqulia Shakespeare Company, which performed The Tempest last season at The Ritz, returns to Talladega Oct. 29 and 30 with A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The romantic comedy takes audiences through a magical experience in an enchanted forest where there’s unrest in the fairy kingdom.
Shakespeare tells the tale through a fairy king and queen and their servants, and an assembly of inhabitants trying to put together a production of the duke’s wedding.
From all the ups and downs in the forest, Shakespeare reminds the audience that most humans become foolish in love, at least once.
The play goes to Broadway in April.
Both performances are at 7 p.m., and tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students.
Season tickets for both Skaggs and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for adults are $38 for adults and $28 for students.
Tickets may be ordered on-line at www.talladega.com/ritz, or by calling (256) 315-0000, and also by fax at (256) 315-0084.
Friends of The Ritz memberships may be renewed at the following levels: Individuals Friends, $25; Family Friends, $50; Special Friends, $100; Friends Extraordinaire, $200; and Special Corporate Friends, $500. Memberships may be mailed to Antique Talladega, P. O. Box 228, Talladega, AL., 35161. Memberships are tax-deductible.
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