Southeastern Louisiana University

Columbia Theatre 2008-09 season continues with 'The Wonder Bread Years' Nov. 15

Contact: Christina Chapple

11/6/08

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     Written and performed by former “Seinfeld” scribe Pat Hazell, the show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the university’s historic downtown Hammond theater. Tickets, $35, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $29, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1, and $25, Balcony 2, are available online at www.columbiatheatre.org and at the theater box office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-549-4371.
     “The Wonder Bread Years” has been described as “a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between stand-up comedy and theater.” The Los Angeles Times called the show, “Pure unpasteurized nostalgia.”
     Hazell takes a trip down memory lane, looking back on adventures of growing up in the ‘60s. “The show not only restores a much-needed sense of wonder, but leaves audiences laughing and savoring the past like never before.”

     “The show is a common journey into the attic,” Hazell said, with references to Spam, cereal prizes, Easy Bake Ovens and long trips in the family station wagon. Hazell’s plethora of memories appeals to more than just Baby Boomers and his focus is on our similarities. “Things like trick-or-treating and having to sit at the kids’ table at family functions, these are all common denominators people in any generation have no doubt experienced,” he said.

     “The Wonder Bread Years” will be followed at the Columbia Theatre by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s popular holiday concert on Dec. 12. The 2009 schedule includes “Extreme Canines,” Jan. 17; a children’s Pajamas and Play production of “Max and Rudy,” Jan. 29; singer/pianist Marcia Ball, Jan. 30; the Valentine’s Day treat “Bye Bye Birdie,” Feb. 14; LPO’s “Spring Mix” concert, March 7; a stage adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” March 19; the 1970s funk legend WAR, April 3; Pajamas and Play’s “Mammoth Follies,” April 22; the Bill Evans Trio – Chuck Israels, Ellis Marsalis and Troy Davis, April 23, the post-Katrina New Orleans musical comedy “Renew Revue,” May 8, and Grammy winners Kathy Mattea and Marty Stuart, June 6.

     Columbia Theatre/Fanfare Director Donna Gay Anderson said patrons will notice one schedule change since the season was originally announced during the summer. “Extreme Canines,” the nation’s most talented celebrity stunt dog show, is replacing Moscow Cat Theatre as the first Columbia Theatre production in 2009, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 
     “We are sorry Moscow Cats Theatre cancelled this leg of their tour, but we’re happy to be able to book this high energy Hollywood style show as a replacement,” she said.” It has been called ‘a rock concert with dogs’ and ‘fur-flying family entertainment.’ The dogs are all adopted from animal shelters and they are mesmerizing.”

     “You may recognize the dogs from Animal Planet’s Pet Stars, where they have been winners,” Anderson added. “They have also appeared on Oprah, the Tonight Show, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Letterman, Nickelodeon, Amazing Animals, and Monday Night Football and have been featured in Sports Illustrated and commercials.”

     She said area children will be offered the opportunity to participate in the show.

     Columbia Theatre box office hours are noon to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. For additional information and to purchase tickets on line, visit www.columbiatheatre.org or call 985-543-4366.