OHTP kicks off 37th season

Marcia Thomas

Contributing Writer

He’s classy, elegant, sharp, outstanding vocals – a charming crooner that brings his A-game to every date. All the American Songbook favorites all the way, and he’s coming to Jefferson soon.

He is Australian Brad Ackland who’s been singing the great songs of the 30s through today for years, honing his vocal skills along the way at gigs all over Texas and surrounding area.  Ackland was born in Croydon on a farm in the western part of Australia and grew up listening to the great crooners of the early days while scheduling it around school and work in his youth.  He learned the great songs from the so-called American Songbook as he went along and, after, entering the United States to live in Texas, he decided to try his hand at professional singing.  His vocal skills will be on exhibit when Jefferson’s Opera House Theatre Players kick off their 37th season with “Champagne For Two” on at 7:30p Saturday, August 30, at the United Baptist Church Event Building on Houston Street.

While the show features Ackland as top entertainer, the Players have another pleasant surprise up their sleeve as semi-professional entertainer and OHTP board member Jane Maddox will make an appearance in her signature role as the glamorous Marilyn Monroe for a brief songfest of ‘Marilyn music”.  At the end, the two will join the audience members for a meet and greet with photographs, champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the building directly behind the event building.

Seating is somewhat limited in the historic old building and ticket purchases should be made as soon as possible.  Donation tickets are $30 per person and are fully deductible as a charitable donation to the non-profit theatre group.