BY SANTI GABINO JR.
Three incredible shows are set to captivate audiences at the Athens Theatre in DeLand during an unforgettable weekend from Friday, Oct. 27, to Sunday, Oct. 29. From the mellow folk melodies of “Sweet Baby James,” a tribute to James Taylor, to the electrifying arena-rock anthems of “Never Stop Believin’,” a tribute to Journey, and the entrancing Victorian horror and magic of Central Florida’s own Phantasmagoria, and their production of “Phantasmagoria XIV: Tales of the Undead,” this weekend promises an exhilarating blend of music and spellbound storytelling.
On Friday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m., “Sweet Baby James,” a one-man tribute to the iconic singer-songwriter James Taylor, will transport you back to the heyday of American folk music. James Taylor’s mellow and unforgettable hits, including “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Shower the People,” were anthems of the 1970s. With a career spanning decades, James Taylor became a hallmark of the baby boomer generation, known for his soulful lyrics and soothing melodies.
Bill Griese, described as “All tribute. No Act,” channels the spirit of Taylor with spot-on vocals and his trusty guitar, delivering an authentic and heartfelt experience that only James Taylor himself could surpass. Get ready to relive the easy-loving days of that era and let this show light up your smiling face!
On Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m., prepare to embark on a journey back to the magical era of arena rock, with “Never Stop Believin’,” a tribute to Journey. Journey, the American rock band formed in San Francisco in the 1970s, soared to iconic status during their prime. Their charismatic frontman, Steve Perry, lent his soaring vocals to some of the most memorable rock anthems of all time. Journey’s meteoric rise to fame was marked by unforgettable hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Faithfully.”
“Never Stop Believin’” pays tribute to the band’s best years, a time when Steve Perry was at the helm, belting out songs that still fill stadiums to this day. This exceptional band captures the very essence of Journey’s music, with outstanding vocals that mirror Steve Perry’s distinctive range, along with the support of four exceptional musicians. Whether you crave the anthems or the ballads, this show promises to transport you to the golden age of arena rock, where the timeless magic of Journey comes alive once more.
Finally, on Sunday, Oct. 29, with shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., prepare to be enchanted, thrilled and thoroughly entertained by Central Florida natives Phantasmagoria, and their production of “Phantasmagoria XIV: Tales of the Undead.” It’s an alluring experience that combines Victorian horror, mesmerizing dance, spine-chilling storytelling and paranormal puppetry. This acclaimed troupe will weave a tapestry of whimsically macabre tales, from terrifying vampires to ghastly revenants and banshees, along with amusingly bewildered ghosts and the eerie terrors of being buried alive. Phantasmagoria’s haunting music, otherworldly projections and captivating performances create a feast for the senses.
Since 2017, the Athens Theatre has welcomed this spectacular creative team, and this year marks their 14th year of productions. Director John DiDonna weaves a luminous tale of mystery, while Shelly Henriott‘s costumes blend Victorian beauty with bewitching steampunk aesthetics. John Solomon‘s ghostly, melodic score, combined with Dana Mott‘s dazzling projections, promises to cast an awe-inducing spell on the audience. With these performances just before Halloween, attendees are encouraged to don their Halloween best and kick off the festivities with this multisensory, deliciously dark production.
Don’t miss this extraordinary weekend of entertainment where the melodies of James Taylor, the anthems of Journey, and the macabre tales of Phantasmagoria converge into a symphony of unforgettable experiences. From the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars to the electrifying guitar solos and hair-raising tales, the weekend of Oct. 27-29 promises to be a weekend to remember! It’s a musical and theatrical journey you won’t want to miss, and it’s all happening at the Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
For tickets and more information, visit www.AthensDeLand.com, or phone the box office at 386-736-1500.