Get ready to be dazzled this summer as the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) brings some of the biggest names in show business to the East End. From up-and-coming comedy stars to beloved fan favorites, WHBPAC promises a season filled with excitement and entertainment for audiences of all ages.
“We’re thrilled to announce our most dynamic summer lineup yet,” said executive director Julienne Penza-Boone. “This season is all about delivering fun to our patrons. In a tense election year, our goal is to provide a vibrant respite, an escape into the best entertainment on the East End.”
The summer starts with Karaoke Live on May 25, followed by crowd favorite Colin Quinn who kicks off the unofficial beginning of summer on May 26 with new material, more rants and more raves. On June 1, the elder statesman of Americana, John Hiatt, returns in an intimate acoustic evening. On June 7, five-time Grammy Award-winning bluegrass musician Keb’ Mo’ will perform followed on June 8 by comedian Kathleen Madigan who will share her sharp wit and fearless tackling of wide-ranging subjects. Rounding out the month of June, one of the most influential instrumentalists of contemporary jazz, Kenny G, will return on June 29 with his smooth sound and effortless mastery of the saxophone. And on June 30, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers celebrate 25 years of “Spirit Trail,” Hornsby’s seminal 1999 album.
The theater will hit the ground running with a jam-packed lineup in July. On July 5, The Purple Xperience is the preeminent tribute to the music of Prince, and is endorsed by the estate of Prince to perform his iconic catalog of music with incredible precision and dedication to his legacy in all-out dance party. On July 6, rising comic and podcast host Jared Freid brings his affable brand of comedy to the stage. As the host of the J Train podcast, Freid humorously reflects on adulting, dating (including his hilarious take on ‘the ick’), and everything in between. Then, two celebrated storytellers, Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro, join forces in their hilarious two-man show, Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret, on July 7. Born of an impromptu collaboration on-stage at one of Shapiro’s solo shows, Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret is an evening of songs and stories with a tongue-in-cheek title that reflects their Scottish and Jewish heritage. “It will be a bawdy night of cabaret — there is no formal script — but their undeniable chemistry and energy is electrifying,” said Draskin.
Calling all Swifties on July 13, the high-energy “Let’s Sing Taylor” tribute will take Westhampton Beach by storm as they perform the most faithful and lively renditions of Taylor Swift’s expansive — and highly coveted — catalog.
“We’re gearing up for a totally Taylor musical experience that should draw fans of all ages,” said Heather Draskin, WHBPAC’s marketing director.
For fans of Neil Diamond, on July 20, Super Diamond is the glittering powerhouse tribute to the musical legend known for arguably his biggest hit, “Sweet Caroline.” On July 21, Paul Reiser, beloved comedian and actor best known for “Mad About You,” brings his charm and critically acclaimed comedic skills to the WHBPAC. And on July 27, fresh off the uproarious final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Jeff Garlin will make his WHBPAC debut. “The Goldbergs” alum promises to keep audiences laughing with his dynamic presence and clever storytelling.
On August 4, consummate entertainer and keeper of the Great American Songbook Michael Feinstein will perform “Because of You,” a tribute to the music of Tony Bennett. On August 11, Broadway superstar Sutton Foster will bring her dynamic new cabaret to the Mollie Parnis Auditorium.
“Sutton is the hottest ticket on Broadway, currently starring in ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ to rave reviews,” said Penza-Boone.
And fans of The Boss will be excited to know that Bruce in the USA is the outrageously talented, pitch-perfect tribute to Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band performing on August 17.
“Bruce in the USA is a must-see event. Their energy and visually accurate recreation will make you think you’re seeing the real deal,” said Draskin.
The mind-bending and brain-melting mentalist Oz Pearlman returns on August 18, and fan favorite and Long Island local Mike DelGuidice performs a variety of hits from Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and more on August 24.
In what has now become a Labor Day tradition, the blockbuster dueling piano show Savage Pianos takes the stage on August 30 with their raucous and rollicking all request experience, while comedian and podcast host Jim Breuer signals the end of summer on September 1 with his trademark blend of absurdity and sincerity.
All shows begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at whbpac.org or 631-288-1500 and at the box office, 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach.