FAMILY REUNION
February through December
(show approximately 2 hours runtime)
Call 252-536-5700

A new variety show, “Family Reunion”, is scheduled to open February 8 at The Roanoke Rapids Theatre. The exciting new show, featuring the Jerusalem Ridge Band will dazzle audiences with its multi-media production of down home, southern tradition.

The Jerusalem Ridge Band is under the direction of Steve Dixon, who has been fortunate to share the stage
with such famous artists as, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Conway Twitty, Michael W. Smith, The
Statler Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, and many others. Most recently, Dixon
toured with a Broadway style show about the music of Ray Charles, called "I Can't Stop Lovin' Her".

“Family Reunion" will contain exciting state-of-the-art lighting effects and video technology that will bring a
new dimension to an already high energy, feel-good show,” said Dixon, musical director and show writer.
“It’s really an inspiring production for the entire family which will feature a variety of music. We wanted to
build a show that not only features great music but also reached out to the emotions of our audience.”

The show’s theme song, “Family Reunion,” was written by Wyatt Staton, a longtime resident of the Rocky Mount, NC area who unexpectedly died of cancer last summer. His song is about the importance of family, growing up in the South, and how important it is to cherish every moment people have with their loved ones and friends. The show, “Family Reunion,” is based on that same foundation.

Barbara Hartwig, from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is the director and choreographer for the show. Hartwig found her love for theatre at the young age of six when she started performing in the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony. Returning to her roots, two years ago, Hartwig has been choreographing The Lost Colony, for the past two seasons. She most recently completed a four-year stint performing and working as a staging specialist for Walt Disney World. Hartwig performed on Broadway with Chita Rivera, danced at the White House with Baryshnikov, toured nationally in the musical Me and My Girl, toured Europe as Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, and can be seen as an orphan in the movie Annie. Barbara has directed such popular shows as The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and West Side Story.

“Family Reunion” opens Friday, February 8, 2008 and will run weekly through October 25. Opening night will feature a special guest appearance by North Carolina native and Grand Ole Opry performer George Hamilton, IV. Hamilton is known across the world for his hit singles "Before This Day Ends" and "Abilene”. A “Family Reunion” Christmas special runs November 1 through December 20.

“The 1500-seat theatre is a beautiful facility that will be the home of “Family Reunion” and many other wonderful performances throughout the year. Residents, tourists, and guests will be able to enjoy superb shows enhanced by the modern technology this facility possesses,” said Rick Reno, Roanoke Rapids Theater Manager. In addition to the feature show, the theatre will also host live musical performances by Percy Sledge, Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, and several gospel and country legends.

Download the full press release here!