BREMERTON — The newly renovated Admiral Theatre, which underwent a $1.2 million sprucing up this summer, kicks off its 75th anniversary and grand reopening in hip fashion Oct. 6 with a show by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and their “Rat Pack Throwback.”
The multi-platinum selling swing and ska group will celebrate an anniversary of their own: It’s the 20th anniversary of their hit “Zoot Suit Riot.” At the Admiral, The Daddies will perform their hit songs as well as classics by Frank Sinatra and others from the Rat Pack era.
The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies formed about 25 years ago, first as a ska band and then journeying into the music of Ol’ Blue Eyes, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
The Daddies found it a challenge to do justice to the Rat Pack sound, according to the group’s website biography. The Daddies said they attempted to stay true to “original, magnificent, orchestral arrangements” while being limited to their eight-piece band inside a small Eugene, Oregon, recording studio.
For Millennials not in the know, the three legendary crooners (Sinatra, Martin and Davis) were as much about attitude as music. They combined their hip swagger with a style best described as “easy and amiable” — a style replicated by the Daddies.
Main-floor doors to the theater open at 6 p.m., followed by an 8 p.m. opening in the balcony. Showtime is 8:30 p.m.
Ticket prices start at $31, fees included. The Admiral Theatre is at 515 Pacific Ave. in Bremerton.
Theater’s new look
The Admiral Theatre was a war-time baby in Bremerton, debuting as a movie house in 1942. Its run as a grand old theater came to an end in 1989. But some eight years later, a civic effort funded a $4 million renovation that transformed the celluloid palace into a multipurpose theater for plays, concerts and live presentations.
Just in time for the theater’s 75th anniversary, the Admiral Theatre Foundation completed a major upgrade featuring a new sound system and updated furnishings, including new carpeting.
The theater’s 2017-18 season includes singer-songwriter Al Stewart, Nov. 9; Kellie Pickler, Nov. 11; Kenny G, Dec. 1; Molly Ringwald, Dec. 2; The Blind Boys of Alabama, Dec. 22; America’s Got Talent finalist Mandy Harvey, Feb. 26; Taj Mahal, March 3; Branford Marsalis, April 12; The Brothers Four, April 20; Poco, April 27; and soprano Jackie Evancho, June 2.
The Admiral’s film series for 2017-18 kicks off later this month with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“It’s A Wonderful Life” and Karolyn Grimes make a Christmas season screening and appearance on Dec. 21. Other films include “Be My Valentine: Dinner & A Movie, featuring ‘Roman Holiday’” on Feb. 14; “The Wizard of Oz” on March 2; and “Creature From The Black Lagoon” on April 13.
For complete schedule and ticket information, go to www.admiraltheatre.org/packages.
— Bob Smith is an editor for Kitsap News Group. Contact him at rsmith@soundpublishing.com.
