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COLBTY — Live from Branson, Mo., join the stars of Forever Young as they bring you on a journey through the best eras of modern music. Featuring a talented troupe of singers and performers, this show is sure to dazzle and impress. Bringing back a nostalgic feel reminiscent of garage band days and record players, Forever Young showcases the energy and vitality of music. This show focuses on these classics in order to give these songs a timeless showcase.
Colby’s Cultural Arts Center is the venue for the first of our 2018 shows, scheduled for 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 21.
Forever Young tells the journey of five small-town friends, held together with school adventures, baseball glory days and music. High school days turn into nights snuggled on the couch with a girlfriend, or rocking out on guitars. After high school, story lines diverge. Whether it be a high-rolling life in Vegas; a contract with the New York Mets; a full-time desk job; a life filled with travel and the open seas; playing piano in a Texas bar; or starring on Broadway, the music will pull the friends together.
Forever Young is an original Branson show written by brothers Josh and Justin Sassenella and stars local favorites Chadd Rudden, Brad Baker, Avilla Martin and Evan Bosworth. The show weaves original stories about growing up together with the songs from Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, the Beatles and Bon Jovi to Johnny Cash, Michael Bublé, Huey Lewis and more.
Baker graduated from Auburn University and has since made a career performing on various cruise ships including the Enterprise Alabama, Holland American Cruise Lines, and the Show Boat Branson Belle. As well as that, he has appeared on TV shows such as America’s Got Talent and the Sing Off.
Martin has performed with artists like Enrique Iglesias and Celine Dion. He has also toured with the Chicago Children’s Choir.
Having performed with the Twelve Irish Tenors and for both Carnival and Oceana cruises, Justin Sassanella is no stranger to the stage. He and his brother Josh co-wrote the show.
Bosworth earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a second degree in music production. Since then, he has traveled around the world and sang in over 100 different countries. He has also performed with artists such as Andy Williams, LeAnne Rhimes, and The Osmond Brothers.
Rounding out the group, Ruden brings over ten years of performing experience with him to the stage. He has performed in pieces such as It’s a Wonderful Life, GAC Live, and the 70s Music Celebration starring Barry Williams.
Admission is by WPAA Season Ticket or at the door, $20 adults and $10 students. Numerous sponsors from northwest Kansas make this production possible including a generous gift from the Dane Hansen Foundation, Logan, Kansas.