The Columbia Theatre for Performing Arts located in downtown Hammond is a source of entertainment for the community and students. The Columbia Theatre has indicated its intent to host a variety of new and exciting acts in the upcoming 2015 to 2016 year. 

“I’m very excited about the performances taking place this year,” said Interim Director of the Columbia Theatre C. Roy Blackwood. “In particular, I am excited about the Sherlock Holmes production coming in the spring.” 

So far, over 50 acts are scheduled to take place this year. These acts are divided into five different categories: Columbia Theatre presents, new artist concert series, the silver screen, campus ensembles and rentals, dance and other events. 

Among the acts will be “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum,” which is a musical comedy based on ancient Roman comedies that will be playing September  24 to 25. 

Another act will be adding a unique flare to the arts. “Broadway’s Next H!t Musical,” an unscripted theatrical awards show, will take place October 27. This performance is unique because it involves interaction with the audience, and no two performances will ever be the same.

“‘Broadways Next H!t Musical’ has been selling out across the country,” said Blackwood. “The Columbia Theatre has never hosted an event like this before.” 

The fall productions will close out with “The Nutcracker,” a holiday classic performed by the Hammond Ballet on December 11 to 12.

In early spring, audience members will be solving cases with the popular detective, Sherlock Holmes in “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.” The play will be performed by Aquila Theatre on February 19.

“The Jaimee Paul Quintet: At Last” will be a night consisting of a tribute to great female jazz vocalist and will take place February 24.

In addition, a child-friendly night of “Red Riding Hood” will come to the theater April 16.

The Columbia Theatre books a variety of events besides plays. Some of the new artists that will be featured this year will include Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds on October 22, the Landreth Brothers on January 30 and Sierra Hull Bluegrass on March 10. Each show will shine light on rising musicians with various sounds, including soul, rock, funk, americana and folk.

 “There are a lot of different factors that go into picking the acts and performances, one of the most important of those being likability within the Hammond community,” said Blackwood. 

Blackwood believes students can benefit from their time spent at the Columbia Theatre. According to Blackwood, the performances are “offering students a lifetime of understanding and appreciation for the performing arts.” 

For more information about the Colombia Theatre or ticket purchases, visit their website at columbiatheatre.org.