By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - As summer begins to wind down, and thoughts turn from having fun to buying school supplies, the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce has a few opportunities in August for residents of all ages to get away from it all for a few hours.
The fun begins with lots of laughs on Aug. 11 as Tom Ryan takes the stage in the Black Box Theatre.
Mr. Ryan has been a full-time stand-up comic for more than 20 years, and has traveled the United States opening for acts such as Jerry Seinfeld and Dennis Miller.
Also performing is a group of local students who recently took part in a Missoula Children's Theatre workshop. Their results will be presented on stage when they perform "Jack and the Beanstalk" on Aug. 17.
The production is actually an adaptation of the children's story. In this production, Jack plants magic beans in his own backyard, and with the help of magic and a vegetarian giant, he learns a lesson about true happiness.
The final show coming to the Sunrise Theatre in August will have everyone dancing in their seats and in the aisles. Keeping up with their reputation of bringing in great musical acts, on Aug. 23 residents will be able to be part of the Rock N' Blues Fest, featuring the Johnny Winter Band, Edgar Winter Band, Rick Derringer and Kim Simmonds.
Mr. Derringer has become famous with such songs such as "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" and "Hang on Sloopy."
In addition, Mr. Johnny Winter worked with the band Muddy Waters, while brother Edgar performed songs such as "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein."
Mr. Simmonds is known for blues music, and his group, Savoy Brown ,recently celebrated 45 years of entertaining people.
So no matter what kind of entertainment residents are in the mood for in August, there will be something for everyone at the Sunrise Theatre.
Tom Ryan will perform at 8:30 on Aug. 11 and tickets are available for $15; "Jack and the Beanstalk" will be performed at 7 p.m. Aug. 17 and tickets are $10; the Rock N' Blues Fest will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 23 and tickets are available for $39.
Sunrise Theatre is located in historic downtown Fort Pierce. To purchase tickets, call the theater box office at (772) 461-4775 or go to www.sunrisetheatre.com.