Cessnock Performing Arts Centre celebrates 10th year of operation

The milestone season will launch in style on Friday, February 9 with global sensation The Diamonds – a celebration of the greatest divas of all time.

From the creators of international hit show Boys in the Band (which opened last year’s CPAC season), the concert extravaganza brings to life some of the most iconic female anthems the world has ever known, from artists including Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and many more.

CPAC coordinator Vicki Sienczuk said the centre’s primary goal is encouraging new audiences and sharing the excitement of live performance.

“This year’s season continues our commitment to presenting a rich variety of professional performances that are diverse, passionate, smart, fun and at times, controversial – a year of great entertainment that is dramatic, funny, thoughtful, entertaining and affordable,” she said.

The 2018 program boasts some great pieces of Australian drama including Thomas Murray and the Upside Down River (March 6) and Jane Harrison’s Stolen (June 12).

Acclaimed theatre star Todd McKenney will return, along with Nancye Hayes, for a night of music and mayhem in Bosom Buddies (April 11).

Step back in time to 1956 with Songs from Stage and Screen, a new musical featuring The 7 Sopranos, on April 17.

A fantastic R&B band from the Tiwi Islands, B2M, will bring its Mamanta show to CPAC on September 15, and Aussie stars James Reyne (April 6) and Doug Parkinson (June 2) are also among the musical offerings on this year’s program.

There are plenty of laughs in store when the ever-popular Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow on June 7.

And, the centre will once again keep the little ones entertained during the school holidays, with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (July 11) and Big Bad Wolf (October 12) on the program.

The centre will once again host end-of-year concerts from a number of local dance schools.

The centre staff will also oversee Cessnock City Council’s community events, including Australia Day, Spring Awakening in September and Carols in the Park in December.

“We are continually looking at performance experiences that incorporate as much of the local community as possible by programming a variety of cultural expressions, entertainment and free family events, on behalf of council,” Dr Sienczuk said.

“It’s great to see our events growing every year.”

More events will be added to the CPAC program throughout the year. Stay up-to-date at cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au.