Written by Baylie Hoffman (they/she)
Moving forward into the last two decades, the Celebrity Series was revived, bringing in famous names such as Lily Tomlin and Vicki Lawrence. Tomlin is one of America’s most beloved comedians, showcasing her popular characters Edith Ann and Ernestine from the hit television show, Laugh-In. Long time theatre volunteer Barb Crowley, states “After the show she kidded around with the theater staff and crew members, allowing us many photographs with her. She insisted on sitting down and having a beer and shooting the breeze with us.” Tomlin is still creating longevity well into her 80’s with award winning shows such as Grace and Frankie. Lawrence performed her two-women show, with credentials consisting of The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family.
In the aspect of music, our celebrity series has included Grammy-Award winner, Rita Coolidge, with hit songs We’re All Alone and Higher and Higher. The year 2014 was an unforgettable time of music here at Struthers Library Theatre featuring Michael Bolton, Kansas, Loretta Lynn, and Arlo Guthrie. Bolton, known for his soulful voice and timeless style, graced the theatre stage with iconic songs such as Time, Love, and Tenderness and When a Man Loves a Woman. Kansas, an American Rock Band that took off in the 1970’s, serenated with songs we all know and love--Carry on Wayward Son and Dust in The Wind. Loretta Lynn, with a full career of six decades and an abundance of awards under her belt, is considered one of country’s most iconic women. In 2013 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for acknowledging her legacy of "courageously breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by men." Arlo Guthrie, a prolific songwriter in folk music, respected storyteller, and activist, sang from his heart here at Struthers.
In recent years we have kept the momentum going with rock bands including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (2015), Grand Funk Railroad (2016), Wynona Judd (2016), and Blue Oyster Cult (2017). Continuing into 2019, Struthers brought in singer/songwriter LeAnn Rimes, adding to the list of our sold-out shows, and bringing contemporary country to our community. To top off our most recent season, we were able to have another eventful year of music overflowing in variety. With names like Dwight Yoakam, who collaborated with local band Company Townes, gave our year its dose of country and folk. The season followed with Straight No Chaser, an acapella group originating in 1996, and finished with The Queen’s Cartoonist, who immersed us into the world of nostalgic cartoons with the livelihood of jazz and classical music.
Struthers Library Theatre represents a myriad of history in performance, movies, art, and knowledge. The dedicated staff and volunteers will continue to protect and preserve the future of quality theatre—as Thomas Struthers’ legacy lives on.
