The Valentine Theatre will be paying tribute to music icons ranging from Neil Diamond to Cher during its 2024-2025 season.

While some musical celebrations are returning to Toledo, two shows, Always Loretta and Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes, are new to the area.

The two represent an initial foray into classical country music by the Valentine, which is making the best of two trends: the rise of tribute shows and a resurgence in country music.

“A significant number of people love the music of the ’70s and ’80s and want that live performance experience — reliving their youth or simply 'seeing' bands they wish they could have seen back in the day,” said Jason Stumbo, director of bands at the University of Toledo.

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While country music is getting a cultural boost from some unusual sorties into the genre — including Beyonce's recent album Cowboy Carter and Brian Wilson's soon-to-be released Cows in the Pasture, featuring country and western songs pulled from the Beach Boys' vault — it is the icons who are triggering fans’ boot-stompin’ memories. And some of those songs have roots that dig far back into the nation’s musical past.

“This is the first time we've done country here,” said Matt Lentz, director of marketing and programming at Valentine Theatre. “We are trying it with two classic concerts.”

The Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams shows are akin to traveling history exhibitions, where the musicians act as museum curators. In the case of Emily Portman, who sings as Loretta Lynn with actual members of the original Loretta Lynn band, The Coalminers, there is some acting involved.

However, her affinity for the beloved singer has made this almost natural as many people have drawn similarities between the two — even early in Portman's singing career.

“I sounded like Loretta Lynn so I got to know her catalogue of songs,” said Portman, noting that her mannerisms and Southern dialect were akin to the famous country singer.

“There are lots of tribute acts, but I am actually working with her band,” she said. “The special thing about The Coalminers are the stories they share.”

Portman's wardrobe is compiled with Loretta Lynn in mind, and she sometimes hires a dressmaker. Depending on what kind of hair day she is having, she will style it naturally, add extensions, or wear a wig.

While Portman says she is unable to pick a favorite Loretta Lynn song, she does note that there are some that were not big hits that have resonated with her, including “Love Takes a Long Time Dyin’.”

“I think all of her songs touch me deeply. Whether you are a country music fan or not, you can relate to them,” she said.

Other tributes taking to the Valentine Theatre stage are 1964 The Tribute, a Beatles act booked for Sept. 14, and Chris Collins / The John Denver Tribute, booked for April 12. Both are being brought to Toledo by Midwest Entertainment Consultants.

Breaking new ground 

The Valentine Theatre's schedule also brings new versions of previous shows, including Colin & Brad with their comedic improvisations in Asking for Trouble. The Midtown Men Holiday Hits maintains its 1960s credo from Jersey Boys as the members provide classic yuletide renditions of such classics as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

 And then, there is one unique production, Couples Therapy, that smashes through the fourth wall. Youngstown producer, writer, and even stage manager Jason Tarr shares a seminar-inspired traveling show that delves into the hilarity of male-female relationships in need of help.

The 90-minute production — with no intermission — includes audience interaction in the form of surveys with results helping the direction of the show, which is a blend of theater, standup comedy and improvisation.

“We use their responses throughout the night,” Tarr said of the comedy that first debuted in his hometown of Youngstown.

The performances feature two actors, Brandy Johanntges, as Dr. Julie Perkins, and John Cox, as Dr. Alan Perkins. As the seminar aims to save couples' marriages, it becomes clear that the actor-counselors' own relationship may have some serious problems.

“It is an unknown show and unknown actors,” Tarr said of the production, which has been well-received in Ohio theaters and beyond. “We are trying to stay local, because there are so many theaters here.”

Nevertheless, there are tour dates in New York, Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina because the material is so universal — relationships are relationships no matter what part of the country they are enacted or misconceived. Couples Therapy lands at Valentine Theatre on May 10.

Tarr says great pains were taken to ensure a balanced script portraying both male and female points and counterpoints.

“When a man says certain things about women, it does not come off well. That is why I needed a strong female character,” said Tarr, conceding that most men get dragged to the show by a woman. “But when they leave, they loved it.”

Couples Therapy replaces Potted Potter marketed earlier this year as part of Valentine Theatre's 2024-25 season.

Ticket sales began on Tuesday. Visit valentinetheatre.com for more information.

First Published July 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m.