Many of the famous vaudevillians who once appeared on stages like that of the Sampson Theatre on East Elm Street in Penn Yan make their return on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. on the stage of the Penn Yan Middle School Auditorium.

A Gala Concert: The Sampson Years and Beyond brings back a selection of old-time favorites and celebrates the theatre’s new listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some of yesterday’s stars to look for include Fannie Brice played by Toby Bond, Will Rogers as done by George Patterson, and Abbott and Costello played by Shane Furman and Randall Ferriera.  Even President Theodore Roosevelt, who spoke at the Sampson’s opening night in 1910, makes an appearance as played by John Christensen.
The songs of Showboat make a return too.

Kenneth Anderson (a nationally recognized performer in the style of Paul Robeson) does “Old Man River,” with other songs from the show sung by Aimee Stempien. Gareth Fishbaugh, a California transfer who sang with the New Christie Minstrels in the 60s, teams with  performer Sue Maeske for the song “You’re the Cream in My Coffee,” and does a solo or two. Bob and Marge Bailey present the 20’s song “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” as a fresh duet, and Barry Winters is both emcee and performer of Gershwin’s “Swonderful”. 

A large chorus and a Guess Who Was at the Sampson Trivia Competition fill out an evening of grand music and nostalgia.

Tickets are available at Pinckney Hardware and Henderson’s Drug Store in Penn Yan.
Advance-sale tickets are $6 for students and seniors, $8 for others. At the door, tickets cost $7 and $9.  Members of the cast represent PYTCo, the Pennsylvania Theatre Company that owns the Sampson and is spearheading its restoration.