LEWISTON — “From Bandstand to Billboard — On the Flip Side” is a fun, and sometimes romantic, collection of big hits from Billboard Magazine and American Bandstand from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The widely-acclaimed show will appear for the third year at the Gendron Franco Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Doors and bar will open at 6:30 p.m.

The cast of popular musical revues at Poland Spring Inn will bring back the unique show at the center, which has sold out in the past. “From Bandstand to Billboard — On the Flip Side” was conceived by Eileen Messina, long-time actor, director and choreographer at L/A Community Little Theatre.

In addition to Messina, the group features other favorites from central and southern Maine: Michael James Litchfield, Renee Mahon Davis, Duane Glover, Sophie Messina and Gerry Therrien. Mitchell Clyde Thomas is the event host and will emcee.

The other big feature of the show is the orchestra, featuring conductor Paul G. Caron on keyboards, Mike French on acoustic and electric guitar, Shane Davis on bass guitar, Mark Fredericks on percussion, Mike Plossay and Michael Truchon on trumpet, Bruce Theriault on trombone, Blaise Spath on reeds, Alex Wong on cello and Kate Gray and Linda Vaillancourt on violins.

The ensemble represents some of L/A Community Little Theatre’s most talented performers, with scores of productions here and in other places to their credits.

From Doo-Wop to Disco is the theme. “As the country went through major changes in this time period, we looked toward music and entertainment to help see us through,” said  Thomas, center executive director and announcer for the show, “Big Bands and vocalists gave way to this new thing called Rock ‘n Roll, as well as the Golden Age of Country, Folk, Psychedelic Rock and the rise and fall of Disco. We are so happy to welcome back this talented ensemble for a night of great entertainment!”

Along with the music, there is as always a look back at the culture and current events of the time, as reflected in the advertising of the day, with a humorous look at vintage print ads interspersed between album covers and info about the original performers.

This year Messina says they are starting out the show with a group dance song medley, featuring numbers such as “Land of 1000 Dances,” “The Twist,” “Limbo Rock,” “Locomotion,” “Copacabana” and “YMCA,” among others.

Messina said, “We know how much the Franco Center audiences love singing along with us, so this year I decided to start the show out with a big dance medley as well. Wear comfortable shoes, we expect everyone to be dancing in the aisles!”

Tickets are $18 for adults; students are admitted for free. The Dolard and Priscilla Gendron Franco Center is handicapped accessible. All proceeds will benefit the Franco Center.

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact or visit the box office, 46 Cedar St., or purchase on-line at www.francocenter.org. Call 207-689-2000. Box office hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Bandstand to Billboard” cast members Duane Glover, Eileen Messina, Gerry Therrien and Sophie Messina bring laughter and song to the Franco Center stage.

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