LEWISTON — “Bandstand to Billboard – In the Groove” 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, cult-classic show will appear for the fourth year at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at L/A’s Gendron Franco Center. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.

The show was conceived by Eileen Messina, longtime 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.

The other big feature of the show is, of course, the orchestra. Members include Paul G. Caron, keyboards; Neil James, acoustic and electric guitar; Shane Davis, bass guitar; Will d’Ambruoso, percussion; Mike Plossay and Michael Truchon, trumpet; Bruce Theriault, trombone; Blaise Spath, reeds; Alex Wong, cello; and Kate Gray and Linda Vaillancourt, violins.

The entire ensemble represents some of CLT’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 Mitchell Clyde Thomas, the center’s executive director and the 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 bring 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.

Messina says: “We know how much the Franco Center audiences love singing along with us. Wear comfortable shoes, we expect everyone to be dancing in the aisles!”

Tickets are $18 for adults, and students are admitted for free. The Franco Center is handicapped accessible. All proceeds benefit the center.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the box office, call 207-689-2000 or purchase online at www.francocenter.org. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and two hours before the show.

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