LEWISTON — The Franco Center will kick off the upcoming performance season with an elegant evening at its annual Gala and Benefit Concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

The event features a pre-concert reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 12 local restaurants.

The entertainment portion, “Wicked Good Broadway!” will showcase popular show tunes performed by several talented Maine artists. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. After the show, the party will continue with a post-concert reception with champagne and dessert.

Center staff Richard Martin and Mitch Thomas will direct the show. Thomas, along with Derrick Lacasse, will be the pianists. They will be joined by musicians Jeff Munson on bass, Dr. Jeff Mayerson on drums and Neil James on guitar.

The performers include Dennis St. Pierre (Maine State Music Theatre’s “Les Miserables”), Shawn and Angela Robitaille (“Aida” and “Jekyll and Hyde” at Community Little Theatre), Bob Gauthier and Kristen J. Thomas (“Phantom” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel” at CLT), Tiffany and Kay Warren, Olivia Mayo, Maddy Leslie, Hayden Thomas, Andy Dolci, Katie St. Pierre, Vincent Ratsavong, Stefanie Lynn and the casts of CLT’s productions of “Into the Woods” and “The Addams Family.”

The event is open to the public. All sponsors and advertising supporters are invited guests of the Franco Center.

Tickets are $35 each. They can be purchased by vising the box office at 46 Cedar St. from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 207-689-2000 or by visiting www.francocenter.org.