Clayton Youth Theater will begin production in June for its summer 2013 performances of  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with lyrics by Tim Rice, this timeless musical parable is based on the “coat of many colors” story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis.

The cast and crew for this production hail from middle and high schools around Johnston and Wake counties. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27, at 7:30 PM and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1, 2 and 3, at 7:30 PM. Tickets will go on sale July 1 online and through The Clayton Center Box Office.

The Clayton Center announces its 2013-2014 Palladian Series, an incredibly entertaining season featuring a diverse array of music, comedy and theatre. The season captures the thrill of experiencing new artists—such as the fresh and witty French Canadian girl group Chic Gamine—to the return of audience favorites Celtic Tenors and James Gregory.

In addition to the exciting schedule of eight performances plus two family shows, the 11th annual Palladian Series will offer patrons variety in ticket packages. Several new options will be available when tickets go on sale this summer—look for details to be posted around July 1.

Now here’s a sneak peak at the upcoming season:

Ryan Shupe & the Rubber Band, Saturday, Sept. 28 – fresh and funky, their self-dubbed “Post-Hee-Haw-Funkadelic-HipHop-Newgrass” sound is unique and creative!

Chic Gamine, Thursday, Oct. 17 – these four wickedly talented harmonizing French vocalists artfully hop from rhythm and blues to nouveau-pop to vintage soul.

Barbara Bailey Hutchison, Saturday, Nov.23 – this popular Grammy Award winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter bring her melodic alternative folk music to The Clayton Center stage as well as to students of Clayton High School in a week-long visual arts workshop.

It’s A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre, Saturday, Dec. 7 – a clever stage adaption of the classic George Bailey story breathes new life into Bedford Falls in 1945.

Tar River Swing Band Big Band Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 14 – a new brand of classic jazz with a holiday flair that will delight audience members of all ages.

Junior Brown, Saturday, Jan. 25 – dubbed “America’s most versatile musician,” Junior Brown combines the soul of country and the spirit of rock n’ roll.

Hot Club of San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 14 – a Gypsy Swing band made up of accomplished and versatile musicians from the city by the bay perform with style and panache.

Celtic Tenors, Saturday, March 15 –the world-class tenors return with their charismatic personalities and incredible vocal skills.

School House Rock, Saturday, April 5 – East Carolina University’s Storybook Theatre presents this fun, interactive production for students ages 5-12 with an educational children’s workshop afterwards.

James Gregory, Friday, April 11 – the “Funniest Man In America” returns with his rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.

The Town of Clayton has hired a permanent director for The Clayton Center, and he may look a tad familiar.  He’s the one who helped Clayton’s historic performing arts center celebrate 10 years of spectacular community events this winter.   He’s the visionary who has lined-up and is launching an incredible new season of concerts and performances.  And he’s the leader who for the past 4 months has been working hard to secure The Clayton Center as one of the most desired and inspired venues in the area for entertainment, arts, business and community functions.

Scotty Henley becomes The Clayton Center’s third full-time Executive Director and the Town of Clayton couldn’t be prouder to officially welcome him aboard.  An East Carolina University graduate with  vast visual and performing arts experience, Henley came to Clayton in November.  At that time, the center was in the middle of a critical season and needed to quickly find someone to lead the facility after the current director left to pursue an advanced degree. Utilizing our networks in the performing arts community, we were able to bring Henley aboard just in time for The Clayton Center’s 10^th Anniversary Gala Celebration. 

With degrees in both Communications and Theatrical Design & Production, Henley first honed his craft working as set manager and assistant technical director for legendary singer/songwriter Donna Summer. He worked as Technical Director at both Opera Carolina and Spirit Square Center for the Arts in Charlotte. He served as Assistant Director of Operations for ECU, overseeing Wright Auditorium and Mendenhall Student Center.   But it’s perhaps his experiences as Executive Director of the Turnage Theater in Washington, NC that best prepared him for his new role in Clayton. He helped resurrect the once-dilapidated vaudeville theater/movie house as the cultural heart of the town. 

The Town brought Henley on in an interim basis but he’s done such a good job, the decision to bring him on permanently was easy.  In the past four months, he has proven himself many times over as the successful performing arts administrator the Clayton Center deserves. 

“The past four months have been a journey filled with unbelievable support from the staff, the administration and the public who have taken the time to welcome me and offer their assistance,” said Henley. “I see Clayton as my family’s long-awaited home and I strive to bring the best performances available while supporting and assisting in the continued presence of Clayton being the place to spend a day, a week, a month…a lifetime.”