Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Goldblatt's Department Store. The consistent response: "You'll shoot your eye out." All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in a net stocking; Ralphie's fantasy scenarios and more. Make this story part of your holiday traditions!

See A Christmas Story from December 2-18, 2011 at the Crighton Theatre!

Sharity Productions presents Michael Martin Murphey and his Cowboy Christmas Show. He's won numerous awards and honors from such organizations as the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Academy of Country Music, "The Golden Smokey Award" for Outstanding Service in Conservation from the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards and given a rare Lifetime Honorary Member of the American Quarter Horse Association. BMI has confirmed that his song "Wildfire" is one of the most played songs in the history of radio in all formats. Michael has made over 35 albums, with hits and millions of sales.

He's the first Singing Cowboy to attain a Certified Gold Album in Cowboy Music since Marty Robbins. His songs have been recorded by Lyle Lovett, Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jerry Jeff Walker, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and a host of other recording artists. He's played concerts at the best of Performing Arts Centers (including Carnegie Hall and Bass Hall), Cowboy Christmas and Westfest, festivals, fairs and rodeos and on his trail rides. See Michael Martin Murphey on December 20, 2011 at 8 PM at the Crighton Theatre!

Suzy Bogguss had a revelation on stage with Garrison Keillor in 2008. Everyone loves to sing along on "Red River Valley" - except the children who somehow don't know the song. Folk songs are the scrapbook of the American experience, but as music education fades from our public schools, she worried; these beautiful melodies are in danger of being overlooked. She resolved to record these timeless songs in an updated but reverent way - so that everyone can sing along on "Red River Valley."

And who better than the golden throated Suzy? The platinum selling songstress already has a full bookshelf of Grammy and CMA awards and now with the release of American Folk Songbook she can put her own book up there too. The CD and companion songbook were be released on August 2, 2011.

See Suzy Bogguss on January 14, 2012 at 7:30 PM at the Crighton Theatre!

CYT presents Tom Sawyer - a musical comedy based on the novel by Mark Twain. The musical is the story of a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in the heartland of America. This Broadway musical version of Mark Twain's novel is set in 1840 in St. Petersburg, Missouri, a bustling town on the banks of the Mississippi River. In the course of the story, Tom matches wits with his stern Aunt Polly, falls in love with the beautiful, feisty Becky Thatcher, and goes on the adventure of his life with Becky and that irresistible renegade, Huckleberry Finn. Along the way he meets a terrifying villain named Injun Joe, Tom's bratty half-brother Sid, and all the other boys and girls in the village.

See Tom Sawyer at the Crighton from November 4-13, 2011.

October is a busy month at the Crighton.  Here are the acts slated for this month:

An Evening with Mark Twain The Crighton Theatre Foundation presents "An Evening with Mark Twain" starring Kurt H. Sutton. He was born in Mannheim, Germany, immigrating to the United States in 1950. He grew up in Canton, Ga, graduating from the University of Georgia in 1968 and then taught for 6 years in his hometown. He has performed as a business speaker, musician and entertainer for 30 years. In "An Evening with Mark Twain" his instruments include harmonica, guitar, and banjo. He has appeared in the movie, "Go Tell It on the Mountain" featuring Paul Winfield and "Night Shadows" featuring Wings Hauser. As Mark Twain he has appeared in theatres nationally pleasing audiences with Twain's hilarous witticisms, wisdom and love for music. Join us for an evening with Mark Twain on October 8, 2011 at 3 and 7 PM. Drama students get a special discount at the 3 PM performance. First responders get in FREE (call the Box Office for details). Kurt Sutton's website | Youtube | Get Tickets Online!

The Secret Garden MCPAS presents The Secret Garden, an original Missoula Children's Theatre rendition. It is a story of hope and a celebration of all good things in life. Mistress Mary Quite Contrary embarks on a journey from India to her uncle's home in England. Along the way she makes friends with the hilarious Canadian Geese and the colorful Giant Bugs that Rock! In time she learns to appreciate everything around her, including the Moor Animals and the helpful Fireflies. Add to that a good healthy dose of caring, and what happens? Colin, Martha, Archibald - well the whole household - begin to enjoy the return of health and happiness in a garden carefully tended until it blossoms once more. Auditions for the Secret Garden are on Monday, September 26 with performances on October 1st, 2011. Missoula Children's Theatre | Youtube | Get Tickets Online!

Elvis! This international award winning performer returns to the Crighton! But don't take our word. Come and see him live and judge for yourself! He has performed all over the world in casinos, theaters, fairs, and production shows. He performs each era of the king's inspiring career from the early rock 'n roll years of the 1950's to the legendary Vegas years of the 1970's. Travel back through time with Donny! Donny says, "First and foremost I'm a huge Elvis fan. So everytime I take the stage, I do my ultimate best to honor the legacy of Elvis Presley. It's a privilege to perform for the fans all over the world like myself." Beisdes his live shows, Donny has entertained on TV including appearances on ABC's Monday Night Football and CBS's "The Young and the Restless". Don't miss Donny at the Crighton on October 9th at 3 PM! Read more about Donny | Shake, Rattle, and Roll! | Get Tickets Online!

ABBA ABBA started in 1971 and ended as a group in 1982. Their legacy will live for ever. The music, the passion and happiness will continue through their fantastic music from generation to generation. ABBA are and will always be loved by the whole world. Arrival From Sweden was founded by Vicky Zetterberg in 1995 Gothenburg, Sweden. Arrival From Sweden soon became one of the world's most popular and most selling ABBA show band and since the start in 1995, the band has tourened over 35 nations and appeared in several of TV - and radio shows all over the world. Arrival From Sweden in the worlds greatest ABBA tribute show "THE MUSIC OF ABBA" tours the world together with ABBA original musicans. This production is the closest you ever will get to see ABBA! Enjoy the music of ABBA on October 21th at 7:30 PM! website | Youtube | Get Tickets Online!

Parabelle Way More FM presents Parabelle, a hard rock/alternate rock group. Parabelle has seen band changes throughout it's short music career thus far. Finding the perfect fit is a timely process but now is the time that things feel right. A hard working group of guys that will do whatever it takes to continue making music for its fans. Kevin Matisyn (evans blue) and Gio are still going strong and with the addition of Kyle Mathis and Joe Maurer of Neverset the band has that ability to put on the amazing live show they've always wanted to. Aaron Burton rounds out the new line up filling in for all the lead work. This is a band that will be rising up and it will be on their own terms. Once you get past their 'dress code' you may find their music less radical than their appearance. See Parabelle at the Crighton at 8 PM on October 22, 2011. Facebook | Youtube | Get Tickets Online!

Spending Time Ending RETT The Historic Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, Texas will host the 4th Annual "Spending Time Ending Rett Concert." Come join us for a one of a kind acoustic performance by Clint, Kevin, Brian and Coleton Black. This is a music lover's dream. Up close and personal, this is an opportunity like no other. With mega-hits like "Killin' Time", "Put Yourself in My Shoes" and "A Good Run of Bad Luck", Clint Black, at the historic Crighton Theatre, truly brings the sounds of Texas home. Clint, Kevin and Coleton Black, together, make for an evening you cannot miss. With the raw, unplugged sounds of the acoustic guitar and the blues harmonica tugging at your soul, The Black Boys create a musical experience for a lifetime. Don't miss Clint Black at the Crighton on October 23th at 7 PM! website | Rett's symdrome | PSA | Clint Black at the Opry | Get Tickets Online!

RED Way More FM presents Red (stylized as RED and R3D), an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard and are known for their Christian rock music while incorporating other sounds such as alternative rock, hard rock, heavy metal and post-grunge. Jasen Rauch and Andrew Hendrix were the bands rhythm guitarist and drummer, respectively, from their formation. To date, Red has released three studio albums: End of Silence (2006), Innocence & Instinct (2009), and Until We Have Faces (2011). The first two albums earned the group Grammy Award Nominations for Best Rock Gospel Album. See Red at the Crighton on October 27th at 8 PM! website | Youtube | Myspace | Get Tickets Online!

Sound and Fury Present Doc Faustus Sound and Fury has been presenting Vaudeville-nouveau genre parody hijinks since 1996 and is coming to Conroe to make you laugh. Doc Faustus is now touring the world! After a terrific month of July in Canada with the new show, Sound and Fury is unleashing 'Doc Faustus' on the rest of the world! A parody mash-up of Western Films and Kit Marlowe's (only) famous play, it's got the trademark Sound and Fury silliness, song and innuendo! Don't miss Sound and Fury at the Crighton on October 28th at 8:30 PM! website | Youtube | Get Tickets Online!

Buddy Jewell Larry Martin Entertainment presents Buddy Jewell. Buddy Jewell burst onto the country music scene in 2003 when he won the coveted title of USA Network's first ever Nashville Star. A true crowd favorite from the premiere episode to the finale, TV audiences and critics alike fell in love with Buddy Jewell's gentility, enthusiasm and true musical passion. Buddy's self-titled debut album on Columbia Records was certified gold, and garnered two back-to-back top five hits with "Sweet Southern Comfort" and "Help Pour Out the Rain (Lacey's Song.)" Buddy Jewell debuted at 1 on the Top Country Album charts, and was recognized by the ACM, CMA and CMT Awards with multiple nominations. Don't miss Buddy Jewell at the Crighton on October 29th at 7:30 PM! website | Youtube | Get Tickets Online!

MCPAS presents Rhythmic Circus' groundbreaking production, Feet Don't Fail Me Now! The company showcases their technical capacity as dancers and explores rhythm through percussive dance as it plays off a wide array of musical genres spanning from Minneapolis funk to salsa.

Infusing their unique style of hard-hitting tap, high-spirited humor, and finger-snapping tunes, Rhythmic Circus satisfies their "rhythmic appetite" on everything from sand to folding chairs, and in one number even utilizes the technology of electric drum triggers to change the sound of their taps! This unforgettable show is guaranteed to leave audiences of all ages amazed with its unique "you have to see it to believe it" quality!

Don't miss Rhythmic Circus at the Crighton on March 19, 2011 at 7:30 PM.

The Crighton hosted the incredibly talented Young Texas Artists AND a trio of authors who know southern comedy very well.  Internationally produced and currently recognized as the three most widely produced comedic playwrights in America - Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten - came to the Crighton for a visit. STAGE RIGHT audiences may recall that our highly popular productions of CHRISTMAS BELLES and SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY presented last season were written by Jones, Hope and Wooten. Additionally, DEARLY BELOVED, which will be presented in April of this year, is also a Jones, Hope & Wooten play and is actually the first part of the hilarious trilogy of the Futrelle sisters of Fayro, Texas.

Yes, it is that time again!  Season ticket renewals for the 2010-2011 season are now available for all the resident groups at the Crighton!  See the 2010-2011 season now!  Call the Box Office at 936-441-7469 (SHOW) if you are impatient and want to renew now!

The resident production groups at the historic Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe are: the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society (MCPAS), The Sounds of Texas, and STAGE RIGHT.  If you just want information in a timely fashion, sign up for the newsletter!

MCPAS is celebrating their 31th anniversary! MCPAS seeks to foster an appreciation of and provide opportunities to experience cultural live professional entertainment in the fields of musical arts, dance, and theatre.  This year MCPAS hosted The Capitol Steps, Southern Fried Jazz Band, Marvin Hamlisch, and the Missoula Children's Theatre to name a few of the groups.  MCPAS also hosts special events such as Mardi Gras and the Mimosas in May Luncheon

The Sounds of Texas Music Series is one of several events sponsored by the Friends of Conroe, Inc.  The music series is designed to bring local and national attention to the downtown area and the Historic Crighton Theatre while providing quality concerts to the citizens of Montgomery County.

STAGE RIGHT is a new non-profit theatre group dedicated to bringing family friendly entertainment to the historic Crighton Theatre.  Their vision is to promote a more supportive greater Houston arts scene by being a good corporate citizen and collaborating with other theatre groups on joint projects.  See the line-up for the 2010-2011 season!

Other groups have performed at the Crighton in the past including Covenant Christian, the Statesmen Chorus and the Players.  Be on the lookout for new groups including Center Stage Dance and Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) to be joining the Crighton family!

There are many other neighboring theatres that put on quality shows.  Visit our website to find out what other theatres are doing!

The historic Crighton Theatre turns 75th this year!  As part of the celebration we are collecting pictures and stories about your memories of the Crighton Theatre.  Upload your pictures and share your stories with others!  If you are unable to upload your pictures or want to talk to someone in person, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us to set up an appointment.

For the 75th anniversary the Crighton Theatre Foundation has launched a $750,000 capital campaign to fund improvements to the Crighton Theatre. The improvements will make it more competitive as we seek to book popular performances and events.  The restoration will upgrade technical specifications, replace the theatre seating, refresh the lobby and improve backstage spaces.

Feel free to download an electronic copy of the brochure detailing the capital campaign benefiting the theatre and the Crighton Community Players.  If you would like to talk to someone about donating to the renovation fund call Jim Bingham at 936-441-7469.

As we started to collect stories and memorabilia for the Crighton Theatre History Project we realized we were starting to collect stories about more than just the early days of the Crighton.

At first the project began as an outgrowth of junior high school requirements to interview a veteran.  The effort has evolved into a part of the community effort to record stories from our veterans before their stories are lost.  For instance, the Veterans Museum of Texas collects memorabilia and stories.

If you are interested in the stories of our veterans, find out more below.

Melvin P. Craig

Albert Spencer

More stories...

World War II documentary

The historic Crighton Theatre is celebrating its 75th birthday. In honor of the 75th anniversary STAGE RIGHT - in cooperation with the Crighton Theatre Foundation and the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County - has started gathering pictures, posters, stories, documents, and other memorabilia that chronicle the diversity and richness of the Crighton theatre history.

The purpose of the project is to document and save the history of the Crighton Theatre for future generations. STAGE RIGHT will do this by:

• Collecting and scanning pictures of events and people
• Transcribing stories and memories
• Photographing artifacts, playbills, posters, and other physical objects related to the Crighton
• Creating a video and book dedicated to the history of the Crighton

A living history is being prepared and proceeds will fund restorations for the theater built in the 1930’s.