VALDOSTA — The 2017-18 arts season is halfway concluded but there’s still plenty of shows, plays, concerts and exhibits in the coming weeks and months.

Following the hiatus for the holidays, the arts season returns with several shows, concerts and more for the first months of the year. The following list covers a wide range of arts organizations but does not include all of the productions that will occur in the region.

ANNETTE HOWELL TURNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Where: 527 N. Patterson St.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays. Most opening receptions, however, are 5-7 p.m. Mondays on designated dates.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 247-2787 or visit www.turnercenter.org.

EXHIBITS

– DrawProject, Sallie & Harmon Boyette Gallery; artist Craig Hawkins’ “Emmaus Road,” Price Campbell Foundation Gallery, Margaret Mittiga Gallery; Andrew Sabori’s “Coming to America: The Immigrant Experience,” Josette’s Gallery. Shows open with a free, public reception, 5-7 p.m., Jan. 8, and run through Feb. 22.

– High School Competition, Youth Art Month, and East African Art, open with a free, public reception, 2-4:30 p.m., Feb. 25. The show runs through March 21. 

– Spring Into Art, all galleries. The region’s largest, most inclusive art exhibit with hundreds of works on display from hundreds of artists representing South Georgia and other states. The show opens with a gala reception, 6-9 p.m., April 9; with an admission price. The show runs through June 6.

PRESENTER SERIES

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts regularly hosts three nationally touring shows that will stop in Valdosta as part of the annual Presenter Series. The shows will be performed at Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St. More information: Visit the arts center, 527 N. Patterson St., or call (229) 247-2787. The three 2017-18 shows will be announced in coming weeks.

SHOWS

— “Amazing Grace,” 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30. Synopsis: “‘Amazing Grace’ is an original musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world’s most beloved song. A captivating tale of romance, rebellion and redemption, this radiant production follows one man whose incredible journey ignited a historic wave of change. Brimming with emotion and adventure, ‘Amazing Grace’ is an unforgettable musical saga that captures the spirit of history’s sweetest and most powerful sound: freedom.” With an optional pre-show dinner available at 6 p.m., in Mathis multi-purpose room, reservations required.

— “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” 7:30 p.m., April 23. Show won multiple Tony Awards including best musical of 2014. Synopsis: “Laugh your way through the uproarious story of an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, he has to juggle this mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancee (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track) and the constant threat of landing behind bars. Of course, it’ll all be worth it of he can slay his way to his inheritance … and be done in time for tea.” With an optional pre-show dinner, 6 p.m., in Mathis multi-purpose room, reservations required.

LITTLE ACTORS THEATRE

Where: 1108 S. Patterson St.

Children’s theatre organization.

Shows are performed at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St., and the LAT headquarters.

More information: Call director Diane Tovar at (229) 292-4742 or visit www.littleactorstheatrevaldosta.com.

 SHOW

— “Annie Jr.,” Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St. “Annie Junior” is a shortened version of the famed Broadway play based on the beloved comic strip. The “Junior” designation ensures a script that is more kid-friendly in terms of content, difficulty and running time. But “Annie Jr.” should still keep the essentials of the show. “Annie” is based on the “Little Orphan Annie” newspaper comic strip of the misadventures of a young girl who is adopted by the rich Daddy Warbucks. The show features songs such as “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and “Tomorrow.” The show will run in the spring.

PEACH STATE SUMMER THEATRE

Where: Sawyer Theatre, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

When: The first show opens in early June, then the subsequent two shows open later in June, all three shows play in rotating repertory through mid-July.

PSST! is part of VSU Theatre & Dance. It is the official musical theatre of Georgia.

More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/psst.

SHOWS

– “Million Dollar Quartet,” a musical based on the time Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins jammed together at Sun Records.

– “Newsies,” a musical drama based on the newspaper boy strike of the late 1800s.

– “Hello, Dolly!” the beloved musical about a matchmaker’s efforts to find a bride for a miserly businessman.

THEATRE GUILD VALDOSTA

Where: The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St.

More information: Call (229) 24-STAGE or visit www.theatreguildvaldosta.com.

The local theatre organization continues presenting its traditional Main Stage season of shows and its children Gingerbread Players productions.

SHOWS, MAIN STAGE

– “Death in Them Thar Hills.” A dinner-theatre production. Synopsis: “Arizona Territory, 1883: ‘Dusty’ Jones, wealthy gold prospector and sole owner of the TAqilA Mine (named after Jones’ favorite drink … he never was much of speller) is dead. Jones arrived in the town of Cactus Gulch five years previous, flat broke and relying upon the generosity of the locals, but at his death he was a wealthy man. The weird part is Jones died while being honored by the citizenry of the town. Some honor. Join town marshal Nate Dillman, sharpshooter Annie Elmley, saloon owner Cattie Adams, and the other colorful characters that populate Cactus Gulch to figure out who done it.” Run dates: Feb. 8-10 & 15-17.

– “Lend Me a Tenor” by playwright Ken Ludwig. Synopsis: Theatre Guild presents this comedy again by popular demand. Synopsis: “In September 1934, Henry Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world-famous Tito Morelli, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only in the title role of Otello. The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, passes out. Saunders and his assistant, Max, believe he’s dead. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, Saunders persuades Max to get into Morelli’s costume and fool the audience, but Morelli eventually comes to and gets into his other costume ready to perform. Now two Otellos are running around in costume and two women are running around in lingerie, each thinking she is with the star of the show.” Run dates: April 12-14 & 19-21.

SHOWS, GINGERBREAD PLAYERS

“The Real Princess and the Pea” adapted by Anita Larsen, based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Synopsis: “No one knows more about the dreary life of being a servant than orphaned Lizzie, the maid at Madame Bombazine’s Royal Academy of Royalty. At the beck and call of the shallow student princesses and the bullying Madame Bombazine, Lizzie’s cheery personality defies her dismal life, but makes her a favorite of all the shopkeepers. Then grandmotherly Oldma steps in with a little magic. When shy Prince Robert comes along, Oldma wisely steps aside to allow the magic of love to smooth a course confused by the power of a small green vegetable — the pea. Once a cause of irritation under multiple mattresses, now the pea has become a royal allergen. Around peas, some royals sneeze while others expire. Forget all you ever thought you knew about princesses and peas.” Run dates: June 1-3 & 8-10.

VALDOSTA CHORAL GUILD

Rehearsals are regularly held 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the weeks prior to concert dates, Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 500 Baytree Road. There are no auditions. First rehearsal, Jan. 8. Membership is open to anyone attending rehearsals.

Director: Adrienne Reissiger.

– A spring concert is scheduled for early May.

VSU ART & DESIGN

Where: Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Gallery hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.

Admission: Free.

More information: Call (229) 333-5835 or visit www.valdosta.edu/art.

EXHIBITS

– Valdosta National 2018: The all-media juried competition is an annual tradition featuring submitted works from artists across the nation. Run dates: Jan. 16 through Feb. 2. Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16.

– “Underline”: Artist Paul Santoleri presents his work. Run dates: Feb. 12 through March 2. Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12.

– VSU Art Student Competition: All-media juried competition is an annual tradition featuring art by VSU students. Run dates: March 19 through April 6. Reception: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, March 19.

– Spring Senior Exhibition: Annual exhibit featuring graduating seniors. Run dates: April 15-30. Reception: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 15.

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE & DANCE

Where: Theatres in the VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

More information: Call (229) 333-5973 or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts.

SHOWS

– “Planets View from the Hubble Space Telescope.” The show will be an original dance presentation for young audiences, according to VSU. It is also the annual children’s show where VSU students and faculty travel to area schools to introduce theatre to children. Synopsis: “Our good friend, Hubble, short for the Hubble Space Telescope, will narrate the distinctive aspects of each planet as seen through his lens, along with “The Planets” music composed by Gustav Holst. … This performance is created with the Georgia Performance Standards for Fine Arts Education as its central focus.” Run dates: Public shows Feb. 2-3. Sawyer Theatre. For tour information or to book a tour date for February or March, contact Jacque Wheeler (229) 333-5820.

– “Book of Days” by Lanford Wilson. Synopsis: “Acclaimed by Frank Rich as ‘a writer who illuminates the deepest dramas of American life with poetry and compassion,’ Lanford Wilson is one of the most esteemed contemporary American playwrights of our time. Nowhere is this more evident than in his latest play, ‘Book of Days,’ winner of the the Best Play Award from the American Theater Critics Association in 1998. ‘Book of Days’ is set in a small town dominated by a cheese plant, a fundamentalist church and a community theater. When the owner of the cheese plant dies mysteriously in a hunting accident, Ruth, his bookkeeper, suspects murder. Cast as Joan of Arc in a local production of George Bernard Shaw’s “St. Joan,” Ruth takes on the attributes of her fictional character and launches into a one-woman campaign to see justice done.” — From books.google.com. NOTE: Production contains mature language and themes. Run dates: Feb. 22-28. Lab Theatre.

– “All Shook Up.” The show is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley. Synopsis: “It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumping out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” — Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Run dates: April 5-11. Sawyer Theatre.

SCHOLARSHIP SHOWS

– “Sleeping Beauty Ballet.” Synopsis: “Continuing the tradition with the Valdosta School of Ballet, this year’s ‘Princess Ballet’ is ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ This production will be fun for everyone as this classic tale is told in dance, featuring musical excerpts by Tchaikovsky and other composers, a beautiful ballerina, a charming prince and an evil fairy.” Run dates: Jan. 20, 21. Mathis City Auditorium. Tickets will be available at local outlets in early January.

– “Dancing with the Valdosta Stars.” Synopsis: “A unique collaborative fundraiser between VSU’s Music Department and Theatre & Dance Area was the talk of the town … together these degree programs are presenting an encore event this year. Come enjoy the efforts of a new group of local stars and their experts as they present a variety of ballroom dance styles and seek your “votes” the evening’s big prize, the Audience Favorite Award. Run date: April 14. VSU Student Union Grand Ballroom.

– Seventh Annual Emerging Artists Series. Synopsis: “VSU Theatre and Dance continues the Emerging Artists tradition. Audiences, who so enjoy watching our student artists develop their talents, can enjoy a performance or two of alternating programs. One program features our students graduating from the musical theatre program, the other performance includes students in the performance track of our degree program. Each performance of the showcase will spotlight our outstanding students” Run dates: April 19-22. Sawyer Theatre.

VALDOSTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Where: Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Exceptions noted.

More information: Call VSU College of the Arts Outreach at (229) 333-2150 or visit www.valdostasymphony.org.

Conductor: Howard Hsu.

CONCERTS

– Daugherty’s “Reflections on the Mississippi,” Daniel Rowland, tuba; Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” Run date: Feb. 10.

– Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” Bernstein’s “On the Town: Three Dance Episodes,” Bernstein’s “Candide Overture,” Copland’s “Hoedown” from “Rodeo.” Run date: March 24.

– Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on a Theme” by Thomas Tallis; Strauss’ “Four Last Songs,” Bartok’s “Miraculous Mandarin Suite,” Op. 19. Run date: April 28.