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Penn's Peak luncheon shows will have appeal to all audiences

Lynn Stelling, the ambitious coordinator of the increasingly popular luncheon shows staged at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, has for 2012 put together her most eclectic schedule ever. It includes several musical genres including pop, country, variety, big band, and swing.

"We're appealing to wider audiences," Stelling said. "We're having more different types of shows for all ages."The luncheon show theater season begins on Thursday, May 3, with "Beatlemania Now," which as the name implies is a tribute to the 60s pop icons The Beatles. It continues through October when The Swing Dolls bring to the stage much of the music popular back during World War II. and the tunes of the great Andrews Sisters.Other upcoming luncheon events include Branson Fever with Tim Gillis and Twitty Fever, the fun-filled antics of King Henry and the Showmen, the big band sounds of the Harry James Orchestra, as well as the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the rockin' beat of Bill Haley's Comets.Stelling stressed that luncheon shows require advanced reservations. For tickets, call 866-So Go Eat (977-764-6328).Beatlemania Now has appeared in concerts at Penn's Peak, but this is the first time the quartet that blends ample resemblance in many ways to John, Paul, George, and Ringo have been on the luncheon schedule.The band has costume changes for different segments of the concert, showing a variety of periods from the career of the Liverpool superstars.On May 8, 9, and 10 (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), the luncheon event will focus on music from Branson, Mo. when "Branson Fever" features Tim Gillis and Twitty Fever.The combined musical talents of Tim Gillis and Dave Rehrig of "Twitty Fever" along with the comedic antics of "Crazy Elmer" will have you toe tapping and clapping along add in some lovely ladies and you have yourself a variety show, Branson-style!Twitty Fever is especially popular for re-creating the music of the late country great Conway Twitty.King Henry and the Showmen are back at Penn's Peak on May 15, 16, and 17. This is one of country's premiere show group who have made repeated appearances in entertainment capitals such as Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Miami, and Toronto."It's more than just a show this year, it's a party with laughter, music and a whole lot of surprises," Stelling remarked.The Harry James Orchestra, directed by the virtuoso Fred Radke, has the dates of May 23 and 24 booked at the venue for its big band music.Assuredly the Harry James Orchestra will perform such all-time favorites as "I Had The Craziest Dream," "Sleep Lagoon," "You Made Me Love You," "I Don't Want to Walk Without You," and many more.The Diamonds, who were featured in the soundtrack for "Happy Days" and "American Graffiti," are coming to provide mid-day entertainment on June 6 and 8.It's more big band music on Sept. 11, 12, and 13 when the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra appears."Branson Fever" with Tim Gillis and Twitty Fever are back for another performance on Oct. 2, 3, and 4.Bill Haley's Comets, famous for their "Rock Around the Clock" and "Rip It Up," will be her on Oct. 10 and 11.An anniversary comedy special called "King Henry and the Show" will be staged Oct 16, 17, and 18.The season comes to a close with The Swing Dolls on Oct. 23 and 24.For all the concerts, doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at noon, and the entertainment begins at about 1 p.m.Stelling pointed out that besides the fine food and great music, Penn's Peak, because of it's mountainside locations, offers an incredible view.ScheduleBeatlemania Now, May 4.Branson Fever: Tim Gillis and Twitty Fever, May 8, 9, and 10.King Henry & the Showmen, May 15, 16, and 17.Harry James Orchestra, May 23 and 24. (Mention this article making your reservation and receive a discount for the May 24 event).The Diamonds, June 6 and 7 (Mention this article when making your reservation and receive a discount for the June 7 event).The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Gary Tole, Sept. 11, 12, and 13.Branson Fever: Tim Gillis and Twitty Fever, Oct. 3, 4, and 5.Bill Haley's Comets, Oct. 10 and 11.King Henry & The Show: King Henry's Anniversary Comedy Special, Oct. 16, 17, and 18.The Swing Dolls, Oct. 23 and 24.(Reservations are required for the luncheon shows. For more information and to make reservations, call 1-877-SO GO EAT (1-877-764-6328).

RON GOWER/TIMES NEWS Beatlemania Now, a Beatles tribute band which not only sings the songs of the Liverpool Four but also simulates their attire, style, and appearance on stage, will be performing during a luncheon show at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe on Thursday, May 3.