Whether it's the star-studded schedule of celebrity concerts or the lavish home-grown productions, American Music Theatre promises to pursue a more aggressive lineup in 2009.

In recent years the theater's celebrity concerts have numbered about 55 a year, while AMT also produces three original stage shows. Next year, as many as 80 stars will grace the theater's stage, along with more original shows.

"There just aren't going to be many dark days at the theater," said Jim Martin, one of the theater's three owners.

Perhaps most noticeable about next year's ambitious schedule is that AMT will stage four original shows.

For the past two years, the theater has produced three shows — its annual holiday extravaganza and two shows that run concurrently April through October, with one on stage weekdays and the other over the weekend. The Christmas show will stay, but Martin said he is doing away with the simultaneous shows.

"Take this year," Martin said. "Many people who saw 'British Invasion' and wanted to see 'Classic Crooners' couldn't come during the week. So we decided to go with four shows and run them each about two months."

Next year will see a production called "Rocket Men," which will pay tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. It will run April 17 through June 6, and be followed by "Route 66 Revisited." This show, running June 19 through Aug. 8, will trace the roots of rock 'n' roll from Muddy Waters to Bruce Springsteen.

AMT will stage an updated version of its 2007 hit "Broadway's Best, the Music" running Aug. 21 through Oct. 9. The Christmas show starts Nov. 1 and will finish out the year. It also will be the only show next year written, choreographed and directed by Brad and Jennifer Moranz, who have done all the AMT shows for the last several years.

"We want to provide people with diversity," Martin said. "The last thing we want to be is predictable."

Who will do the other three shows remains to be seen. Proposals have been sent to several writers and directors.

The AMT also will add to its stellar collection of big-name celebrities in 2009.

Some favorites will be returning, including Mike Albert's Elvis Gospel show, ABBA the Music, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Jungle Jack Hanna and George Jones.

Pop trio Peter, Paul and Mary, who played to a sold-out audience earlier this year, will return on May 3.

"They're only doing, like, six dates around the entire country, but they asked to come back here," Martin said.

The ever-popular Kenny Rogers will also be back, as will comedians Bill Cosby and Mark Lowry and singer and Neil Sedaka.

But the expanded schedule will allow for a number of new performers to appear on the AMT stage.

Mr. Twist, Chubby Checker, along with Otis Day and the Nights of "Animal House" fame will appear Jan. 17.

"They're called America's best party band, and that's what that night will be," Martin said. "Add Chubby Checker, and it will be an incredible evening."

They will be followed on Jan. 23 by rock legend Steve Winwood, formerly with the Spencer Davis Group and Blind Faith.

Jay and the Americans will be on stage Jan. 10 for their AMT debut.

Jewel will appear Feb. 4, and Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt will appear on Feb. 7, followed Feb. 8 by the Pink Floyd Experience and the Puppini Sisters on Feb. 11, with their blend of 1940s harmony with modern pop.

"It's kind of a retro show, but they have pop influence," Martin said.

Also appearing in 2009 will be the New Orleans funk sound of the Neville Brothers with Dr. John, Toad the Wet Sprocket with Jeffrey Gaines, Eddie Money with John Waite, comedian Yakov Smirnoff, Connie Francis, Eric Burdon and the Animals, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Hornsby and the Doobie Brothers.

Other first timers include country legend Charley Pride and Ray Stevens, who hit pay dirt with such gag songs as "Ahab the Arab" and "The Streak."

To make sure the public knows about the expanded schedule, AMT will initiate a more aggressive marketing plan, including more media advertising and a quarterly publication of its show brochure.

Working with Clipper Magazine, AMT will bring in national tour productions of "Cats" (Feb. 20-21), "Stomp" (March 10-12) and "Movin' Out" (March 31, April 1-2).

Martin admits his aggressive approach is risky in today's economy, but feels the theater's expanded schedule will have a wider appeal.

"What mitigates that is we now have more diversity, so we'll be able to tap into a wider audience interest," Martin said.

E-mail: lalexander@lnpnews.com