Broadway Musicians Equity Partnership (BMEP) announced the launch of its pilot program. BMEP’s innovative program aims to provide access and learning opportunities for musicians who have historically been underrepresented on Broadway to learn about being in the musical theater industry.
BMEP’s program kicked off September 13 at the inaugural meet & greet of Local 802’s DECIBAL (Diversity, Equity, Community, Inclusion, Belonging, Access, Leadership) Collective, Local 802’s diversity collective that counts BMEP as one of its members.
We set out to create a program that would respectfully and responsibly open doors to the Broadway scene for multiple communities that have been historically underrepresented and excluded, including people of color, people with disabilities, and transgender or nonbinary individuals.
Anja Wood, co-chair of the BMEP committee
The inaugural cohort of BMEP includes 19 visiting partner musicians matched with current Broadway chair holders.
BMEP is funded via a grant from the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment says they are proud to support this innovative program and is committed to supporting NYC’s workers.
BMEP was developed in August 2021 by a group of Broadway musicians, music directors, and former Local 802 Executive members, with the specific goal of fostering collaboration, growth, inclusion, and equity within the Broadway community.
Every musician in a Broadway orchestra pit got their start thanks to someone who gave them a change and gave them a hand to work their way up. This program aims to provide that same opportunity to talented musicians who might not otherwise have a chance.
Alvin Hough Jr., co-chair of BMEP committee
The BMEP is a program that’s stretched over three months of one-on-one partnerships, offering:
Shadowing and Pit Visits: visiting partners get the chance to learn by shadowing their chairholder partner in the Broadway orchestra pit.
Facilitated Workshops: visiting partners get access to in-person workshops with various guest speakers ranging from Broadway music directors to chairholders. These workshops provide a greater context to the complex working environment on Broadway and also offer critical networking opportunities.
Final Project: a hands-on playing experience between Broadway chair holders and visiting musicians to demonstrate their playing skills after learning a Broadway book.
The program is open to all professional musicians in the New York City area from groups which have been historically underrepresented in musical theater. For more information about BMEP, visit their website.
Three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze announced a solo performance on Oct. 1 for the inaugural season of the Perelman Performing Arts Center, or PAC, titled ‘An Evening with LaChanze.’
An Evening with LaChanze was co-written by LaChanze and Daniel “Koa” Beaty, directed by Jerry Dixon, and includes musical direction by Marco Paguia.
The evening is the first of PAC NYC’s Downtown Sessions series, which seeks to expand the facility’s music program with performances by Tony-winning artists. PAC is one of Manhattan’s newest performing arts spaces, opening this fall in the Financial District’s World Trade Center.
Perelman Performing Arts Center Aerial View. Credit: Bill Saltzstein
An Evening with LaChanze will feature original music by Crystal Monee Hall, American Standards, and Broadway favorites.
We’ve designed an inspiring evening of music and moments, filling this beautiful new space in lower Manhattan with love, light, and laughter.
LaChanze
PAC NYC’s Downtown Sessions will extend throughout the fall, including other performances by Brian Stokes Mitchell and Ben Platt. The series seeks to bring audiences closer to beloved artists in intimate performances.
LaChanze, as founder and current president of Black Theatre United, will also perform at BTU’s inaugural gala on October 30 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Supported by Business for Good, the gala’s theme will be “A Salute to Broadway Legends: Past, Present, and Future,” and will highlight legends such as Common, Billy Porter, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Cortland Repertory Theater has announced their fall and early winter schedule at their downtown Cortland building, located at 24-26 Port Watson Street in the city of Cortland. Events start on September 16, and the season doesn’t end until New Year’s Eve.
Cortland Repertory Theater boasts a handful of events for people of all backgrounds and ages. From Trivia nights to drag shows, there will be something at the CRT for everyone. Be sure to read the details of each event for age restrictions, prices, and times.
The CRT Downtown schedule includes:
September 16 at 7:30PM: “Broadway’s Greatest Hits”
A cabaret evening of memorable show tunes performed by SUNY seniors, raising funds for their NYC Spring Showcase at CRT.
September 21 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia.
Attendees test their knowledge on a wide range of subjects in six rounds, each with five questions. Prizes are given each round, with one final grand prize for the evening. Hosted by CRT’s Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson.
September 29 & 30 at 7:30PM: Edgar Allen Jo’s Excellent Dragventure.
CRT partners with Go Jo Productions to present some of New York state’s top drag performers to “drag the audience through time”. During this time travel experience, the audience will stop by Marie’s for tea and cake, bond with Abe Lincoln, and party with Napoleon. Note that this is an 18 and up performance, because history is seriously not PG.
October 14 & 15: The Little York Fall Fiber Arts Festival.
Now in its 11th year, this CRT fund raiser held at the Little York Pavilion boasts over 30 vendors for knitters, weavers, yarn enthusiasts, and so much more. Other items include maple products, wood-worked items, clothing, and a variety of unique holiday gifts. The festival is open from 9:00-5:00 on Saturday and 10:00 – 3:00 on Sunday.
October 14 at 7:30PM: Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”
Wade Preston returns for his 7th annual fall concert. Wade’s “one-night only” concert of stories and songs by Billy Joel and other artists are memorable for everyone who attends. With his versatile piano skills and vocal talent, on top of his child-like stage charm and great sense of humor, Wade delivers a unique night filled with rock n roll that will leave the CRT reeling for more.
October 19 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia – Halloween edition.
October 21 at 7:30PM: Backtrack Vocals.
Backtrack Vocals is a 5-person professional a cappella singing group based in NYC transforms familiar pop, funk, Motown, standards, and Broadway songs with new vocal and beatbox arrangements. Their performances are infused with heart and humor, and because of their wildly versatile repertoire, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
November 4 at 7:30PM: Cortland’s own Jack Gerhard (pictured above) and his band.
Celebrating the release of his first album “If You Need Me”, Jack makes his concert debut with a stunning evening of cover tunes and a collection of his own original songs. Don’t miss Cortland’s star-on-the-rise in this intimate evening of heartfelt music.
November 11 at 7:30PM: TAKE3 – Where Rock Meets Bach (pictured above).
TAKE3 has a vast repertoire that travels from Bach and Beethoven, to Bieber and The Beach Boys. Enjoy a genre-defying trio that combines classical music and fuses it with rock-star charisma. Likely due to their training at the world’s top conservatories, TAKE3 performances have been described by audience members as a mini-Trans Siberian Orchestra experience.
November 16 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia
In December, Santa’s volunteer elves (CRT’s Board and Guild members) decorate the Grand Hall at CRT Downtown for the holidays from top to bottom. They invite kids of all ages to stop in, visit with Santa, take selfies, and get in the holiday spirit.
November 30, 7:00 – 9:00PM: Cocktails with Santa.
Cocktails with Santa is an evening reserved for those without children, but who still want to get into the holiday spirit with Santa himself. A cash beer/wine bar will be available, with CRT volunteers to take holiday photos for upcoming Christmas cards or Instagram posts.
December 1: Our display will be open for viewing in conjunction with the City of Cortland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.
December 2 & 3: Photos with Santa.
After visiting Santa, take a stroll through our Wonderland and take selfies. Santa will be in his chair from 10 – Noon and 2:00 – 4:00 on Saturday, and 1:00 – 3:00 on Sunday. Family photos will be taken and emailed the following week.
December 9, 11:00 – 2:00: CRT’s Holiday Brunch, with special guest Lisa Rock and “A Carpenters Christmas”.
The CRT Board of Director’s 2nd Annual Holiday Brunch Fundraiser and party. Enjoy a delicious brunch, bid on unique silent auction baskets, scoop up some holiday spirits in wine grab bags, and enjoy a one-hour concert with Lisa Rock.
December 9 & 10: Lisa Rock and “A Carpenters Christmas”.
Based on the music of The Carpenters’ two holiday albums and variety shows, this festive holiday concert features “Merry Christmas Darling”, the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and many more. Concerts are at 7:30PM on Saturday and 2:00PM on Sunday.
December 21 at 7:00PM: Third Thursday Trivia: December Holiday Edition.
December 31, 9:00PM – 12:30AM: Dancin’ Thru the Decades New Year’s Eve Dance.
Dance into the New Year and have a great view of the city’s New Year’s celebrations. CRT’s DJ will play the ultimate dance mix of the greatest tunes from the 60’s to today.
For more information and ticket prices for all events at the Cortland Repertory Theater, visit cortlandrep.org, call 800-427-6160 or visit the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street.
Fort Salem Theater, located Salem, NY, has announced its highly anticipated 2024 season, offering an exceptional array of performances that promise to bring unforgettable theatrical experiences to the community. With a lineup that spans a diverse range of genres and emotions, the upcoming season will inspire theater enthusiasts of all ages.
“Our 2023 season has been nothing short of incredible, and the response from our audience has been overwhelming. Attendance soared throughout the year, with our community embracing the magic of theater with open arms,” Executive and Artistic Director Kyle West announced. “The unwavering support that Washington County has demonstrated for Fort Salem Theater fuels our passion, and we are truly excited to curate a series of titles that promise a little something for everyone. With this upcoming season, we are determined to raise the bar once again and deliver a showstopping lineup that will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attend.”
Starting in March, the stage will come alive with “Agnes of God” by John Pielmeier, running from March 1 to March 10, 2024. This powerful drama will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they witness a compelling exploration of faith, secrets, and the human spirit.
In May and June, get ready to journey “Into the Woods” with music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. From April 5 to April 14, 2024, this spellbinding musical intertwines beloved fairytales to craft a complex and enchanting narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
“Godspell,” the groundbreaking musical conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, featuring music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, will grace the stage with its uplifting energy. This timeless story of friendship, community, and spiritual awakening will run for a limited engagement between May 31-June 9, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” will take flight from July 26 to August 11, 2024, bringing the magic of this beloved tale to life with extraordinary performances, captivating visuals, and unforgettable songs that will have audiences singing along long after the final curtain call.
As autumn approaches, prepare for laughter and merriment with “The Drowsy Chaperone” from September 27 to October 6, 2024. With music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, this hilarious and whimsical musical is a delightful palette-cleanser, serving as a reminder that theatre not only is meant to make you think, but to laugh and enjoy the experiences that make us all human.
Marking the month of October, Fort Salem Theater will present Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic, “Our Town,” from November 8 to November 10, 2024. This poignant exploration of life, love, and the passage of time continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Closing out the year on a festive note, Fort Salem’s favorite original holiday concert revue, “Snow Business,” will spread joy and holiday cheer from December 13 to December 15, 2024. This heartwarming celebration is the perfect way to ring in the holiday season with family and friends.
Season tickets for Fort Salem Theater’s 2024 season will be available for purchase starting in October, allowing patrons to secure their seats for all of the exciting productions in advance. For those interested in attending individual performances, single seat tickets will go on sale starting in December.
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled theatrical experience! Stay tuned for further updates and ticket information at www.FortSalem.com.
24 years ago, Disco Biscuits guitarist Jon Gutwillig wrote a steampunk rock opera about a hopeless romantic’s quest to fly, called “Hot Air Balloon.” Gutwillig and his Philadelphia-based bandmates have performed the nine songs from the opera hundreds of times since, but the music has never been adapted for a theater stage.
Earlier in 2023, Jon and bandmate Aron Magner (composer) began writing a musical, inspired by “Hot Air Balloon,” with Nick Schmidle (author, screenwriter, playwright, and longtime New Yorker writer) and Alex Bechtel (arranger, musical director). Staging two sold-out performances of “The Very Moon: A Steampunk Musical” in May, the four are gearing up for another series of shows very soon.
“The Very Moon” is an epic tale about mastering flight, defying tyranny, and the transcendent power of love and creativity. Much of the original music is included in the musical, with more than a dozen new songs written for the musical, including “Falling,” which has become a staple in the Disco Biscuits’ repertoire in the past few months.
With the success of the May workshop presentation of “The Very Moon,” the team has brought along Eva Steinmetz to work alongside Alex Bechtel, as they build out the show with additional music, new instruments, and plenty of surprises.
In the process of hiring talented actors, musicians, and technicians, the team has begun to raise funds via an IndieGoGo campaign, to help fund the venue, actors, director, music director, lighting technician and more, to help bring the musical (eventually) to Broadway.
Earlier this year, Jon and Aron started writing a musical, inspired by “Hot Air Balloon,” with author Nick Schmidle. They staged two sold-out performances of “The Very Moon: A Steampunk Musical” in May, and are gearing up for another series of shows very soon. pic.twitter.com/feWEXwQkTn
Support the campaign here and find more info here, where you can sign up for the mailing list and be notified of upcoming shows and pre-sale opportunities.
Playbill, The Broadway League, and the Times Square Alliance have announced the lineup of Broadway shows to be included in the Curtain Up! LIVE from Broadway finale concert, concluding the third-annual Curtain Up Broadway Festival.
The Curtain Up! LIVE from Broadway finale concert will be a grand, outdoor event taking place rain or shine on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM in Duffy Square. This free outdoor concert spotlights marquee talent, showcases current Broadway musicals and plays, and will be aired live on WABC TV.
Participating shows include & Juliet; A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical; Aladdin; Back to the Future: The Musical; The Book of Mormon; Chicago; The Cottage; Hadestown; Harmony; How to Dance in Ohio; Jaja’s African Hair Braiding; Kimberly Akimbo; The Lion King; Moulin Rouge! The Musical; The Shark Is Broken; Shucked; SIX;Some Like It Hot; Spamalot; Wicked; and more areto be announced.
From Friday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 10 the Curtain Up Broadway Festival brings Broadway to the streets, in the heart of New York City. Stretching between 45th and 47th Streets, the festival will include interactive events and performances that are all live, free, and open to the public. It kicks off with guest speakers from Playbill, The Broadway League, Times Square Alliance, & Prudential Financial, with Broadway guest hosts, special performances, and special guests from The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), Hotel Edison, Open Jar Studios, The Entertainment Community Fund, and more.
What better way to kick off a new Broadway season than to celebrate the Curtain Up Broadway Festival in Times Square. This incredible three-day festival will host special concerts, sing-alongs, and workshops, just to name a few of the many exciting events planned. Last season, Broadway had a total attendance of 12.3 million indicating just how much live theatre means to so many and its pivotal role in NYC’s economic development. We’ll wrap up the weekend with the Curtain Up! LIVE from Broadway finale concert on Sunday, September 10th and thank WABC for returning to live broadcast the star-studded show.
Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League.
The Prudential Stages on Broadway Brought to You by Playbill contest hosted by Brittney Johnson, an acclaimed Broadway star who made history playing the title role of Glinda in the smash-hit musical Wicked, will take place on September 9 and gives aspiring and emerging artists across the country the opportunity to capitalize on their “Now What?” moment. The winning artists will have the chance to network with theatre professionals – like host Johnson and contest judges Tara Rubin and Allen René Louis – and could walk away with a monetary prize of up to $10,000 plus an opportunity for financial advice from a Prudential Advisor.
Additional events include ¡Viva! Broadway® Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Broadway Sing-Alongs throughout the festival on the ‘Belt It Out On Broadway’ stage, Curtain Up After Dark events featuring Broadway Sings and Rockers On Broadway, Ailey’s Revelations dance workshop, multiple Dueling Piano events at the ‘Belt It Out on Broadway’ stage, Broadway Block Parties presented by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and more to be announced.
For more information and a full lineup, visit here.
Here Lies Love, the groundbreaking new musical from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, is pleased to announce a one-night-only post-show DJ set from Fatboy Slim immediately following the Thursday, August 31st performance at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street). Every audience member who purchases a ticket to that evening’s performance of Here Lies Love can remain for the post-show set; seated and standing patrons will remain in their ticketed locations, but everyone is invited to stand up and dance.
David Byrne said, “Working with Norm on Here Lies Love was a joy. This night will be something I can’t even imagine. If you’ve never seen his videos, watch them, the best ever.”
Here Lies Love co-producer DJ CherishTheLuv said, “This rare night on Broadway with Fatboy Slim is for the true party rockers and tastemakers. Whether I’m DJing for MTV or Fashion Week, it is the savviest folks in the crowd who tear up the floor when I drop Fatboy’s “Right Here, Right Now” and then request “that Christopher Walken song.” I’m excited to be transported back to some good times, REALLY good times, and make amazing new memories on a special night at Here Lies Love!”
Here Lies Love began previews Saturday, June 17 and opened to rave reviews on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
From David Byrne Academy Award®, Grammy® Award, and Tony Award® winner) and Fatboy Slim (Grammy Award winner), Here Lies Love is “a truly fabulous piece of visual theater with a soundscape more beautiful, more exciting and more surprising than any score on Broadway” (Chicago Tribune). This revolutionary new musical about former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ astonishing rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution, has been hailed as “a political chiller that’s also a red-hot adrenaline rush” (Ben Brantley) “that makes you believe you could dance all night” (The Washington Post).
From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, Here Lies Love has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 2014-2015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.
Developed and directed by Alex Timbers (Tony Award winner) and choreographed by Annie-B Parson (Olivier Award nominee), Here Lies Love is a “roof-raising, disco-infused extravaganza that turns the theatre into a dance floor with thrilling results” (The Guardian). Following sold-out, critically acclaimed runs at The Public Theater, London’s National Theatre, and Seattle Rep, “Here Lies love is the most entertaining new show on Broadway right now” (ABC7). Ticket buyers can experience this “undeniably enjoyable show” (New York Post) in two ways: seated or standing immersed within the action.
The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway: Arielle Jacobs (In The Heights, Aladdin, Between The Lines) as “Imelda Marcos,” Jose Llana (The King and I, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee) as “Ferdinand Marcos,” Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” The King and I, Soft Power – Grammy nominations) as “Ninoy Aquino,” Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, and Angelo Soriano.
Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga, a global Filipina legend, will also join the cast for a special guest engagement this summer, performing for five weeks from Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, August 13.
Creative Team
Here Lies Love is produced by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Clint Ramos, Jose Antonio Vargas, and Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer.
The creative team for Here Lies Love on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.
They are joined by Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Jo Koy, Apl.de.Ap/Tala Creative Live, Rob Laqui, Giselle “G” Töngi, Adam Hyndman, Eva LaBadie, Georgina Pazcoguin, Marikit Ventures/Miranda Gohh, DJ CherishTheLuv/Garcia At Rodis, Don Michael H. Mendoza/Lora Nicholas Olaes, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney/Jeremiah Abraham, No Guarantees, Yasuhiro Kawana, Elise K. Haas, Len Blavatnik, Warner Music Entertainment, Shira Friedman, James L. Nederlander/Independent Presenters Network, LaChanze, Wendy Federman/Suzanne Niedland, Katler-Solomon/Charlotte Cohn, Cathy Dantchik, Elizabeth Armstrong, John Gore Organization, The Shubert Organization, Hunter Arnold, Creative Partners Productions, Eastern Standard Time, Global Creatures, The Public Theater, Triptyk Studios, Iris Smith, Michael Robin Productions/Anastasia Muravyeva, Alexi Melvin/Beesham A. Seecharan, Andrew Diamond/Patrick Trettenero, Buzzy Geduld/Gilad Rogowsky, Craig Balsam/David Brendel, Sok Sabai Productions/Ride or Die Productions, Marco Santarelli/Das Ellman & Howe, Linden Delaney/Smigelrutter Fitviavi, and Laura Ivey/Janet Brenner.
Ticketing Information
Tickets are on sale now at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or at the Broadway Theatre box office (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street).
For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound.com or call 866-302-0995.
Rush tickets are available in-person at the Broadway Theatre box office on the day of the performance for $35 each. Tickets are limited to a maximum of 2 per person and are subject to availability.
Digital lottery entrants can register for the chance to purchase up to 2 tickets at $39 each. Entries for the Here Lies Love digital lottery start at 12 AM, one day before the performance, and winners are drawn the same day at 10 AM and 3 PM. Visit rush.telecharge.com for more information and to register. Drawings only appear when they are open for entries.
As colleges are preparing to welcome back students, the University at Albany is anticipating the music as its Department of Music and Theatre has announced its upcoming performances for the 2023-2024 season. The performances will begin on Sept. 19 and will take place at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center.
The Music and Theatre programs have prepared for a year jam-packed with incredible musical talent. The Music program itself will present twenty-three performances while the Theatre Program will prepare three full productions offering five to six performances of each show plus its annual festival of new plays written and conducted by students.
Tickets for all shows are now available for purchase here.
Full 2023-2024 Schedule
Viva Mexico
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz celebrates the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month performing a recital featuring music by Mexican composers.
Tangos & More
Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz marks the ending of Hispanic Heritage Month performing a recital featuring dance-inspired music from the Americas.
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
• Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 8 pm
• Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 8 pm
• Friday, October 20, 2023, at 3 pm
• Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2 pm & 8 pm
• Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 3 pm
This poetic drama, about the choices in the life of a young artist, made the yet-unknown playwright an overnight sensation. It’s an American classic: envisioned for our world today and our unique theatre in the round.
UAlbany Symphony Orchestra & Concert Band
Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 1 pm and Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Two of the University’s large ensembles present a shared program.
The Choral Hour
Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 3 pm and Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 3 pm
The UAlbany Chamber Singers and Community Chorale perform separately and combined in a program of music from a wide array of styles and cultures.
Senior Recital
Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 7 pm
This program of guitar music features solo classical pieces as well as jazz ensemble selections arranged by Sam Piazza.
Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage
• Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8 pm
• Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 8 pm
• Friday, November 17, 2023, at 3 pm
• Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2 pm & 8 pm
• Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 2 pm
The most produced play in America in 2022, this comedy, by the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Sweat and Intimate Apparel, is set in the kitchen of a truck stop where the art of making a sandwich is perfected by a group of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Bach to Broadway
Friday, November 17, 2023, at 7:30 pm
Students in the vocal program perform staged versions of classical and contemporary song repertoire.
Miolina: The Dueling Violinists
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 4 pm
Mioi Takeda and Lynn Bechtold perform music for two violins by contemporary composers including Capital District composers Hilary Tann, Max Lifchitz, and Rain Worthington.
Student Recitals
Friday, December 1, 2023, and Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 6 pm
A host of performers showcase their vocal and instrumental talents as part of their departmental studies.
Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 3 pm
Music Program ensembles (Chorale, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra) are joined by student groups (Serendipity, Pitch Please) for a concert celebrating the season.
UAlbany Percussion Ensemble & Jazz Band
Monday, December 4, 2023, at 7 pm
Two of the University’s large ensembles present a shared program.
American Romantics
Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz performs piano music by American composers.
Albagli & Friends
Friday, February 16, 2024, at 7 pm
Faculty member Richard Albagli and his top students perform a percussion recital.
“To Refresh Their Spirits” – Keyboard Music of Bach and Handel
Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Pianist Kuok-Wai Lio presents two great works side by side: the Handel Chaconne in G Major, HWV435, and Bach’s Goldberg Variations, BWV 988.
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
• Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 8 pm
• Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 8 pm
• Friday, March 8, 2024, at 3 pm
• Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2 pm & 8 pm
• Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 pm
Unfolding with music and merriment, a nearly all-female cast of players takes on Shakespeare’s classic comedy about the politics of empowerment and who wears the pants when two fabulously headstrong individuals fall in love.
Festival of Contemporary Music
Monday, March 11, 2024, at 7 pm
This concert of percussion music features four ensembles.
Music by Women Composers
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7 pm
Pianist Max Lifchitz marks Women’s History Month by performing music by women composers.
Fresh Acts
• Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 8 pm
• Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 8 pm
• Friday, April 12, 2024, at 3 pm
• Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2 pm & 8 pm
This spring festival of brand-new plays is written, directed, and performed by students, the future of American theatre.
Showcase Concert
Friday, April 12, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Vocal students complete their study of the operatic and oratorio repertoire with this staged production.
Youth Movements XVI
Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 3 pm
The annual festival includes musicians of all ages from around the Capital Region.
UAlbany Jazz Band
Monday, April 22, 2024, at 8 pm
Directed by Keith Pray, this student and community ensemble presents a concert featuring classic and contemporary jazz.
UAlbany Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 3 pm
With conductor Christopher David Neubert, this large ensemble performs works representing outstanding repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Sound of the Trumpets, The Roar of the Drums
Monday, April 29, 2024, at 7 pm
The UAlbany Concert Band and UAlbany Percussion Ensemble present a shared program.
Midnight Theatre will celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary by welcoming in Freestyle+ on Aug. 17. Recognized as New York’s premier Hip-Hop improv group, Freestyle+ is set to pay homage to the genre’s fundamentals. The performance will incorporate elements of “MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and Knowledge.” Audience members will even have the opportunity to join the cast in a show-closing cypher.
Brett Beyer Photography
Anthony Veneziale, Chris Sullivan, and Andrew Bancroft, members of the Tony Award-winning production Freestyle Love Supreme, established the FLS Academy in 2018. The academy looks to foster diverse and creative voices through freestyle rap. Freestyle+ was born out of the organization and looks to fuse influences of Broadway and hip-hop culture. This month’s cast features legend Dizzy Senze, Broadway’s Aneesa Folds, and Rich Midway. They will also be joined by two-time world champion beatboxer Kaila Mullady, improv whiz Steph Rae, and DJ Gedun.
We believe everyone should be empowered to build resilience in their minds, confidence in their voice, and communities where they feel seen.
-Freestyle+
Midnight Theatre is a unique and intimate performance theater located in Manhattan. The 150-seat venue acts as both a versatile space for shows and an entertainment industry hub. Previous acts include Shoshana Bean, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Marano, and Raye. Midnight Theatre is also a culinary destination thanks to the venue’s pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Hidden Leaf.
Freestyle+ Celebrates Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday is on Aug. 17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale here.
National Black Theatre (NBT) recently announced that it would be joining the production team for the revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. The venture marks the second consecutive season that NBT will be on Broadway, following its acclaimed production of Fat Ham. Previews will begin on Sept. 7 and opening is set for Sept. 27 at The Music Box Theatre.
Jonathan McCrory, Leslie Odom Jr., Sade Lythcott (Credit: Jennifer Broski/Broadway World)
Artist Dr. Barbara Ann Teer founded National Black Theater in 1968. Recognized as the longest-running Black theatre in New York City, NBT has received Tony and Emmy nominations. The organization aims to produce powerful works of theatre that “shift the inaccuracies around African Americans’ cultural identity by telling authentic stories of Black lives.” NBT also serves as a space for learning, using arts to educate and empower those in the community. Based in Harlem, the Theatre is set to undergo a capital redevelopment project that will transform the space “into a 21st-century destination for Black culture.”
We are delighted to welcome the venerated National Black Theatre, under the leadership of Sade Lythcott and Jonathan McCrory, to the producing team of Purlie Victorious. Their participation and input into the production seems especially appropriate, since both the play and National Black Theatre… emerged in the 1960’s, during a period of intense social upheaval and cultural reexamination.
Producers Jeffrey Richards and Irene Gandy
Legendary playwright, actor, and activist Ossie Davis originally penned Purlie Victorious. The comedy details the story of a Black preacher returning to his small hometown in Georgia. Based in the era of Jim Crow, the preacher looks to save the community’s church and free the cotton pickers working on a nearby plantation. The play premiered on Broadway in 1961 and initally featured actors Alan Alda, Godfrey Cambridge, Sorrell Booke and Beah Richards. For its 100th performance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the company and celebrated the milestone with them.
Kenny Leon will direct the latest rendition of the iconic play. Actors Leslie Odom Jr, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, Noah Pyzik, Noah Robbins, and many more set to star Purlie Victorious. The performance will also feature contributions from Tony Award winner Derek McLane who will be responsible for scenic design.
United in vision and intention, it is a privilege to partner with National Black Theatre on the revival of Purlie Victorious. Creativity, ingenuity, resources, and a touch of class—our room is better for having them in it!
Leslie Odom Jr.
NBT is led by CEO Sade Lythcott and Executive Artistic Director Jonathan McCrory. The group hosts more than 90,000 visitors annually and has produced over 300 original works.
Tickets are on sale here. Call 212-239-6200 or in person at The Music Theatre box office. Here for more details and information.
