Broadway goes British in the rousing final program of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s 2008–09 POPS season. On Saturday, May 16, Broadway luminaries Rob Evan, Capathia Jenkins, Doug LaBrecque and Christiane Noll join the NJSO, under the baton of Randall Craig Fleischer, to bring London’s West End and the Great White Way to NJPAC in Newark.
The musical magic of shows like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Cats takes center stage in a program that salutes British composers and musicals that have captured the hearts of London audiences. With grand showstoppers, intimate moments and everything in between, “Broadway Goes British” will deliver some of the best music the theater has to offer.
About the Music
Prolific composer Andrew Lloyd Weber gets multiple nods? the program kicks off with the overture from the Englishman’s Jesus Christ Superstar and features songs from Cats and Phantom of the Opera as well. On another end of the spectrum, the NJSO and its guests revisit “Pinball Wizard” from The Who’s smash rock opera, Tommy.
Sir Elton John’s rendering of The Lion King’s “Circle of Life” brought the Disney musical to a whole new audience, and NJSO attendees will hear its magic through the quartet of guest vocalists. “Broadway Goes British” also celebrates American musicals that have captivated theatergoers across the pond—shows like Hairspray, Jersey Boys and Rent have won much acclaim on British stages, and the NJSO salutes them as well.
About the Artists
RANDALL CRAIG FLEISCHER holds musicdirector positions with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and the Anchorage and Flagstaff Symphonies.
He has appeared with the Philharmonic Orchestras of Israel and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle Symphonies and New York City Opera, among others. In 1993, Fleischer conducted a private concert for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican? the Pontiff awarded him a medal for his achievements. As a composer, Fleischer is a national leader in symphonic rock and worldmusic fusion, working with artists like Blondie and John Cale. A passionate educator, he has coauthored instructional pieces with his wife, comedian Heidi Joyce.
He garnered Newsweek’s “Parent’s Choice Award” for his groundbreaking CDROM of Peter and the Wolf. ROB EVAN played the title roles in the original Broadway cast of Jekyll & Hyde? he currently stars in the show’s concert tour. His rendition of “This Is the Moment” has been performed for Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and at a Goodwill Games. Broadway credits include Les Miserables, Disney’s Tarzan and Little Shop of Horrors. Evan is a member of the platinum selling TransSiberian Orchestra, as well as The Dream Engine and progressive rock band Menrva Realm. He regularly stars in the touring production The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and in Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway. He produced and starred in the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids NY Benefit Concert of Chess. The MakeAWish Foundation has honored him for his charitable support.
Brooklyn born actress CAPATHIA JENKINS made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, creating the role of Harriett Jackson. She starred in the OffBroadway revival of Godspell, wowing audiences with her stirring rendition of “Turn Back, O Man.” Broadway credits include The Look of Love and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. She earned a 2007 Drama Desk Award nomination for the onewoman offBroadway show (mis)Understanding Mammy—The Hattie McDaniel Story. Acclaimed composer Louis Rosen has written for her? in 2006, the pair released “South Side Stories.”
She has performed at Joe’s Pub in New York and at the International Music Festival in Zimbabwe? this summer she appears with the Cleveland and Minnesota Orchestras and the National Symphony.
DOUG LABRECQUE has thrilled audiences as the Phantom and Raoul in the Harold Prince production of The Phantom of the Opera. He has performed on Broadway in Showboat and has toured nationally with Les Miserables. LaBrecque has been a soloist with orchestras worldwide, including the National and Chicago Symphonies, New York and Cincinnati Pops, Israel and Hong Kong Philharmonics and Shanghai Radio Orchestra. He sang 24 Christmas concerts opposite Sylvia McNair with the Indianapolis Symphony, and he has appeared at the Prague Festival. He has a solo album, “Opening Doors.”
New Jerseyraised actress CHRISTIANE NOLL has starred on Broadway and in national tours of such shows as Urinetown (Ovation Award), Jekyll & Hyde, Grease, Miss Saigon and City of Angels. She has been a soloist as part of Bravo Broadway with orchestras worldwide, including the National Symphony, Cincinnati Pops and Jerusalem Symphony.
Noll made her Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and her Hollywood Bowl debut with Julie Andrews. Opera credits include The Merry Widow with Placido Domingo and The Pirates of Penzance at Eugene Opera. Film credits include the animated feature The King & I. Solo recordings include “A Broadway Love Story,” “Live at the West Bank Cafe,” “The Ira Gershwin Album” and “My Personal Property.” -- www.njsymphony.org
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
