Expect to experience the best of all theatrical worlds at the John W. Engeman Theater’s upcoming Broadway Concert Series on Saturday, May 11. And if you have never attended one of these concerts, it is an evening you won’t soon forget.
According to the theater’s casting director, Stephen DeAngelis, who hosts and produces the series, the seed for the series was planted when Broadway stars performed to rave reviews at the theater’s grand opening gala in June 2007.
The idea evolved from there and it’s become customary to have concert series between shows ever since, Mr. DeAngelis said. The talent has been stellar. “We’ve had 143 different performers in the series whose credits include Tony Awards, Tony Award nominations, Drama Desk Awards and Drama Desk nominations,” Mr. DeAngelis indicated, adding that theatergoers can expect the same quality performances this time around.
“It’s a lightning in a bottle moment. Each of the performers has his own style and is known and recognized for certain roles,” Mr. DeAngelis said, adding that the synergy of having such a wealth of talent together at one time is simply magical.
By evening’s end, the audience will feel that they know these Broadway stars both as people and performers because they share anecdotes and personal stories between songs. “It is the intimacy of the venue that allows that to happen,” said Mr. DeAngelis, adding that the best elements of theater meld with the intimacy of a cabaret performance.
As a final perk, audience members can interact with actors in the lounge at the conclusion of the concert. “It’s a total experience, very immersive,” Mr. DeAngelis concluded.
Theatergoers can expect to be wowed by accompanist, Eugene Gwozdz, known as “the one man virtual orchestra.” “He is a tremendous musician and instrumentalist. He plays so fully, he is the orchestra. He is brilliant,” Mr. DeAngelis said of the renowned pianist.
There’s an element of discovery for the audience in that the song selection is not provided in advance. “The performers explain their choices,” said Mr. DeAngelis of the intoxicating mix of the familiar and the unexpected, humorous and poignant songs that will be featured.
Performing on May 11 will be stars from The Book of Mormon, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Evita, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof, Sister Act, Caroline or Change and more. Anthony Crivello, Randy Graff, Alan H. Green, Rory O’Malley and Tonya Pinkins will each take center stage.
The multiple award-winning actor Anthony Crivello has just returned to New York from Las Vegas where he played the title role in Phantom of the Opera more than 1000 times. He is also known for his Broadway roles in Kiss of the Spider Woman, for which he brought home a Tony Award, Golden Boy, and Evita. The inside scoop is that he will most definitely regale the audience with Phantom’s “Music of the Night” and “Marta,” the ballad from Kiss of the Spider Woman, Mr. DeAngelis said.
Seeing Anthony Crivello perform without his Phantom mask will be a special treat for the audience who will “see the emotions going on for the singer,” Mr. DeAngelis explained.
The concert kicks off at 8 pm. The Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main Street, Northport. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by calling 261-2900 or visiting www.engemantheater.com.
