 "Photo: Courtesy Photo")
Backstage there is hustle and bustle. In the dressing room, girls powder their noses and warm up their vocals, while the gentlemen put their neckties in place. The show will soon begin, and the pressure to impress is at its highest. The cast is about to perform a collage the biggest hits of the past century in Broadway theatre for an audience with high expectations.
In late March, this will be the scene occurring at A&M. Composer Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway is the No. 1 Broadway touring concert in the U.S. and is in the middle of a 120-city tour.
The renowned lyricist and composer said the criteria in choosing the cast was demanding - every member starred in at least one Broadway show. Berg’s goal was to create a conglomeration of their theatre experiences to bring plenty of flavors to his original concept and a chance for Broadway stars to recreate favorite moments in Broadway history.
Berg said the audience can expect a comfortable setting with phenomenal talent.
“[It will be] like they’re sitting in my living room for a big party, and some friends drop by to sing, who just happen to be the best singers on the planet,” he said.
He said that the production is not dull; in fact, it puts a spin on the major musical numbers theater enthusiasts know and love. Berg’s vision was to highlight legendary composers such as Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cole Porter as well as include key songs from an array of shows, going back 100 years.
Recognizable songs in the show range from Phantom of the Opera’s “Think Of Me,” “Something’s Coming” from classic West Side Story, and “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz to newer hits” like Grease’s “Summer Nights” and “Seasons of Love” from Rent.
Berg said the audience is consistently responsive to his song choices.
“A crowd favorite is “Gethsemene,” the show-stopping rock song from Jesus Christ Superstar, sung by the actor who really played Jesus on Broadway,” he said.
A unique opportunity for the audience to be involved in the show includes auditions for the chance to sing with the Broadway stars for up to two winners and 10 runner-ups.
“Right now we are focused on getting the word out about the auditions for people to sing with the Broadway stars, since the deadline is Friday,” said MSC OPAS publicity agent Craig Boleman.
Singers can upload an audition video clip singing any Broadway hit to Myspace, YouTube or Facebook, where a panel of judges, including the show’s composer, will decide who will win the chance to take center stage with five Broadway stars and the New York Band, plus plenty of tickets for friends and family members.
“I am impressed with Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway for giving young adult singers the chance to live for a moment like a Broadway star,” said Jennifer Keith, a freshman communication major. “While I will not be auditioning, I think this competition proves to support young singers’ ambitions to set high goals and to improve in singing.”
Berg said the show is for all audiences — theater scholars and students of other disciplines.
“As a college student, you will learn more about musical theatre in one night that you’ve learned in your whole life, without being bored,” he said. “I pride myself on getting people who never thought they would like musicals to come up to me after the show and say that rocked. We play Broadway with the aggressions of a rock band.”
Cast members hope to attract audiences from all backgrounds.
“I help spread the music I love, so hopefully that can keep it alive.”
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