ANNOUNCING THE 2014-15 BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE PERFORMANCES Introducing the Next Generation of Theater Fans to Classics Broadway Musicals
Merkin Concert Hall’s Broadway Playhouse series introduces children age 4-11 to the masterpieces of American musical theater. Now in its 9th season, Broadway Playhouse has delighted both children and adults with playful presentations of musicals by Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Alan Menken and many others.
This season, children will discover classic shows by Charles Strouse (Annie), Meredith Willson (The Music Man) and Elton John (The Lion King). Kids will enjoy mini-musicals and medleys and participate in games and sing-alongs. Some will be called to the stage to play an orphan from Annie or a jungle animal from The Lion King! With Sean Hartley, host; Jihwan Kim, music director. Starring Jason Robinson, Martin Landry, Kathryn Markey & Gabrielle Stravelli.
2014-15 Performances:
Sunday, January 11, 2015, 11 am Broadway Playhouse: Charles Strouse You can bet your bottom dollar that this celebration of Annie composer Charles Strouse will inspire you to “put on a happy face.” A three-time Tony winner, Strouse wrote more than 30 musicals as well as chart- topping pop tunes and scores for Hollywood films. You’ll hear songs from Annie (1977) as well as the Elvis- inspired Bye, Bye Birdie (1960) and more!
Sunday, February 1, 2015, 11 am Broadway Playhouse: Meredith Willson What do rap, the Beatles and Pharrell Williams have in common? The Music Man! “Trouble” may be the world's first rap song (just ask Hugh Jackman). “Till There Was You” – the only Broadway tune the fab four ever recorded – was included on Meet the Beatles! “76 Trombones” parades through Pharrell Williams’ frequent use of marching band sounds in his music. Come learn about the legacy of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man and how it still influences music today.
Sunday, March 8, 2015, 11 am Broadway Playhouse: Elton John Broadway musicals are known for memorable songs that feature big production numbers with lots of glitz, glam and show-stopping moments. So it's no surprise that when one of rock music’s most entertaining and successful performers turned his attention to Broadway, the results were phenomenal. Join the as we explore Elton John's recipe for Great White Way success – inspirational stories that feature mega-watt style.
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Also at Merkin Concert Hall during the 2014-15 season: MUSICAL ADVENTURES WITH THE POPPY SEED PLAYERS Sundays, Dec 14, 2014, Mar 1 & 29, 2015, 11 am Musical Adventures with the Poppy Seed Players are the perfect way for families to celebrate the Jewish holidays and heritage together! Presented by Kaufman Music Center at Merkin Concert Hall, these hilarious musical plays tell the stories of Hanukkah, Purim and Passover. These joyful shows are created for children age 4-10, but adults will also love the catchy original songs and inventive skits. We guarantee you’ll leave singing!
Kaufman Music Center is New York's go-to place for music education and performance. It's where music lovers, from curious fans to renowned performers, come together to explore their musical passions. Founded in 1952 as a community music school, today’s Kaufman Music Center is one of the city’s most vibrant cultural organizations and home to Merkin Concert Hall; Lucy Moses School, New York's largest community arts school; and Special Music School, a groundbreaking K-12 public school for musically gifted children.
Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center 129 West 67th Street New York, NY 10023
Tickets at KaufmanMusicCenter.org/MCH or 212 501 3330. 3-concert Broadway Playhouse subscription: $50 Single tickets: $20
Press information Joan Jastrebski Communications Director 212 501 3386 [email protected]
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