SRU offers Broadway with an Irish twist
SLIPPERY ROCK — “From Galway to Broadway” presents musical director and pianist Mark Hartman, Dublin-born tenor Ciarán Sheehan, “Phantom” veteran Kimilee Bryant and violinist Heather Martin Bixler in a performance at 7:30 p.m. March 18 in Miller Auditorium at Slippery Rock University.
The show features classics from the Emerald Isle, showstoppers from the Broadway stage and inspirational favorites.
The performance is the final show in SRU's 2010-11 Performing Arts Series.
Sheehan, born and reared in Dublin, was featured in the PBS presentation of “From Galway to Broadway.”
After making his Broadway debut in “Les Miserables,” he was cast as Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera.” After two years, he starred in the production's title role, which he performed more than 1,000 times.
Bryant is also a veteran of “Phantom,” having performed the role of Christine on Broadway and on the U.S. national tour.
Equally at home with opera and musical theater, she has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan productions in New York City and debuted at Lincoln Center as soloist for the National Chorale at Avery Fisher Hall.
Hartman, in addition to serving as music director of “Avenue Q” on Broadway, has worked on “Finian's Rainbow,” among many other projects.He has a long-standing relationship with the Irish Repertory Theatre, having served as music director and appearing in its production of “The Irish ... and How They Got That Way” and “The Streets of New York.”He plays keyboard, banjo, mandolin, accordion and Celtic harp, among other instruments.Bixler, a graduate of Juilliard, has played in Broadway shows, performed in a rock band and appeared in videos with Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Jewel and Donna Summer.She teaches and performs Irish music throughout the United States, Canada and Ireland.Tickets for the show are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and those 17 and younger, and $8 for SRU students. Tickets are available by calling 724-738-2018.Earlier in the day March 18, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Miller Auditorium, the cast members will speak at an open session.AVI Food Systems, the campus contract food vendor, is offering a preperformance dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the University Club at North Hall. Call 724-738-4245 for dinner reservations.
