College of Fine Arts and Design

April 13, 2011

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Broadway Tonight Series will present the Oklahoma premiere of “Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project” starring Mary Wilson of The Supremes at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19 at UCO’s Mitchell Hall Theater.           

“Stormy Weather,” based on Lena Horne’s biography with the same title, is a multi-media concert featuring narration by James Gavin, author of the biography, vocals by Mary Wilson and rare audio and video of Lena Horne herself.           

The show is a living, breathing biography of the beautiful Lena Horne, a pioneering star for African Americans in the 1940’s and 50’s.  She was a singer, actress, civil rights activist and dancer who won various awards for both her performances and engagement in civil rights.  Horne was the recipient of numerous Grammy Awards, Tony Awards and the NAACP Image Award, among others.           

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing James Gavin’s ‘Stormy Weather’ to UCO,” said Greg White, director of the Broadway Tonight Series and Central’s music theatre division.     

“This multi-media performance starring Mary Wilson gives us a true portrait of Lena Horne, an amazing talent and American Icon.  I am excited that we’ll have the opportunity to really see what inspired Lena and how she grew to fame,” he continued.

Tickets are $35 for orchestra seating, $30 for balcony seating and $15 for all seating for students with a UCO student I.D.  To purchase tickets, call the Mitchell Hall Theater box office at (405) 974-3375.

The event is a part of a week of activities celebrating the inauguration of Central’s 20th president, Don Betz, Ph.D., April 16-20.  To learn more about Central’s Inauguration Week, including the ceremony on April 20, visit http://inauguration.uco.edu.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design’s events and performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.