College of Fine Arts and Design

January 31, 2012

The University of Central Oklahoma's Broadway Tonight series will present accomplished actor, singer and dancer, Linda Purl in concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 in Central's Mitchell Hall Theater.

Purl, most recognized for her role as Charlene Matlock from the series, "Matlock" and as Ashley Pfister, Fonzie's fiancé, from "Happy Days," will take the stage as a soulful chanteuse for the evening. Her sultry voice and charming manner will take the audience back in time with famous tunes such as "Spring Again," "This Time Tomorrow," and "Come Rain or Come Shine," among others.

"Linda Purl has a unique gift in her ability to connect with truth as well as entertain. I have observed her on stage and I have seen her on screen and it's a soulful, intimate experience. I can't wait for our community to experience her magic," said Greg White, producer of UCO's Broadway Tonight series.

Purl began her career in theatre in Japan as a child and is the only foreigner to have trained at the Toho Geino Academy in Japan.  She continued her studies with The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, as well as the Neighborhood Playhouse and Lee Strasberg Institute, both in New York City.  She has starred in over 40 television movies and currently is seen in recurring roles on the television shows "The Office" and "Lie to Me."

Purl's feature film credits include Disney's "Mighty Joe Young, "The Walking Major," "Crazy Mama" and "Leo and Loree." Purl has also appeared in various Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.  Most notably, she appeared in the Tony Award-nominated production of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Purl's theatrical expertise will directly impact UCO music theatre students. During her visit to Central she will conduct a master class where she will work with Central students giving them valuable information and direction about their careers in theatre.

Tickets are $25 for the public and $15 for students with a UCO student I.D. and can be purchased by calling the UCO Mitchell Hall Theater box office at (405) 974-3375.   For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design's events and performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.