College of Fine Arts and Design

May 21, 2010

The University of Central Oklahoma's Broadway Tonight series, now celebrating its 13th season, recently announced its 2010-2011 schedule and return to UCO's Mitchell Hall Theater after the completion of the theater's renovations.

"We are ecstatic to return home to Edmond and to Mitchell Hall and feel we have the best ticket in town," UCO Broadway Tonight producer Greg White said.

"Our lineup, which we planned with our students and community in mind, includes a nine-time Tony Award-winner, one of Broadway's most recognizable voices, a show back by popular demand, an Oklahoma premiere, and a world premiere!"

The season lineup includes:  "Love Letters," Aug. 21; Andrea McArdle and Young Voices of Edmond, Aug. 27 and 28; Tommy Tune in "Steps in Time," Sept. 17; Neil Berg's "101 Years of Broadway," Jan. 21; "Flipside:  Patti Page, the Singing Rage," April 9 and April 10; and "The Great American Trailer Park Musical, May 13-22.

"Love Letters," stars film and stage star Betsy Palmer and Broadway Tonight director Jon Finch who bring A.R. Gurney's Pulitzer Prize nominated drama to life.  The play centers on star-crossed lovers who sit side by side at a table, reading notes and letters they sent to each other over fifty years, discussing their hopes, dreams, and disappointments.

McArdle, famous for her alto range, strong vocal belt, and role as Broadway's original "Annie," performs a cabaret-style concert with Young Voices of Edmond.  Her repertoire will include the popular song "Tomorrow" from "Annie."

One of the highlights of the season is the presence of Broadway's nine-time Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune, who headlines his current act, "Steps In Time," a journey of his brilliant career.  Joining Tune are the energetic, jazzy Manhattan Rhythm Kings.

Last year's Broadway Tonight audience raved about Neil Berg's "100 Years of Broadway," so the decision was made to bring it back updated as "101 Years of Broadway."  The show highlights five Broadway stars, all former major Broadway characters, who perform a medley of 50 great Broadway tunes.

"Flipside: Patti Page, the Singing Rage," pays tribute in this world premiere to Oklahoma's infamous singer, Patti Page, in a musical play directed by White. The performance will feature Page's popular songs including "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" "Mockin' Bird Hill," "Old Cape Cod," "I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine," and her hit song, "The Tennessee Waltz."

The final act of the season is a co-production by Broadway Tonight, UCO's Music Theatre, and CityRep Theatre, "The Great American Trailer Park Musical." The irreverent musical and Oklahoma premiere stars "Three's Company's" Joyce DeWitt with an ensemble who manage to blend trailer trash with sentimentality, pop culture, and over-the-top dancing.

"If the 'Jerry Springer' show was a musical, this would be it!" White said.

The series' performances were scheduled much of the last three years at Rose State Performing Arts Theater. Following UCO Mitchell Hall Theater's recent renovation, the shows have been able to come back to Edmond.

For season tickets, call Janice Ford in UCO's Broadway Tonight office at (405) 974-2609.  Single tickets go on sale July 15.