College of Fine Arts and Design

Sept. 17, 2012

The University of Central Oklahoma's Broadway Tonight Series will present Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley in a special concert titled "Ah Men!  The Boys of Broadway" at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22 at UCO's Mitchell Hall Theater.

"Ah Men!  The Boys of Broadway" features Buckley performing songs originally written for male musical theater characters that she always wanted to sing throughout her career on Broadway.  The show is presented in a cabaret-style arrangement, where Buckley shares insights from her personal journey with the audience.

Songs from "Ah Men!  The Boys of Broadway" include "Maria" from "West Side Story," "Corner of the Sky" from "Pippin," and "More I Cannot Wish You" from "Guys and Dolls," among many others.

Buckley was the first American to play the role of "Grizabella" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats" on Broadway, a role that won her a Tony Award.  She received a second Tony Award nomination for her performance as "Hesione" in "Triumph of Love."

Buckley's Broadway credits also include "1776," "Pippin," "Song and Dance," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," and "Carrie."  Her Off-Broadway credits are numerous.

"Betty Buckley defined an era as Broadway's leading lady in the 1980's and 1990's," said Greg White, director of UCO's Broadway Tonight Series."

"Ms. Buckley is dynamic and like nothing you've ever seen before.  Her performance alone will be an amazing learning experience for both our students and the community at large," he continued.               

In addition to Buckley's performance, the UCO Broadway Tonight 2012-2013 season will include special performances by Tom Wopat, best-known for playing "Luke Duke" in the "Dukes of Hazzard," Broadway's "Phantom" Franc D'Ambrosio, and world-renowned modern dance company Pilobolus.

During Buckley's visit she will lead a music theatre master class for Central music theatre students.

A reception is scheduled following the performance, offering audience members a chance to meet Buckley.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling the Mitchell Hall Theater box office at 405-974-3375.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances including Broadway Tonight Series performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.