Broadway Stars Headed This Way

By Nancy Pardue

Broadway’s best will soon shine on a Wake County stage, as three of theater’s most beloved vocalists perform in one-night-only, full-length solo concerts at Garner Historic Auditorium.

Launching the series will be the renowned J. Mark McVey, who has performed the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables 2,000-plus times, more than any other performer in the world; tours as preferred soloist with famed Broadway composer Marvin Hamlisch’ and has performed with the North Carolina Symphony.

Performing favorite Broadway numbers, holiday classics and inspirational songs, McVey’s concert is planned for Saturday, Dec. 4.

The second concert in the series, on March 4, 2011, will feature Stephanie J. Block, best known as Elpheba from the Broadway hit Wicked. Block won the 2006 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress for that role, and is considered one of the best voices appearing onstage. Her credits include lead roles in The Pirate Queen, The Boy From Oz, South Pacific and Funny Girl.

The final concert in the Broadway Voices series will take place on May 7, 2011, featuring nationally renowned talent Craig Schulman. Schulman has performed the lead in three of Broadway’s most demanding roles: Valjean, the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, and the dual leads in Jekyll and Hyde.

Tickets for the Broadway Voices series are $50 each and are available through Nov. 1. After Nov. 1, single-concert tickets will also be offered, at $20 each.

For ticket information, call the Garner Chamber of Commerce at (919) 772-6440.

For more information on the Broadway Voices performers, visit www.jmarkmcvey.com, www.stephaniejblock.com and www.craigschulman.com.