Concert Celebrates Musical Theatre

The Orchestra of Southern Utah and Southern Utah Chorale perform Celebrating Musical Theatre on Thursday, October 13 at 7:30 pm.  The concert, which opens the Orchestra’s 2011-2012 Concert Season: Musical Images, is set for the Heritage Theatre, 105 North 100 East in Cedar City.

This musical theatre extravaganza includes music from popular Broadway productions South Pacific, Les Miserables, Sound of Music, and Phantom of the Opera, as well as Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas with music by Danny Elfman.  

The Southern Utah Chorale, under the direction of OSU Chorale Director recently named Iron County Teacher of the Year Adrianne J. Tawa, joins the orchestra for this evening of musical entertainment. The Chorale has traditionally performed with the Orchestra for the annual Messiah Concert in December.  OSU is delighted to have the Chorale join them for the October 13 concert, as well.

“This is a fabulous and amazing opportunity for both the chorale and orchestra,” OSU President and musician Pete Akins said.  “We love the chorale.

Akins explained that the OSU wanted to perform with the chorale for more than just Messiah.  A concert showcasing musical theatre was the perfect opportunity for both the chorale and orchestra to perform some of their favorite pieces.

“Les Mis and Phantom have been my favorites for decades,” Akins commented. “I saw both when I was younger, but this is my first time performing them.”

Akins continued to say Les Mis, Phantom, and the classic musical theatre pieces like South Pacific are selections that audiences really enjoy.

“The music is powerful and entertaining,” commented OSU Assistant Conductor Gerald Rheault.  He is conducting the orchestra for the Celebrating Musical Theatre Concert. “It is music the audience can relate to.”

Rheault, who arranged two of the pieces for the October 13 concert, also stated that the combined choir and orchestra allows for greater expression and creates a culmination of all the aspects of music that the community enjoys so much. The musical selections are powerful and exciting.

Cedar High, Canyon View, and Parowan High School Musical Theatre Students also participate by previewing their upcoming musicals of Bye, Bye, Birdie, Fiddler on the Roof, and Sound of Music.

Concert tickets may be purchased for $10 adults and $5 for students (ages six and up); groups of six are $30 per concert.  Season tickets are available for only $40 each.  Tickets may be purchased at the Heritage Center Box Office and the Cedar Music Store.  Children over the age of six and welcome at all the concerts.  OSU requests that babies and children less than six years old not attend as evening concerts are recorded.

For more information, please visit www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org or call Sara Penny at (435) 586-2286.