September 2, 2010

$15 Orchestra Seating / FREE Mezzanine & Lawn Seating (Tickets not required for free seating.)

Free seating sponsored by The Wortham Foundation.

Gates: 7 p.m.

Preferred parking for this event is available at all Ticketmaster locations for $5 plus service charge.

Broadway Superstars Perform with the Houston Symphony

The Pavilion lights up under the stars with show-stopping numbers from the latest generation of Broadway musicals such as Wicked and Mamma Mia. This concert will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles. Selections from such high-energy shows as The Lion King and Hairspray take audience members on a musical journey down modern-day Broadway.

Joining the Houston Symphony is the Gay Men's Chorus of Houston under the direction of Linus Lerner, as well as several Broadway stars performing the roles for which they are famous.

Brooklyn-born actress Capathia Jenkins made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, creating the role of Harriet Jackson. She has starred in the Off-Broadway revival of Godspell; her rendition of “Turn Back, O Man” can be heard on the original cast recording. She was critically acclaimed in The Look of Love, and created the roles of The Washing Machine in Caroline, Or Change and Frieda May in Martin Short- Fame Becomes Me. She was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her role in (mis) Understanding Mammy-The Hattie McDaniel Story.

Hugh Panaro has played both Raoul and the Phantom in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera. Among others, he portrayed Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat, Marius in Les Miserables and the title role of the seductive vampire in Elton John’s Lestat. Panaro has participated in “Reprise!” concert performances of Call Me Madam, for which he received an Ovation nomination. He won the Barrymore Award for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.

Julia Murney last appeared on Broadway as Elphaba in Wicked, a role for which she received an Acclaim Award while on the national tour. Other New York credits include Lennon, Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (Drama Desk nomination), A Class Act, Saved, Crimes of the Heart, First Lady Suite and Time and Again (Lucille Lortel nomination).

Robert Evan has appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables, Jekyll & Hyde and Little Shop of Horrors. Off-Broadway, he created the roles of The Dancin’ Kid in Johnny Guitar and Miles Hendon in The Prince and the Pauper. A member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, he can be heard on many of the group’s recordings. Evan also frequently tours with Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, is lead vocalist for The Dream Engine and performs with his progressive rock band, Menrva Realm.

Pre-concert activities in the North Plaza sponsored by Fidelity Investments and Market Street-The Woodlands at 7 p.m.

Bring a picnic (no beverages).