MUSICALS OF THE 1950S Kicks Off Broadway Songbook Series at the Ordway, Now thru 10/20

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts opens its 2013-2014 Broadway Songbook series with "Musicals of the 1950s" tonight, Oct. 17, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee shows Oct. 19 and 20 at 2:00 p.m.

The Songbook team serenades the audience with an intimate, personal look into the stories behind the songs that created Broadway. Seated under the glow of the stage lights and inches away from the performers, this season the audience will have an intimate view of the writers, producers and actors who created the greatest musicals of all time - from the stage. This weekend features musicals from the 1950s and the golden era that created the classics we still love today.

The series, which debuted during the Ordway's 2011-2012 Season, breathes fresh life into beloved songs from Broadway, making every show a warm, humorous and moving portrait of musical theater legends. Conceived and directed by the Ordway's Vice President of Theatrical Programming, James A. Rocco, each Broadway Songbook program features a dynamic mix of composer life stories, discussion of what made their work so extraordinary and performances by an ensemble of renowned artists from the Twin Cities musical theater, jazz and cabaret scenes.

"We're glad to continue this special tradition at the Ordway," said Rocco. "This season, we're thrilled about this new opportunity for our audience to join us on the actual stage!"

Audiences will get to witness performances from the entire decade of hit musicals ranging from Guys and Dolls, Gypsy, Damn Yankees, The Music Man to The King and I. Professional Twin Cities-based actors and actresses, who have toured the world, provide an unforgettable theatrical experience. They'll bring you back to a time where musical comedies were perfected by sharing demonstrations and anecdotes from various performances throughout the '50s. This remarkable cast includes Kersten Rodeau, Joel Listman, Dan Beckmann, Wes Mouri, Jennifer Baldwin, and Sara Ochs.

The Broadway Songbook series will continue in 2014 from January 3-5 with "George Gershwin" and conclude in June 13-15 with "Comden and Green."

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also serves as authorizer for the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

Broadway Songbook Series
"Musicals of the 1950s"

October 17-20, 2013

Tickets start at $37 including fees

Performance Dates:
October 17 at 7:30 p.m.

October 19 at 2:00 p.m.

October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

October 20 at 2:00 p.m.

October 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

345 Washington Street

Saint Paul, MN 55102

Ordway Theater

Ticket Office: 651.224.4222

Groups: 651.282.3111

ordway.org