Shrader Heads to 'Corner of Bway and Swing' in NC

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy will open its final show of the 2006 summer season with an original concert that includes Broadway's Jennifer Shrader (Beauty and the Beast, Swing!) in the spotlight. Shrader and Sinatra-style crooner Les Lankhorst will star in Meet Me on the Corner of Broadway and Swing from August 16th through 27th.

The show is under the musical direction and arrangement of Kelsey Halbert. Last year, Halbert took on the same duties during the Hot Summer Nights season ender concert starring Broadway couple Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell.

Meet Me on the Corner of Broadway and Swing will include a selection of songs from Broadway to jazz to swing, all of which have been performed by both artists in the past. The song list features: "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Mack the Knife," "Come Fly with Me," "World on a String," "Fever," "It Had to Be You," "Beauty and the Beast," "Zing Went the Strings," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and many more.

In addition to Halbert (Musical Director/Arrangement), the band consists of Mike Kris (trombone), Michael Mole (Trumpet), Steve Rose (saxophone), Carlton Miles (drums), and Damon Brown (bass). The production team consists of Denise Schumaker (Production Stage Manager), Curtis Jones (Technical Director, Lighting and Set Designer), and Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer). Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy is produced by father and son team K.D. Kennedy, Jr. (Executive Producer) and Michael Kennedy (Managing Producer).

"Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy is a professional theatre company whose mission is to serve the citizens of Raleigh, Wake County and Eastern Carolina by 'keeping the lights on' and producing professional theatrical performances in the Kennedy Theatre at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts the summer. Hot Summer Nights goal is to produce great shows that are varied in type, attitude and scope and employ actor, stage crew and staff of all ages, races and creed from North Carolina and Broadway. Hot Summer Nights will use our resources to nourish, celebrate and employ many theatrical groups, colleges, charities and citizens and support and assist the City of Raleigh with entertainment needs," according to Hot Summer Nights notes. Shows presented this summer included Oleanna, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Songs for a New World and Forever Plaid.

The show will include ten performances that run August 16-27, 2006 at 8pm (Wednesdays-Saturdays) and 3pm (Sundays) at the Kennedy Theatre in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC. A number of discounts are available during the run.

Tickets are $25 (Wed-Sat) and Sundays are "Pay What You Want Day" with a $10 minimum. Additionally, groups of 10 or more can attend performances for $17.50 and student groups of 10 or more can see the show for only $15! To order tickets call 919-834-4000, go to www.ticketmaster.com, the Progress Energy Center Box Office or any Hecht's Department Store in the Raleigh area. Visit the theatre's website at www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.