Reagle Music Theatre Presents Leslie Uggams in Concert 10/16-17

The Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents Tony and Emmy Award winner Leslie Uggams in concert for two shows only October 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. The legendary actress and singer brings her acclaimed cabaret Uptown, Downtown to the Robinson Theatre in Waltham straight from a triumphant three-week engagement at the Café Carlyle in New York City. Stephen Holden, music critic for the New York Times, called Uggams "a show-biz trouper with sawdust in her blood" whose jazzy voice, "dazzling smile," and internal feistiness are reminiscent of an earlier musical giant, Lena Horne.

In her concert, accompanied by a swinging pop-jazz quintet, Uggams puts her own personal stamp on classic songs which mark milestones in her Uptown (Harlem) and Downtown (Broadway) careers. "Born in a Trunk" tells of her beginnings as a nine-year-old opening for greats like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. "If He Walked into My Life" recalls her two-year run in the hit musical revue Jerry's Girls based on the music of renowned composer Jerry Herman. Two numbers from Hallelujah, Baby! celebrate her Tony Award-winning Broadway debut at the age of 24.

Despite her long and distinguished career as a stage actress, concert performer and recording artist, Uggams is probably best known for her history-making role as Kizzy in the unforgettable television series, Alex Haley's "Roots." Gaining worldwide recognition as a dramatic actress as a result of her remarkable portrayal, Uggams earned the Critics Choice Award, an Emmy nomination, and a Golden Globe nomination. She later starred in the NBC miniseries "Backstairs at the White House" which is available on DVD.

Uggams hopes to bring Uptown, Downtown to Broadway in the near future. She also recently starred in the Broadway-bound Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Story at the Pasadena Playhouse in California.

Performances of Uptown, Downtown are Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.reaglemusictheatre.org, by calling 617-891-5600, or at the Box Office at the Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, Mass. For group rates call 781-894-2330.

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