The Musical Theater Project to Present BERNSTEIN ON BROADWAY, 3/5-6

The Musical Theater Project will produce "Bernstein on Broadway" for two performances on Saturday, March 5 (7pm) and Sunday, March 6 (2pm) in Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Leonard Bernstein (1918-90) has been hailed as "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history." His career spanned five decades with one foot in the concert hall and the other in the theater. As a composer for Broadway, his musicals include the scores for On the Town, Candide and 1957's landmark West Side Story, with lyrics by the 26-year-old Stephen Sondheim.

TMTP's concert will combine live performance with dozens of rare still images and video clips, showcasing Bernstein's finest theater songs and exploring the man behind the music.

The concert will be co-hosted by TMTP artistic director Bill Rudman and associate artistic director Nancy Maier, and the songs will be performed by three vocalists: local favorite Sheri Gross, Baldwin Wallace University faculty member Benjamin Czarnota, and BWU music theater student Sara Masterson. Cleveland composer Ty Alan Emerson has arranged the music for a seven-piece chamber ensemble.

Says Rudman: "What's so inspirational about Leonard Bernstein, beyond the power of his genius, is his commitment to making great music for all of us to enjoy - music that blends so called 'popular' and 'classical' forms in adventurous ways. He was a musical evangelist, and his work for the theater is as thrilling as what he composed for the concert hall."

Music director Nancy Maier added, "It's so exciting to sing music and lyrics filled with

such deep sentiment, beauty and lyricism. Our three vocalists are perfectly cast for this repertoire."

Cleveland Institute of Music is located at 11021 East Boulevard in University Circle. General tickets are priced at $30. Tickets are available through TMTP's Box Office at (216) 245-8687.

"Bernstein on Broadway" is presented as part of "The Song Is You!" concert and cabaret season produced each year by The Musical Theater Project at a variety of locations.

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