BWW Special Feature: SRO to present, 'A Lovely Night' Cabaret Fundraiser Starring Real-Life Couple Liz Wheeler and Joe Bishara

Local theater company SRO, a semi-professional theater company that offers main-stage productions and touring shows, as well as outreach and educational programs, will present its fundraiser performance of "A Lovely Night " in a one-night only engagement at 8 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the Van Fleet Theatre, Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave.

It is only fitting that two CPAC mainstays, and popular SRO performers, Liz Wheeler and Joe Bishara are its headliners. Not only have they appeared in many SRO shows, and both are currently well-known figures in the CATCO theater organization, but for Wheeler and Bishara, SRO holds special significance. "We met at the theater four years ago during the production of "A Grand Night for Singing". We actually sang , "A Lovely Night" to each other in the review, and so that fits." Bishara said.

Bishara and Wheeler embrace their shared SRO history as not only part of their respective professional resumes, but find the timing of the benefit particularly endearing as they recently celebrated their engagement. "We get to take a trip down memory lane for ourselves as well", chuckled Bishara. The two are incredibly talented performers in their own rights, having recently appeared in the sold-out, extended run of CATCO's "Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits: Vol. 1" together, and the chance to see their real-life banter merged with some of their tremendously good vocal performances will undoubtedly be a complete treat.

Bishara commented, "We will be performing a couple of numbers from "A Grand Night for Singing", "A Lovely Night" , a fun, jazzy rendition of "Honey Bun", a couple of numbers from "Follies", a couple of numbers from "Chess", as well as a few sneak peeks into SRO's 2013-14 season, with numbers from "The Sound of Music", and a number from "Next to Normal", plus some fun, audience participation surprises."

SRO prides itself on intergenerational shows and casting, and the fundraiser concert is no exception. Bishara stated, "Ages 10 and up, this will be completely appropriate for, so it can be an enjoyable event for all." Pre-ordered tickets, available through www.srotheatre.org , cost $20. Admission at the door is $25. With proceeds directly supporting SRO's upcoming season.

Be sure to join Liz Wheeler and Joe Bishara as they present what will undoubtedly be "A Lovely Night" SRO Fundraiser at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2013, in the Van Fleet Theatre, Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215. www.srotheatre.org

Photos provided courtesy of SRO