La Mirada And Upright Cabaret Present One Night Only Concert 4/18

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & UPRIGHT CABARET are thrilled to announce the performers for their third spectacular UPRIGHT CABARET experience at the NEW Cabaret Lounge at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Jake Simpson, Leslie Odom, Jr. and a special appearance by Grammy nominated /multiplatinum artist Taylor Dayne will be performing their own selections while highlighting the music of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, under the musical direction of Chris Bratten, in a one night only concert - MOTOR CITY on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 8PM.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Taylor Dayne has been one of the most recognizable and beloved personalities in pop music for the past 20 years. With 17 Top-10 Hits including "Tell It to My Heart," "I'll Be Your Shelter," and "Love Will Lead You Back," Taylor Dayne stands out as one of music's most dynamic artists. Her versatile and powerful voice has gained recognition in multiple genres from pop and dance, to rock and adult contemporary; earning her three Grammy Nominations, and numerous multi-platinum and gold selling albums. She has sold out two world tours and successfully appeared in numerous film, television, and stage roles including Elton John and Tim Rice's Tony Award Winning Musical "Aida" in 2001.

Leslie Odom, Jr Spent 3 seasons as fingerprint specialist Joseph Kayle on the hit CBS drama "CSI: Miami" and was one of the stars of the Fox pilot "Supreme Courtships." Other television credits include guest and recurring roles on "Grey's Anatomy," "Vanished," "Gilmore Girls," "Big Day," "Threshold," "The Big House," and "The Bill Engvall Show." Leslie recently wrapped production in Europe on the George Lucas film "Red Tails." The film recounts the story behind the perfect record of legendary WWII heroes, The Tuskegee Airmen. Odom stars alongside Terrance Howard, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Nate Parker, and R&B singer Ne-yo to name a few. On Broadway Leslie is still the youngest to ever appear in the record breaking Rent. He was a 17 year old High School Senior when he went into the show. West Coast Theater credits include the world premiere of Jersey Boys at the La Jolla Playhouse, Once on this Island with Reprise, The Soul of Rogers at Ebony Repertory Theater, Sondheim's 75th at the Hollywood Bowl, and a reading of David Mamet's Keep Your Pantheon directed by Mr. Mamet. Back east Odom starred in the world premiere Sondheim review Being Alive at Westport Country Playhouse and The Philadelphia Theater Company. The historical show featured an all African-American cast with arrangements by Michael McElroy, James Sampliner, and the incomparable Billy Porter. Leslie graduated from Carnegie Mellon University's prestigious School of Drama with honors and is a Princess Grace Award winner for Acting.

Jake Simpson twice (2003 and 2004) won the top honors in the Adult Singer category on CBS-TV's "Star Search" with his powerful high tenor voice and three-octave range. Growing up in Crocker, Missouri, making music has been one of the most important driving forces in Jake's life. His sound has been influenced by Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, Donny Hathaway, and the classic style of Sam Cooke. One of the highlights of Jake's life was when he was invited to perform on"The Oprah Winfrey Show." The show, which first aired on June 8, 2004, was one of Oprah's favorites, as she surprised Jake by bringing out his idol, the legendary Stevie Wonder, to duet with Jake on Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely." The surprise thrilled Oprah so much that she included it on her 20th anniversary DVD box-set. In 2006, Jake produced and recorded an all new CD, the holiday themed "Star of Wonder." To bring his holiday music to the masses, Jake then went on to a holiday tour with pianist, Jim Brickman. The concert tour received rave reviews, and Jake specifically being singled out for his "blue-eyed soul" and his "Amen"-inducing rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful." Since then, Jake has gone on to write, produce, and record a brand new album of his very own! The CD prophetically entitled "My Song" has garnered positive reviews and is gaining radio airplay throughout the U.S. and Europe. In 2008, Jake recorded vocals with American Idol Finalist, David Archuletta on Archuletta's new album due to released in November 2008. Recently in 2009, Jake has recorded various tracks with Desmond Child for Adam Lambert, another American Idol. Check out all of Jake's new music at www.cdbaby.com and www.itunes.com.

Christopher Lloyd BRATTEN (Musical Director) is a graduate of the Musicians Institute of Hollywood . Originally from California (via the Midwest ...), he started playing at the age of 12. His first experiences as a performer were on stage in numerous musicals and plays. After moving (back) to California in 2001, he began working more off stage as an accompanist and music director. He has been the resident MD at the Ventura Court Theatre for six years (productions include Cabaret, Little Shop Of Horrors, and an original adaptation of the movie Sideways with music by Christopher and lyrics by his sister, Melessa). Since joining Upright in 2007, he's had the pleasure of working with countless Broadway/film/TV stars (Neil Patrick Harris, Tracie Thoms, Michael Urie, Jai Rodriguez, Alan Thicke, Shoshana Bean). In addition to music directing, Chris also teaches piano and voice, and he is a singer-songwriter. His music can be heard at www.myspace.com/stealingfire.

ABOUT THE "UPRIGHT CABARET" SERIES

This brand new series performs the first Sunday night of each of La Mirada Theatre's mainstage productions as UPRIGHT CABARET, the pre-eminent Los Angeles hot spot for the next generation of world-class entertainers, brings its unique brand of cabaret entertainment to La Mirada! With celebrities in attendance, Upright Cabaret has become a hip and contemporary social swirl of young Broadway and Hollywood, performing with a level of excellence, authenticity and intimacy that brings the crowds back time after time. Upright Cabaret boasts one of the most extensive and diverse rosters of talent in the country. Broadway divas, talented troubadours, cabaret legends, Hollywood notables, pop sensations and many future sensations have all found their way to the Upright stage. Upright is taking their brand of new generation cabaret to La Mirada with the 'American Icons Series'. Four rising stars of stage and screen will pay homage to musical idols like Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell in a Cabaret Lounge created in the La Mirada Theatre lobby. Their soulful interpretations of American classics will change the way you think about cabaret.

THE FIRST SEASON'S UPCOMING SHOWS INCLUDE:

MOTOR CITY • April 18, 2010 • 8PM
Music of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson

THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI • June 6, 2010 • 8PM
Music of Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley and Prince

COUNTRY ROADS • July 11, 2010 • 8PM
Music of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash

Ticket prices for UPRIGHT CABARET Single Shows $45 / $30; Series Price $38 / $25 per show. Tickets to these extraordinary shows are now available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, Parking is free.

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