Lynn University's BFA Program Reveals Student Cast In THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Lynn University's College of Arts and Sciences today revealed the student cast of the first performance by its new Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in drama program. The B.F.A. in drama is the most prestigious undergraduate degree available for theater students. Lynn's program offers students concentrated theatrical training that prepares them to work professionally in theater, movies and musicals. The program's first production is next week.

Oct. 17-19

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

• Wednesday: 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 p.m.

This is a big year for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lynn. The Oscar, Emmy and Tony Award-winning composer turns 70, as the Lynn drama program launches its new B.F.A. The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber includes some of the greatest songs from popular musicals like Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, and more. Lynn's production will feature songs in their original context with costumes and sets to match, backed by a 12-piece orchestra comprised entirely by Lynn Conservatory students.

Audiences will watch Eva Peron change from a poor "descamisado" into the richest and most powerful leader of Argentina. Norma Desmond will visit the Hollywood sound stage in her triumphant return to the silver screen. Joseph will be falsely imprisoned and then released by a remarkably Elvis-like Pharaoh. Grizabella the Glamour Cat will be reborn once more as she ascends to the Heaviside Layer. And Christine will be lured by the Phantom into his underground lair and will escape into the arms of Raoul as the songs progress. Andrew Lloyd Webber fans will revel in their memories of seeing the full productions, and those new to his music will be inspired to see more in the future.

The show's international cast of Lynn students includes:

• Braden Alexander, freshman, B.F.A. student from Wellington, Florida
• Daniela Barbar, freshman, B.F.A. student from Miami, Florida
• Aurora Colamonici, freshman, B.F.A. student from Rome, Italy
• Laura Cozine, freshman, B.F.A. student from Ramsey, New Jersey
• CristaMarie DeVito, sophomore, B.F.A. student from New York, New York
• Kaitlyn Frame, graduate student from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Jonathan Hearn, oboist, graduate student from Nashville, Tennessee
• Esther Ortis, freshman, B.F.A. student from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
• Brie Ramirez, freshman, B.F.A. student from the Bronx, New York

This production is being directed Bruce Linser, Lynn's visiting professor of musical theatre. Paul Reekie is serving as music director, with choreography by Becky Timms.

Location: Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center

Tickets: $20 general admission

Under the direction of Katrina Carter-Tellison, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Adam Simpson, drama program coordinator, and professors Bruce Linser and Harry Murphy, students in Lynn's inaugural B.F.A. in drama program will present a variety of public performances during the academic year, including Clybourne Park (Dec. 5-7) and The Real Inspector Hound (Feb. 6-8), and participate in Lynn's eighth annual Celebration of the Arts on April 25-26.

How to purchase tickets to The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber:

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Lynn box office, located in the Wold at 3601 N. Military Trail, online at events.lynn.edu or by phone at +1 561-237-9000.

About Lynn University

Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida, with approximately 3,000 students from nearly 100 countries. U.S. News & World Report named it No. 1 in the region for most international students. Lynn's NCAA Division II Fighting Knights have won 24 national titles, its Conservatory of Music features a world-renowned faculty of performers and its nationally recognized Institute for Achievement and Learning empowers students with learning differences. The school's Dialogues curriculum and award-winning iPad program help Lynn graduates gain the intellectual flexibility and global experience to fulfill their potential in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit lynn.edu.

About the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University

The 750-seat Wold Performing Arts Center, located on Lynn's campus in the heart of Boca Raton, is easily accessible by both I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. Recently ranked by Best Value Schools, an online publication, as one of the "25 Most Amazing University Performing Arts Centers," the Wold features superb acoustics, a modern lighting system, a large, light-filled lobby and flexible space well-suited for dramatic productions, concerts and other cultural events. With an elegant salon, outdoor sunset terrace and intimate black-box studio, this new center is home to numerous concerts and events, including professional theatrical performances by the theater arts program's Libby Dodson's Live at Lynn Theatre Series, the Live at Lynn American Songbook Series and Jan McArt's New Play Reading Series, as well as performances from the Lynn University Conservatory of Music and the Drama Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, visit events.lynn.edu.