Leslie Uggams Makes NJPAC Debut In UPTOWN DOWNTOWN 10/22

Leading lady Leslie Uggams will make her NJPAC debut this Saturday, Oct. 22nd with Uptown Downtown, an autobiographical performance that laces stories from her life with her unique, jazz-tinged take on American standards.

The Chase Room performance is part of NJPAC's cabaret series and is made possible by BNY Mellon Wealth Management, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Discover Jersey Arts and The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.

The 7 p.m. performance is SOLD OUT. Limited tickets are still available for the 9:30 p.m. performance and the ticket price includes a complimentary drink. Tickets range from $50-$70 and are available by telephone at 1-888-466-5722, at the NJPAC Box Office at One Center Street in downtown Newark, or at www.njpac.org.

In Uptown Downtown, Uggams is accompanied by a swinging eight-piece pop-jazz quintet and 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. "My Own Morning" and "Being Good" recall her Tony-winning performance in Hallelujah, Baby! in which she made her Broadway debut at the age of 24.

About the Artist: Leslie Uggams has had a long and distinguished career as a stage actress, concert performer and recording artist, but 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.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is the sixth largest performing arts center in the United States. As New Jersey's Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State's and the world's best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over 6 million visitors (more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit www.njpac.org for more information.

Programming has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

NJPAC is a wheelchair accessible facility and provides assistive services for patrons with disabilities. For more information, call 888-GO-NJPAC.

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