Tony Nominee Keith Hermann to Debut Original Song at MPAC's Ribbon Cutting, 9/29

Tony-nominated composer Keith Hermann (Romance/Romance) will debut an original song inspired by the Mayo Performing Arts Center's 20th Anniversary at the Theatre's ribbon cutting ceremony on September 29 at 7pm.

The song, "It Feels Like Home," will be performed by the Theatre's Performing Arts Company, comprised of 21 young performers.

"It Feels Like Home" captures the essence of what the theatre means to so many people - the volunteers who rescued it 20 years ago, the patrons and supporters who sustain it year after year, and the children who are its future.

"Keith Herrmann did a fabulous job describing in music and lyrics what MPAC means to the community," said Allison Larena, President and CEO of the Mayo Performing Arts Center. "For many of us, MPAC truly feels like home."

Monday, September 29 is the official 20-year anniversary of the Theatre's first concert in 1994. In honor of that anniversary, MPAC will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 pm to celebrate the completion of the front of house renovations. Over $2 million was raised to improve the Theatre's main lobby. The event will honor the individuals and foundations that helped to fund the project. Started over a year ago, the front of house expansion includes the electronic marquee, the new box office, expanded restrooms, an elevator to the balcony and a refurbished lobby, complete with new concessions, lighting and carpeting.

Keith Herrmann is the composer of the Broadway musical ROMANCE/ROMANCE for which he received a Tony nomination and won an Outer Critics Circle Award. Mr. Herrmann was previously represented as composer, vocal arranger and musical supervisor of ONWARD VICTORIA, which ran both on and Off-Broadway. A longtime Broadway "resident", he was the musical conductor of CATS, and performed on its Grammy Award-winning cast album as pianist and synthesist. He serves as an instructor at MPAC's performing arts program. He will be honored at the upcoming Broadway Salutes celebration that recognizes working professionals for their long-term service to Broadway.

The Mayo Performing Arts Company is made up of 21 talented young musical theatre performers ages 13-18 who act as Ambassadors for MPAC and provide free entertainment for non-profit organizations, community events, hospitals and fundraisers throughout Northern New Jersey. Each performance is personalized to fit the needs of the organization. If you are interested in booking this exciting group, contact Cathy Roy at croy@mayoarts.org or 973-539-0345 ext 6527.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2014-2015 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

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