School of Theatre Arts To Open Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre

The School of Theatre Arts at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia will open the Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre at the Arts Bank Theatre with " Soiree Parisienne," a cabaret revue that will run from September 18 – 21, 2008.

This newly renovated intimate cabaret space is named in memory of Philadelphia native Laurie Beechman, a singer and actress who appeared in several major Broadway shows. Laurie received Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations for her performance in "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 1982; she also appeared as Grizabella in "Cats" and Fantine in "Les Miserables" on Broadway, and had the honor of singing at President Bill Clinton's 1997 Inauguration.  

"SOIREE PARISIENNE" features the talents of guest chanteuse Claudia Beechman, Laurie Beechman's sister and a singer well-known in the Philadelphia area for her performances of French chanson. Claudia has appeared at Act II Playhouse, Plays and Players, and Odette's in New Hope, and her distinctive performance style can be enjoyed on her two CDs, "Souvenirs de Paris" and "The Grand Legrand." Claudia also appeared with her sister on Laurie's CD, "No One Is Alone."

Joining Claudia will be Jamison Foreman, this year's recipient of the Laurie Beechman Memorial Scholarship, given annually to a distinguished senior in the Musical Theater Program at The University of the Arts. The three other students nominated for this year's Beechman Scholarship – Brad Greer, Kristen Norine and Janet Rowley – will appear in the program as well.   "Soiree Parisienne" is produced and directed by Charles Gilbert, interim director of the The University of the Arts School of Theater Arts, with music direction by Claudia's longtime accompanist, Tom Baust.

The Laurie Beechman Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 by Laurie's mother, Dolly Beechman Schnall, and her husband, Dr. Nathan Schnall, along with Laurie's sisters Claudia and Jane and their families and friends. The Beechman and Schnall families have been supporters of The University of the Arts and its Musical Theater program for the past decade, and their generosity played a major role in the renovation of the Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theater. Dr. and Mrs. Schnall will be in attendance when the theater is dedicated at the gala opening performance of "SOIREE PARISIENNE" on September 18.  A Philadelphia theater icon, Dolly is this year's recipient of a special Barrymore Award from the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia for her many contributions to Philadelphia theater community.

The Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre is a state–of-the-art cabaret performance space, with intimate seating and a modern décor. It will host a number of events throughout the calendar year, including The University of the Arts Musical Theatre Senior Cabaret in November 2008. The Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theatre is one of two newly inaugurated performance venues to the School of Theatre Arts: The Studio Theater in the Ronald and Ellen Caplan Center for the Performing Arts, located on the 16th floor of the Terra Building, was unveiled with the School of Theater Arts production of "Court Martial at Fort Devens" earlier this month.

The opening night of "SOIREE PARISIENNE" is sold out, but tickets for the other performances can be purchased online at https://uarts-theater.ticketleap.com. Reservations can be made by phone at 215-717-6499 or by email at sotatickets@uarts.edu. Performances will be Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, at 2 p.m. The Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theater is located in the Philadelphia Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.

The University of the Arts is the nation's first and only university dedicated to the visual, performing and communication arts. Its 2,300 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus in the heart of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. The institution's roots as a leader in educating creative individuals date back to 1868.

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