D'Arcy James, Foa, Etc. to Take Part in Camp Broadway

Camp Broadway will kick off it's final 2006 New York City camp program next week and some of Broadway's biggest stars are taking part.  Camp Broadway begins Monday, August 7th and runs through Friday, August 11th.

"Camp Broadway presents its 11th season with an innovative and authentic theatrical experience specifically designed for theatre-loving kids," state press notes.  Brian D'Arcy James now starring in Dirty Rotten Scoundrelswill facilitate Camp Broadway's "Salute to Singin' and Dancin' Kids" at 11:30AM on Wednesday, August 9th at B.B. Kings. This gala luncheon provides the Camp Broadway participants an opportunity to learn about the business from those already working in it.. Also on the panel will be Trevor Braun who is currently playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast and Alex de Castro who plays Young Nala in Disney's The Lion King. Additional guests will be announced shortly.

As the Camp Broadway week ends on Friday August 11th, the kids will present their Family Finale starting at 3:00PM at the Haft Auditorium at FIT. Here, they perform the shows they have rehearsed through the week. Also, in keeping with Broadway tradition, the kids will participate in Camp Broadway's Gypsy Showcase. On the first day of Camp each group draws 2 popular musicals from a hat. With no professional assistance or direction, they take these two shows and create a 4 minute parody. The results are always surprising and hilarious. Broadway has always supported this program and serves as the Gypsy Showcase Awards Committee. This week is no different.  Georgia Engel (The Drowsy Chaperone),  Judy McLane (Mamma Mia!) David Garrison (Wicked) and Barrett Foa (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) will be among those taking part in the event.

Additional Broadway stars will be taking turns as instructors in Camp Broadway's Master Class. Currently confirmed are Robert Cuccioli (Jacques Brel, Jekyll and Hyde) who will teach a Master Class in Character Development through voice and movement; Patrick Wetzel (The Drowsy Chaperone) who will teach a Master Class in tap dance and Cindi Rush, an established casting director who will teach about Audition Techniques.

The public and the Broadway community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Family Finale on Friday August 11th. There is no charge. For more information on Camp Broadway visit www.campbroadway.com.