On Saturday evening, March 1st at 7:30pm Pace University presented American Showstoppers, with the 13 piece Fred Barton Orchestra, AN EVENING OF JERRY HERMAN. The evening was directed and choreographed by Scott Thompson and produced, orchestrated and hosted by Fred Barton, and starred Klea Blackhurst, Toni DiBuono, Jeffry Denman, Tari Kelly, Damon Kirsche, Beth Leavel, Karen Murphy and the inimitable Lee Roy Reams. The cast also featured Lianne Marie Dobbs, AJ Hunsucker, Jesse Luttrell and the Scott Thompson dancers. Check out a look back at the evening below!
Most theatergoers when asked to name a Jerry Herman show immediately suggest Hello, Dolly!, Mame and maybe La Cage Aux Follies. All three musicals were represented in this evening. But to Fred Barton a show stopper isn't only in the most popular of musicals. Parade was Jerry Herman's 1960 off-Broadway revue that starred Charles Nelson Reilly and Dody Goodman. Three songs from Parade were performed including The Antique Man which Barton believes is one of Herman's best and which hasn't been performed in New York (and never orchestrated) since 1960.
The evening also showcased "Las Vegas", from Miss Spectacular, an unproduced musical intended to be the feature attraction at the Mirage in Las Vegas. When the hotel was sold, the project went into limbo, although a concept album was produced.
Photos by Kevin Yatarola
Jeffry Denman, Tari Kelly & Company
Damon Kirshe
Toni Di Buono
Toni Di Buono, Beth Leavel
Karen Murphy & Company
Beth Leavel & Company
Karen Murphy & Company
Karen Murphy, Beth Leavel & Company
Karen Murphy, Beth Leavel & Company
Tari Kelly & Company
Full Company
Videos