von Essen, Noll, Etc. to Go Classical for 'Bway High Note'

On Monday, November 13th at 7:30 pm, well-known Broadway performers and composers will reveal their classical chops in "Broadway High Note: Theater Stars Go Classical" at the Minetta Lane Theater in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City.  Proceeds from the one-night-only performance will benefit Greenwich House Music School's scholarships and music education outreach programs.

"An exciting roster of performers and composers will demonstrate their impressive musical talents when they hit the heights, singing songs from their classical repertoire," according to press materials.

At press time, the cast includes: Jennifer Hope Wills (Phantom of the Opera), Eddie Korbich (Drowsy Chaperone), Max von Essen (Dance of the Vampires), Jim Walton (Merrily We Roll Along), Nancy Anderson (Fanny Hill), Christiane Noll (Jekyll & Hyde), Glenn Seven Allen (The Light in the Piazza), Susan Powell (Sweeney Todd /NYC Opera, Miss America 1981), Michael Winther (Songs From An Unmade Bed), Ray Jaramillo McLeod (Wonderful Town), composer/performer Jeff Blumenkrantz (Tony nominee/Urban Cowboy), cellist Peter Sachon (The Light in the Piazza), Brian Childers (Danny and Sylvia; A Musical Love Story), composer Ben Moore (Bye Bye Broadway), Michael Slattery (Candide/London), and Ann Runolfsson (Victor/Victoria).  The cast is subject to change.

The evening will also include an aria by Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-winning composer of Wicked, Godspell and Pippin.  A highlight of the night will be two instrumental performances by young students of the Greenwich House Music School. 

The musical director for the show will be Cathy Venable, who was pianist for The Light in the Piazza, Wonderful Town, the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, the Tulsa Philharmonic and Light Opera of Oklahoma.  Directing the show will be Michael Schiralli (The Tragic And Horrible Life Of The Singing Nun, Jackie Hoffman: The Kvetching Continues). Jim Caruso (Cast Party, Broadway at Birdland) will oversee the event as producer, and Matt Berman (TD for Liza Minnelli, Bea Arthur) will serve technical director.

The ultimate goal for the benefit is to make $300,000 for Greenwich House over the next two years, which will be matched thanks to an endowment challenge grant from the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust.  Interest from the endowment will provide critical financial support for the School's scholarship fund and the music education outreach programs in New York City's public schools. The last benefit, "Avenue Q Swings!" raised over $100,000 for Greenwich House.

Since its creation in 1905, Greenwich House Music School has provided affordable music lessons and musical events for students and audiences of all ages.  A distinguished faculty teaches beginners as well as those who are returning to their musical studies, either as an avocation or with professional aspirations.  The School also continues the tradition of providing multiple concert series for the community.  In the Renee Weiler Concert Hall, you can hear classical music and opera as well as ethnic, jazz, contemporary and folk music.

Tickets go on sale starting October 1st.  Tickets are $75, and $150 tickets inlcude a VIP reception with the artists.  Call 212-242- 4770 or email: gharts@greenwichhouse.org for tickets.