Photo Flash: The Broadway Boys in Westport
By: BWW News Desk May. 19, 2008
The Broadway Boys, six of the hottest male voices on Broadway, are returned to Westport Sunday night to perform in an all-new benefit concert to the delight of theatergoers all over Fairfield County.
This one-night-only concert in the Staples High School auditorium represented a rare opportunity to see and hear a "Dream Team" of Broadway talent in one room at the same time.The Broadway Boys performing on Sunday include Jesse Nager ("Mary Poppins"), Daniel Torres ("The Pirate Queen"), Peter Matthew Smith ("Hairspray"), Maurice Murphy ("...Spelling Bee"), Danny Calvert ("Altar Boyz") and Lucas Steele ("Threepenny Opera"). The concert was directed by Billy Porter.This upcoming appearance will bring to the Staples High School stage a fresh new line-up of songs and material directed by Broadway veteran performer and recording artist Billy Porter, complete with props, choreography and even some rap. Musical direction is by Justin Paul, a Staples H.S. '03 alum.Founded by artistic director Jesse Nager, the group of tenors performs hit Broadway standards in a contemporary style. Intricate harmonies and soul/gospel/jazz-infused arrangements are their trademark. The Boys are backed by Paul and The Broadway Boys Band.
Musical Director Paul sees The Broadway Boys as a musical group aimed at embracing all musical styles. "We're reaching out to the next generation, and always striving to be innovative in our arrangements and performances."The evening featured Broadway Boys classics, such as "Defying Gravity" from the Tony Award winning musical "Wicked" and timeless favorites like "Lullaby of Broadway." Special guest Natalie Weiss!
Sunday's special concert benefited A Better Chance of Westport (ABC) and Staples Players, Westport's award-winning high school theater group.A Better Chance of Westport (ABC) is an organization that gives motivated students of color from educationally under-served areas a "better chance" by providing for a high school experience at Staples. This special concert will also help fuel Staples Players in their long tradition – and virtually self-funded mission - to bring theater excellence to the community.
Currently, several of Westport's ABC scholars are also members of Staples Players, helping to make this event especially meaningful to both organizations.
Sunday's special concert benefited A Better Chance of Westport (ABC) and Staples Players, Westport's award-winning high school theater group.A Better Chance of Westport (ABC) is an organization that gives motivated students of color from educationally under-served areas a "better chance" by providing for a high school experience at Staples. This special concert will also help fuel Staples Players in their long tradition – and virtually self-funded mission - to bring theater excellence to the community.
The Broadway Boys and Natalie Weiss
Natalie Weiss
Natalie Weiss
Natalie Weiss
Student officers of Staples Players
Daniel Torres, Danny Calvert, and Jesse Nager
Photos by Kerry Long.(www.kerrylong.com)
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