The Smith Center Celebrates Five Years With Commemorative Anniversary Concert

Last night (March 7, 2017), The Smith Center for the Performing Arts celebrated its milestone Fifth Anniversary with a sold-out, commemorative concert featuring Broadway favorites, local talents and more. Emceed by Broadway veterans and stars of THE LAST FIVE YEARS Adam Kantor (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) and Betsy Wolfe (BULLETS OVER BROADWAY) each talked about the last five years at The Smith Center. Featured performers included Brent Barrett (PHANTOM - THE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR), Santino Fontana (CINDERELLA) and Jessica Fontana (IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL), Chandra Lee Schwartz (WICKED), Teller of Penn and Teller, Nate Dendy (THE TEMPEST), Christopher Convery (KINKY BOOTS), J. Elaine Marcos (MISS SAIGON), Christine Hudman (IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL), Ashley Loren (BAZ - STAR CROSSED LOVE), Randal Keith (LES MISERABLES), Bruce Ewing (PHANTOM - THE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR), Alex Ellis (IDAHO! THE COMEDY MUSICAL), Joan Sobel (PHANTOM - THE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR), and Nicole Pryor Dernersesian (PHANTOM - THE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR) presented under the musical direction of Keith Thompson. Additionally, Las Vegas favorite Clint Holmes joined GRAMMY® and Tony®-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn onstage for an unforgettable performance of "This Is the Moment."

During the performance, Chairman of the Board Don Snyder and Vice Chairman of the Board Dr. Keith Boman took the stage alongside The Smith Center's President and CEO, Myron Martin, for a special presentation announcing the re-naming of the Cabaret Jazz venue in honor of MR. Martin who was joined onstage by his daughter, Molly Martin, for the announcement.

The evening came to a close with a finale performance of "Take Care of This House" by Wolfe, who was joined onstage by the full cast of performers, which also included pianist Philip Fortenberry and members of Broadway In The H.O.O.D. Following the performance, in the lobby of Reynolds Hall, the audience toasted champagne and exchanged their favorite memories about The Smith Center over the past five years.

Photo Credit: Erik Kabik