Northport Performing Arts Center Names Susan Egan to Board

The Northport Performing Arts Center (NPAC), a not-for-profit performing arts company with an objective to "bring Broadway closer to home," has named renowned theater, film and television performer Susan Egan to its esteemed advisory board. The advisory board includes prominent directors, choreographers and actors who join NPAC in its mission to create a thriving center for the arts by revitalizing and preserving the old Northport Movie Theater at 250 Main Street.

Eagan, a true triple threat, made her mark in theater, both on Broadway and in regional productions. Most recently, Egan starred in the title role of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and won critical acclaim as Sally Bowles in "Cabaret." She originated the role of Belle in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," which earned her nominations for both a Tony and Drama Desk Award. She has also performed in concert with dozens of symphony orchestras across the country, and just completed her third solo CD, "Coffee House" on LML Records. Egan has performed in numerous films and television roles. Most notably, Egan gave the sultry voice to Meg in Disney's "Hercules" and spent two seasons on the WB's "Nikki." A full list of credits, and photos, can be found on her web site, www.susanegan.net.

Egan, a Southern California native, attended the Orange County High School of the Arts and UCLA, where she received a Carol Burnett Award in Musical Theatre. In 2002-2003 she devoted a year away from her career to assume the position of interim Artistic Director of the Orange County High School of the Arts.

"The addition of an extraordinary performer such as Susan Egan to our advisory board attests to the commitment we have from the theatrical community," said NPAC founder Jerome Vivona. "Susan, along with all of our incredible board members, will help us reach our goal to bring high-caliber, performances and artistic educational opportunities to the Northport community and Long Island."

NPAC's advisory board also includes Tony Award winning theater and television stars John Lithgow and Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tony Award winning director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall, Tony Award winning choreographer Rob Ashford, Circle in the Square theater co-founder Emily Fabella Stevens, Tony Award winning choreographer Wayne Cilento, award-winning Broadway and film actress Marla Schaffel, choreographer/performer Phil LaDuca, Broadway actor Joe Machota, actor/director David Garrison, internationally-recognized dance educator Elsa Posey, Broadway actress Patricia Ben Peterson and attorney/Councilman Edward Ambrosino.

NPAC was founded by producer, director, choreographer Jerome Vivona, and other dedicated theatrical professionals, who wish to enrich the cultural and artistic enjoyment of Long Island theater audiences by bringing the Broadway experience closer to home. The goal is to reconfigure the existing Northport Movie Theater into a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art live performance facility, while maintaining its historic character. The center will house a professional acting company, an art gallery, facilities for screening major films, and a focused theatrical apprentice training program. A fundraising campaign to acquire the aging theater and complete the revitalization is ongoing, with numerous naming opportunities available. The goal to open NPAC by the fall of 2005 has the support of elected officials and residents who feel this extraordinary theater would be a boon to Northport and the Long Island economy. More information on NPAC can be found at www.northportpac.org.