'TOO HOT TO HANDEL' to Bring Powerhouse Production to the Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre Group announced today that a Memphis-produced engagement of Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah will play April 21-22, 2018, at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

Comprised of talented soloists and a local orchestra and choir, this powerhouse production will have a limited engagement of two performances. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 13 and choir auditions will be held in January.

"After producing this show in Detroit and Chicago, I am excited to bring this incredible show to Memphis," said Brett Batterson, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group. "This is Handel's Messiah like you have never experienced it before - you can't help but get out of your seat!"

This exuberant reinvention of George Frederic Handel's Messiah will have you rejoicing in the aisles. Join renowned soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson, plus legendary pianist Alvin Waddles, along with a symphony orchestra and a choir of more than 100 local members for this high-energy, feel-good production.

Dr. Leo Davis, Minister of Worship at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, will conduct the Too Hot to Handel choir of over 100 Mid-South vocalists. Public auditions will be held January 23-27, 2018 at the Halloran Centre, adjacent to the historic Orpheum Theatre. Stay tuned for more details at Orpheum-Memphis.com.

The conductor for Too Hot to Handel's 40-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble is Suzanne Mallare Acton, who serves as Artistic and Music Director of the Rackham Choir in Detroit, Mich., and Chorus Master for the Michigan Opera Theatre.

Originally conceived in 1992 by Music Director Marin Alsop and arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson, Too Hot to Handel first premiered at Lincoln Center with the Concordia Orchestra and the Morgan State Choir in 1993. There the show earned a reputation for its lively vocals and communal revelry.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, October 13th at 10am and will be available for purchase online at the official Orpheum Theatre website, orpheum-memphis.com, the Orpheum Box Office (901.525.3000), and Ticketmaster. Special group rates will also be available by calling 901.529.4226 or emailing groups@orpheum-memphis.com.

The mission of the Orpheum Theatre Group is to enhance the communities we serve by utilizing the performing arts to entertain, educate, and enlighten while preserving the historic Orpheum Theatre and the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.

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