Asolo Rep Presnets THE BEST OF BROADWAY, 2/14

A Tale of Two Cities and Les Misérables "Sweethearts," Barbra Russell and Ron Sharpe, return to Sarasota's Asolo Rep for a special concert. Florida audiences will remember the couple as the dedicated producers of A Tale of Two Cities, the hit musical that went on to Broadway after its World Premiere Asolo Rep production in 2007.

The Best of Broadway concert takes place on Valentine's Day; Monday, February 14, 2011, at 8 p.m., in Asolo Rep's romantic Mertz Theatre, the same theatre where A Tale of Two Cities captivated audiences and broke box office records for Sarasota. A special post-show, private champagne reception with the artists may be added to the concert ticket, making this a unique Valentine's Day gift package.

A superb Broadway duo, Barbra Russell and Ron Sharpe met and fell in love while performing as Marius and Cosette in Les Misérables. Sharpe is currently in the cast of the 25^th anniversary US tour of Les Misérables playing Jean Valjean, the role he played in the show on Broadway from 2000-2003. The couple is joined by special guests, including their own talented children, to perform an intimate evening of some of the most romantic songs ever written. Though the program list is not final, the performers hinted at a song selection including:

Concert tickets range from $40 to $60 per person, and are available through the Asolo Rep box office in person, by phone at 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388, or online at AsoloRep.org.

The Valentine's Day Package includes a ticket to the performance and a lavish champagne, cordials and choco-licious gourmet deserts private reception with the artists following the show, all for just $75 per person. The menu includes desert drinks like Irish Coffee, Cappuccino Kiss, and Chocolate Whisper; and seductive sweets such as Chocolate Ganache truffles, Chocolate Hearts, Bananas Foster Crepes, Cream Stuffed Strawberries, Plum Tartlets, Port Poached Pears, and many other decadent deserts catered by Gordon's Gourmet. For reception reservations, please call Carole Goff at 941-351-9010 ext. 4714.

Barbra Russell and Ron Sharpe served as the Executive Producers of the Broadway Musical A Tale of Two Cities, and for the International Cast Recording and the TV show, A Tale of Two Cities in Concert filmed in both London and Paris featuring narration by Michael York. They also were Producers for the Broadway Musical A Catered Affair with Harry Fierstein, Faith Prince, and Tom Wopat. As performers they met while Cosette performing and Marius in Les Misérables, where Ron also played Jean Valjean on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War, and Disney's King David. Television appearances include The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Tony Awards, MTV, and The US Open, among others. They conceived, produced, and performed on the CD Sweethearts, the music of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy and produced the concept recording of A Tale of Two Cities. Worldwide and US concerts include a performance for the President of the United States command performances for the President of and Prime Minister of Singapore, performances at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland. Ron is currently touring the US in the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables playing the role of Jean Valjean. Barbra and Ron would like to thank the other performers tonight who have added their time and talent to this wonderful evening, and to Asolo Repertory Theatre Management and the Board for their help in bringing A Tale of Two Cities to Broadway in 2008, Japan in 2013, and across America in regional Theater Productions -- with a national tour in the near future!

Dennis Connors is thrilled to be performing in this concert with Barbra Russell and Ron Sharpe. Dennis is no stranger to the stage, as he has previously performed in over 30 shows including three years with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the State Theatre in NJ. Past roles include Stuart Little (Stuart Little), Ripper (High School Musical), Miles Gloriosus (Forum), and Roger (Grease). Dennis would like to thank Barbra and Ron for their instruction and support over the years, and for this great opportunity to perform at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Break legs to the cast of the show!

Emily Ezzo is a 15-year old high school student residing in central New Jersey where she regularly performs with New Jersey Repertory Theatre. She has appeared at local and regional theatres including Villagers Theatre, State Theatre, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. Some of Emily's favorite roles are  Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast), Bonnie (Anything Goes), and Dorothy (Wizard of Oz).

Donn Lamkin While this may be Donn Lamkin's first appearance with Asolo Repertory Theatre, he is no stranger to theater and the entertainment world. Donn is in his 22nd year as an Equity actor for Walt Disney World Entertainment performing various shows throughout its theme parks. Most notable, he is the familiar voice one may hear in the parks for parades, attractions, and firework shows. He took part in the cast of A Tale of Two Cities production out of London for PBS stations in the U.S. Most recently he was seen in the sequel, Mean Girls 2 on ABC Family as Sydney Hanover, the wealthy infomercial king. He also appeared in the feature film, The Men Who Stare at Goats. Donn has created a 13 piece concert band celebrating the music of Neil Diamond, called Diamond Rocks! and has toured this popular concert in cities across the U.S. Tonight he joins this cast at Asolo Rep to feature Diamond's songwriting and music as the show begins its journey Broadway.

Logan Sharpe At eight years old Logan is already the veteran of the stage. He has performed in Footloose the Musical, Oliver, The Best of Broadway as well as Gavorche in Les Misérables. He recently was up for the role of Gavorche in the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour and is on the short list to join the show! He has been studying acting and singing for the past couple years and also enjoys playing Basketball, Baseball, and Violin. Logan is a 3rd grade student was recently chosen to help co-Direct the 2nd grade play! He is really excited to perform for you tonight, and then go to Disney World in the morning.

Samantha Sharpe is 15 and has been performing for the past seven years. She performed live with Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah at the US Open Tennis tournament and has recorded numerous commercials including Macy's, Autoland, Saturn cars among others. Samantha performed in numerous musicals including Seussical the Musical, Oliver; Blood Brothers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Anything Goes, and the role of Cosette in Les Misérables, a part that her mother played with the Broadway Company. She directed the musical Beauty and the Beast, and performed at the NY Athletic Club for a charity dedicated to physically challenged children.  She can be heard on The Sesame Street Songs where she was soloist on six tunes and also on the original concept CD of A Tale of Two Cities as little Lucy. She hopes to continue singing and performing on stage and is so happy to debut with Asolo Repertory Theatre 

John Watson (Pianist) For over a decade, John Watson has been musically directing shows in NY and NJ. Some samples of his musical direction repertoire include Charlie Brown (revised), Lippa's Wild Party, Parade, Last 5 Years, Songs for a New World, West Side Story, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. John is a proud graduate of William Paterson University where he obtained his BM in Music Education with specialties in piano, voice, and brass. He is currently the Upper School Music Director at The Peck School where he teaches Chorus and General Music for grades 5-8. When he's not conducting, playing or teaching, John enjoys flying small airplanes and performing close-up magic.

Andre Williams is very excited to be performing at Asolo Repertory Theatre in the Sweethearts Concert with Barbra Russell and Ron Sharpe. Andre has been a part of many shows including  The Wizard of Oz (Farmer #1), Fiddler on the Roof (Lazar Wolf), South Pacific (Professor), Copacabana (Willy the Waiter), Dames at Sea (Lucky), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Bellboy), The Best of Broadway (Soloist), Mandate for Murder (Phillip Obermeier) and he was a part of the Central Jersey premiere of 13! The Musical (Richie). Andre also enjoys to directing. He has written, directed, and played in A Memorable Christmas (Walsh). This summer, Andre will also be directing Hairspray the Musical! Andre would like to thank Barbra and Ron for this amazing opportunity. To everyone else performing, Break a Leg!

Daniel Zorovich is privileged to have been a cast member of the NY readings for the Broadway musical A Tale of Two Cities as well as singing on the International Cast Recording. Some previous parts include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Tinman in The Wiz, Sir Evelyn in Anything Goes, Troy Bolton in High School Musical, Minstrel in Once Upon A Mattress, and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Danzorovich.com

ASOLO REP EXTRAS is a series of special engagement performances offered by Asolo Rep as individual shows. The 2010-2011 season is already filled with ambitious productions that will be developed and produced by Asolo Rep; and provide a rich, varied theatrical experience to audiences. Asolo Rep Extras has a different vibe, bringing in some very entertaining artists that appeal to an even wider audience, perhaps people who've never experienced theatre before. This kind of diversity and outreach is at the core of the Asolo Rep mission.

Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida's premier professional theatre and one of the most important cultural forces in the Southeastern United States. As a center for theatrical excellence, Asolo Rep crafts the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary and newly commissioned work all performed in the rarest form of rotating repertory. Featuring an accomplished resident company - complemented by distinguished guest artists - Asolo Rep offers audiences a unique and dynamic theatre experience. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, this world-class institution has taken bold steps toward the future, building landmark partnerships and collaborations which will add to its success for generations to come.

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