Betty Buckley to Perform Tunes from GHOSTLIGHT at NJPAC This September

Betty Buckley, who has been called "The Voice of Broadway," is one of theater's most respected and legendary leading ladies. For her NJPAC performances on Saturday, September 17 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., Buckley will feature songs from her new album, Ghostlight.

The multitalented Betty Buckley is an acclaimed actress and singer who won a Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, in Andrew Lloyd Webber's mega-hit Cats. The Washington Post praised her legendary performance, "No one will ever erase the memory, it seems, of Betty Buckley's chills-raising rendition of 'Memory,' in her standard-setting Broadway turn as Grizabella many moons ago." Currently, Buckley plays Edith in the musical adaptation of Grey Gardens at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. The New York Times raves, "It is masterly, and it is why you will emerge from the theater shaken but grateful, wishing only that there were more of Ms. Buckley in the show." She has also received a Tony Award nomination for Triumph of Love, and an Olivier Award nomination for her performance in the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber'sSunset Boulevard, which she repeated on Broadway. Her other Broadway credits include 1776,Pippin, Song And Dance, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Carrie. Ms. Buckley was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2012.

She has received two Emmy nominations for her work in television and two Grammy nominations for her recordings. Her latest album, Ghostlight, was produced by recording legend (and childhood friend) T Bone Burnett, with instrumental backing from guitarist Bill Frisell, drummer Matt Betton, bassist David Piltch and violinist Charlie Bisharat. When Buckley and Burnett were both 19 years old, living in Fort Worth, Texas, they began making music together; on Ghostlight, these two friends and talents created an atmosphere that takes us to another time and place. Buckley says, "I love this record. It's a dreamscape, and is true, I feel, to the essence of who I am as an artist, singer and storyteller. It is so precious to me, and I've been looking for the perfect moment to take it to its audience."

Buckley also boasts a long and illustrious film and television career working with directors such as M. Night Shyamalan, Brian de Palma, Roman Polanski and Woody Allen, and appearing on TV in the series OZ on HBO and four season as Abby on Eight is Enough.

Buckley will be joined at NJPAC by renowned jazz pianist Christian Jacob, her longtime Musical Director and arranger.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States and is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey - where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state's and the world's best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors (including over 1.5 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. NJPAC is a proud partner of Newark Celebration 350.

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