SCERA's 5th Annual NIGHT OF BROADWAY to Run 1/30-2/3

The fabled musical composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein will be honored when SCERA presents its fifth annual Night of Broadway January 30-February 3.

In an evening that focuses entirely on the vocal talents of some of Utah's finest singers, Broadway selections ranging from classic and beloved hits to accomplished but perhaps lesser-known shows will be highlighted. The highlights, according to director Shawn Mortensen, should be the finale, when the entire cast will come together to present a medley of beloved Rodgers of Hammerstein classics including selections from "South Pacific," "Sound of Music," "Cinderella" and "Oklahoma!" The show will open with a group rendition "Do Re Mi" from "The Sound of Music."

A Night of Broadway is scheduled Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1 and 3 at 7 p.m. All seats are reserved and tickets at $10 for adults and $8 for children (age 3-11), seniors (age 65+) and students (w/ID) are available from 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm at the SCERA Center for the Arts, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, online at www.scera.org or at the door 30 minutes prior to the show.

"This showtunes concert has become a popular January tradition at SCERA," says Mortensen. "It provides a showcase for some exceptionally talented people who may not have the time commitment for a show on our season but who, nevertheless, have talents they would like to share. This year, as always, I was blown away by the talent I saw at auditions."

Most of the performers are new to the SCERA stage, which also pleases Mortensen. "I love giving opportunities to as many people as possible, and seeing the immense talent pool in the area never fails to impress me."

Featured numbers offer an impressive range of musicals that have opened on the Great White Way: "Jekyll & Hyde," "Secret Garden," "Hairspray," "The Last 5 Years," "The Little Mermaid," "The Addams Family," "Once Upon a Mattress," "Chess," "She Loves Me," "Miss Saigon," "Brooklyn," "Phantom of the Opera," "Funny Girl" and "Pajama Game."

"I was especially pleased to see couples audition and we selected three for the show," Mortensen says. "Chad and Tina Mortensen met at SCERA when we did 'Children of Eden.' Brian and Kelsey Thacker both appeared in 'Scarlet Pimpernel,' and the third duo is Bryan and Shaylia Johnson. Fifteen other vocalists were selected for the concert.

"We had so many talented performers, we could have put together a three-and-a-half hour show," Mortensen says. "But we've narrowed it down to the best, and have a 90-minute show filled with superb singers and fantastic music."

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