Story Photos
 Carter Calvert and Rita Harvey are among Broadway singers who will perform at the Columbia Theatre on Nov. 17. Courtesy photo
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Local singers will vie for spot in Broadway performance
Thursday, October 9, 2008 4:23 PM PDT
By Tom Paulu
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Columbia Theatre is a lot closer to Longview’s Broadway than the one in New York. But several local singers will be able to rub shoulders and blend harmonies with stars from that other Broadway during a performance Oct. 17.
One winning warbler will be chosen to sing a solo during “Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway,” and four runners-up will perform in the group’s chorus. The show is a return visit for Berg’s troupe, which performed at the CTPA almost exactly one year before their upcoming concert date.
Berg, the show’s producer, has composed for several Broadway musicals, including the new stage version of “Grumpy Old Men.”
He also assembles casts of established Broadway singers who are between shows and takes them on the road.
“We have five of Broadway’s current great stars,” Berg said. “The talent level is as good at it can be.”
Three of the singers who were here last year — Rita Harvey, Carter Calvert and Danny Zolli — are returning in this year’s group. New to the troupe are Erick Buckley, billed as the first person in the world to sing both the roles of Marius and Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables,” and Charles Bergell, another veteran of Les Mis.
The concert next month will feature songs from such favorites as “Phantom of the Opera”, “Miserables”, “Fiddler on The Roof” and “Cats.”
During the finale, “Seasons of Change” from the musical “Rent,” the contest winner will sing “a short solo” and runners-up will be in the chorus.
Contest entrants must be at least 15 years old and must submit 90-120 second videos of themselves singing a Broadway show tune to myspace or YouTube by 5 p.m. Monday.
Berg said it’s not just for young people — one runneup in another location was in his 50s.
Everyone who auditions will get a 15 percent discount on tickets.
Contest rules are available at the Columbia Theatre office at 1538 Commerce Ave., or at www.singingwiththebroadwaystars.com
If you go
“Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Columbia Theatre. Tickets cost $20-$44, with student/senior/group discounts. Tickets are available online at www.columbiatheatre.com or by calling 575-8499 or (888) 575-8499.
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