Broadway and Beyond - A Musical Revue

Broadway and Beyond is a musical Revue that highlights popular Broadway songs from major Broadway composers. It’s a celebration and tribute to Stephen Schwartz, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Adults and Children will be performing song and dance musical acts from Pippin, Wicked, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Gypsy, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Into the Woods. This production offers something for everyone, drama, musical comedy and uplifting ballad songs all accompanied by a live band. This is truly an American Theater celebration.

“It’s like a highlight reel of some of the most favored musical numbers from classic Broadway hits delivered by area talent,” said Nancy Suwalski, Cultural Arts Supervisor for the Des Plaines Park District. “Broadway and Beyond will showcase classic Broadway favorites as well as showcase some very talented performers,” Suwalski added. The show will feature nine-year-old Catherine Minogue who will be singing a surprise hit from Gypsy, Fiona Hastings, age eight, performing Maybe from Annie and Zoe Schmidt singing Popular from the popular musical Wicked. Chicago talent James Dauphin will be performing several numbers along with Anne Arza, Caryl Davidson, and Allison Fradkin.

A two-piece band provides music, with Charles Worth on piano and Nathan Lane playing drums. Broadway and Beyond is directed by Kedrick Parnam. Parnam has been a part of the Des Plaines Park District’s music and theater programs for several years. Musical Supervisor for the production is Charles Worth. Worth is also a Musical Director at Second City in Chicago.

At the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines: August 7 & 8, Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets on sale at Prairie Lakes Community Center or online, www.DPParks.org: General admission: $8; Seniors (62+), Military, and Children (2-17): $5, and Groups (15 or more): $5 each. For more information call 847-391-5711 or visit www.DPParks.org.

Photo: 1 Caption: Group pose from South Pacific’s popular song, I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa My Hair at Footlighters Theatre Company’s production of Broadway and Beyond, August 7 & 8 at the Prairie Lakes Theatre.

Photo: 2 Caption: Anne Arza, Caryl Davidson, Allison Fradkin, and Zoe Schmidt rehearse I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair from the musical, South Pacific.

Photo: 3 Caption: Powerful voices come together in the Footlighters Theatre Company’s production of Broadway and Beyond, August 7 & 8 at the Prairie Lakes Theater.

Photo: 4 Caption: Pianist, Charles Worth and drummer, Nathan Lane will provide live music for the Footlighters Theatre Company’s production of Broadway and Beyond, August 7 & 8 at the Prairie Lakes Theatre.