New Year's Eve Concert Features Star Soloists

Are you still looking for something to do on New Year's Eve?

Well, if you like Broadway music, you're in luck. The  will be performing The Great American Songbook – a review of American musical theater classics featuring four nationally-renowned soloists.

"The concert has become a musical event eagerly anticipated by much of central New Jersey and has gained incredible momentum over recent years," said David Wroe, the Symphony's artistic director.

Soprano Michele Ragusa, who recently starred as Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein, Penny and Hope in Urinetown and Evelyn in Ragtime, will perform with the group.  The New Year's Eve celebration will also feature the husband and wife duo of Gary Mauer and Elizabeth Southard who recently starred together in Broadway's Phantom of the Opera.  Southard performed as the main role of Christine in the popular show on Broadway.

And if you attended last year's show and remember a spontaneous mid-concert ovation, that soloist will also be returning: renowned American baritone Leon Williams. Williams has performed as a soloist with the National Philharmonic, Honolulu Symphony, Florida Orchestra, Baltimore, Reading, Grand Rapids, Hartford and Colorado Symphonies and is a regular performer at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

"We are truly thrilled and honored to welcome our distinguished soloists" said Elizabeth Ryan, spokeswoman for the Westfield Symphony Orchestra.

The show, which will be held in the Westfield High School auditorium, is designed to be an event for the entire family. It will feature songs such as The Pink Panther and Cab Calloway's Minnie the Moocher.

"This show celebrates the musical genius of some of America's finest musical theater composers, presents outstanding guest vocal performers and a fully professional world class orchestra led by Maestro David Wroe – it's no wonder it's such an ongoing success," Ryan said.

The show begins at 7 p.m. which leaves New Year's Eve revelers enough time after the show to watch the ball drop. If you're interested in attending the show, those with the Symphony urge you to buy your tickets early because last year's show sold out.

Tickets in advance are $35 for general admission and $65 for preferred seating ($40 and $70 at the door, if available.) Tickets may be purchased directly from the Symphony by calling (908) 232-9400 or visiting the office at 224 E. Broad Street, Westfield between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are also available from The Town Bookstore in Westfield and Martin Jewelers in Cranford.