‘101 Years of Broadway’ comes to State Theatre
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Composer/lyricist Neil Berg will bring his musical revue “102 Years of Broadway” to the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown for one show at 8 p.m. May 27.
Five professional Broadway performers will entertain at the State Theatre at 8 p.m. April 24 in "101 Years of Broadway."
When composer/lyricist Neil Berg’s Broadway review “100 Years of Broadway” hit the stage in Uniontown a few years ago, the response was enthusiastic to say the least.
So much so, that the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown will present Berg’s “101 Years of Broadway” to close its 2014-15 silver season on April 24.
“101 Years of Broadway” recreates the biggest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Evita,” “CATS,” “Wonderful Town,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” These performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. Berg presents revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling songs from Broadway’s newest hit shows.
“The performers have Broadway credentials and they are the highest caliber. ‘100 Years’ was amazing,” said Erica Miller, executive director of the State Theatre. “The performers don’t just stand there and sing. Their performances are energetic and stellar. They recreate musical theater scenes. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring Broadway home.”
Berg himself leads the way by serving as the musical director and pianist for the upcoming ‘101 Years’ performance, joined by four or five other musicians and five stage performers.
“Broadway musicals reflect popular music of the day,” explained Berg. “They recreate our history.”
Berg explains the ‘100 Years’ franchise retraces the roots of Broadway going back to songs from the early 1900s up through modern classics.
“Everything from ‘Give My Regards to Broadway’ and landmark musicals like ‘Showboat,’ up to and beyond ‘Wicked,” said Berg. “People love Broadway. Our show brings back memories. People remember where they were when they say ‘Man of LaMancha’ for the first time.”
Although Berg admits, he doesn’t shy away from introducing a newer piece of musical theater.
“When you have an extraordinary voice, especially if the performer has played the character on Broadway, even if no one in the audience has seen the show, I will introduce it. It’s a great way for the audience to connect with Broadway,” said Berg.
Berg insists on high-level performance quality for his shows, right down to the orchestra.
“Everything is live. We do not play to track at all. I insist on that,” said Berg.
He aims the show in a specific direction.
“I tailor this show to my mother. I want people to come and experience the love we have for this American art form. I hope that people who live and work and breathe in theater come and enjoy it. But I’m really catering to that 99.9 percent of the audience who just loves musical theater. I want them to feel and know the magic of Broadway,” Berg said.