The country charm of Lebanon, Pa., may have little in common with the hustle and bustle of Harrisburg. But this month at Whitaker Center, Theatre Harrisburg and The Alumni Chorale of Lebanon Valley College will join forces to present “A Summer Salute to the Best of Broadway Musicals III.”
Along with hits from “My Fair Lady,” “Oliver” and a host of other toe-tapping tunes, the performances will feature small group and small ensemble numbers from musicals such as “Avenue Q,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” “Chicago” and “The Secret Garden.”
Steven L. Flom, president of the Chorale, admits that it was tough to choose from the vast Broadway songbook.
“The first problem is that we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talent for the ‘Summer Salute,” he says. “This is not an auditioned concert; these musicians are hand-chosen because of their vocal and performance prowess. It is our task to showcase them as best we can to bring some of the greatest Broadway songs to life on our stage.”
The “Summer Salute” was the brainchild of Flom and the Chorale’s artistic director, Gregg R. Mauroni. Because arts organizations always have financial challenges, the two had decided to do a fundraiser similar to the one they had been doing for Central Dauphin East High School, where Mauroni is choral director. They approached Sam Kuba, Theatre Harrisburg’s executive director, with the “Summer Salute” idea, and it was full steam ahead.
This year marks the third installment of the “Summer Salute” and the performance partnership of the Theatre and the Chorale, known for its tight harmonies. The first year attracted a modest but enthusiastic crowd, Flom says, and, by year two, audiences were begging for more.
“When we program the show, our goals are to wow the crowd and challenge the performers to create a great evening of music,” Flom adds. “We were thrilled to hear that the audience wanted more. Spoiler—they will get it this year.”
Twenty Broadway shows are represented in this year’s program, and there are no solo performances. Flom predicts that “Titanic” will be a showstopper. “It is vocally stunning and, when attacked by our 70-plus cast, the result is spectacular.”
While the drive between Lebanon and Harrisburg approximates 45 minutes or more depending on the time of day and motorists’ attitudes, these two arts organizations have closely shared talent for many years. Both Flom and Mauroni have worked behind the scenes and on stage for Theatre Harrisburg; one noted founding member of the Chorale, Thomas Hostetter, was Theatre Harrisburg’s artistic director for 28 years.
“He has been part of the backbones of each organization,” Flom says. “Other examples include Joe Gargiulo, who is a long-time member and business manager for the Chorale and who recently performed with Theatre Harrisburg in “Music Man” and “Urinetown.” And the Chorale is enjoying new members like Mandi Krepps, Rick Graybill, Kate Roksandic and Marisa Keener, who were introduced to us through Theatre Harrisburg.”
Flom has a special place in his heart for Broadway and recalls that the first show he ever saw in the Big Apple was “Cats.” Being very young, he didn’t have a clue as to the meaning of it all, but he was enthralled with what he had witnessed and was sure he wanted to be a part of it. He’s made that dream come true. His work as a director and/or choreographer has been featured on Theatre Harrisburg’s main stage every season since 1999. He also serves as resident director/choreographer for Cumberland Valley High School.
So what can audiences expect from “Summer Salute,” a Lebanon/Harrisburg collaboration? Flom says they will be entertained by one of the greatest gatherings of vocalists in song and dance performing both familiar and unexpected Broadway repertoire.
“Be on the lookout for murderers, puppets and even a fiddler on the roof, all rolled together to delight our audience,” Flom promises.
“A Summer Salute to the Best of Broadway Musical III” will be performed on Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, Harrisburg. For tickets, phone 717-214-ARTS or visit www.whitakercenter.org.
