The Shaw theatre’s Spotlight On series, which brings musical theatre stars to the stage to share their stories, returns this autumn with appearances from Michael Feinstein, Charles Strouse and Ben Vereen.
Feinstein, one of the world’s top interpreters of the Great American Songbook, opens the season on 18 September, when, from 14:00, he will be talking to the first lady of British musical theatre, Elaine Paige. Feinstein, who also performs at the Shaw between 17 and 20 September, will share stories about working with many of America’s top songwriters and performing with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli.
Regular host Paige is replaced by Edward Seckerson on 23 September (15:00), when composer Strouse shares tales of his life and career. Strouse is the composer behind musicals including Bye Bye Birdie, Golden Boy and Annie. He is currently celebrating his 80th birthday and the publication of his memoirs Put On A Happy Face.
Broadway star and Tony Award-winner Vereen talks to journalist Mark Shenton on 1 October (13:00). Recently a star of hit hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy, Vereen has previously appeared on Broadway in productions including Wicked, Fosse, Hair and Pippin, for which he won the Best Actor in a Musical Tony Award. Vereen also presents his tribute to Sammy Davis Jr at the Shaw on 4 and 5 October.
Among the other musical theatre stars expected to share knowledge, tales and anecdotes on the Shaw’s stage in the future are Blood Brothers scribe Willy Russell and the triple Oscar-winning composer of Marguerite, Michel Legrand.
MA