newportbeachindy . com MARCH 31 , 2023 3
STEPPING OUT
Segerstrom Center for the Arts Announces 2023-2024 Cabaret Series
Megan Hilty brings her vivacious personality and soaring vocals to Samueli Theatre this December
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy Segerstrom Center for the Arts began hosting intimate cabaret-style shows more than 20 years ago in the black box venue now known as the Judy Morr Theater .
Among the many performers to play in that venue was jazz legend Dave Brubeck , who delighted fans with a handful of sold-out shows there .
Once the new Segerstrom Concert Hall and the adjacent Samueli Theatre opened in 2006 , the cabaret capacity expanded to 320 with tables of four allowing for a true cabaret experience .
The performers that have graced the Center ’ s cabaret series inside Samueli Theatre include top names in the Broadway and pops world .
So it ’ s no surprise that the 2023- 2024 Cabaret Series recently announced by Segerstrom Center is full of talented performers and a tunepacked revue that skewers Broadway ’ s greatest musicals .
According to information from Segerstrom Center , the series will begin with the cabaret debut of Broadway star Matt Doyle followed by “ Forbidden Broadway ,” a hysterical revue that will re-enact iconic Broadway shows in a hilarious satire .
Then comes the charming performance of Megan Hilty , known for her roles in “ Wicked ” and “ Smash .” Broadway stars will start the New Year with a salute to Olivia Newton-John , followed by Jeremy Jordan performing his new show of songs that led to his success . The Cabaret Series concludes with the “ amazing ” Seth Rudetsky ’ s Broadway Series with Lillias White .
2023 – 2024 CABARET SERIES LINEUP Matt Doyle | October 19 -21 , 2023 Matt Doyle comes to the Cabaret Series directly from winning the Tony
Award for his performance in Stephen Sondheim ’ s “ Company ,” a performance which also garnered him the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards . Doyle made his Broadway debut in “ Spring Awakening ” in 2007 , followed by the Broadway hits “ Bye Bye Birdie ,” “ War Horse ,” and “ The Book of Mormon ” ( playing Elder Price ).
Forbidden Broadway | November 16-18 , 2023 From “ Frozen ” to “ Phantom of the Opera ” to “ Wicked ,” this all-new fall-down funny , satirical roast of over 30 Broadway hits features outrageous costumes , silly spoofs of the songs you know by heart and madcap impressions by a stellar cast ! Newer spoofs include “ Hamilton ,” “ Dear Evan Hanson ,” and “ Moulin Rouge .” A New York sensation for 35 years , a talented quintet of comic chameleons throw out pointed parodies at a dizzying pace . Whether you are a seasoned theatergoer or new to it all , the Tony Award winning “ Forbidden Broadway ” is your one-stop ticket to non-stop laughs .
Megan Hilty | December 14 -16 , 2023 Megan Hilty ’ s sweetness , sincerity , humor , and magnificent singing charmed Center Cabaret audiences when she made her debut in 2019 . While she might be best known for starring as triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC ’ s musical drama “ Smash ,” Megan Hilty has triumphed on Broadway , earning Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her performance in the hilarious comedy “ Noises Off .” She originated the role of Doralee in Broadway ’ s “ 9 to 5 ” and has been an acclaimed Glinda in “ Wicked ” in New York and on national tour .
Salute to Olivia Newton – John | January 11-13 , 2024 Broadway stars Jessica Hendy and David Burnham are coming together to celebrate the life and career of beloved singer and actress Olivia Newton- John in “ Hopelessly Devoted : The Music of Olivia Newton-John .”
With a 60-year career in music , film and television , Olivia Newton- John was a celebrated artist whose work impacted arts & entertainment around the globe . She was a fourtime Grammy Award winner with fifteen of her singles ranking in the Top 10 charts ( including five songs at number one ), and she starred in the hit musical film “ Grease ” which took the world by storm upon its release in 1978 .
She was an inspiring , outspoken voice in environmental activism and animal rights advocacy , and she was bestowed Australia ’ s highest honor , the Companion of the Order of Australia , for her work as an entertainer and philanthropist before her passing in 2022 .
Jessica Hendy is a vocal powerhouse who just closed the recent Broadway revival of “ Cats ,” She is the only person that has the distinction to have been in the original Broadway production of “ Cats ,” the National tour , and the Broadway revival .
David Burnham was last seen on Broadway in the mega-hit musical “ Wicked ” playing Fiyero , a role that he originated in the developmental workshops of the show . OC audiences might also fondly remember David ’ s starring turn in the “ Light in the Piazza ” at South Coast Repertory – a show he also appeared in on Broadway .
For this special engagement , Jessica and David will perform their favorite songs from Olivia ’ s incredible catalogue in an emotional celebration of her life and legacy .
Jeremy Jordan | February 22-24 , 2024 For his Cabaret Series debut , Tony nominated Jeremy Jordan will take an exhilarating , decade-spanning journey through Broadway ’ s greatest hits
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