A musical journey to Carnegie Hall

Sarah Mizelle Miller, alumna and former senior director of development at CCM, recalls working with Semmelman for two years to bring this project to life on stage at CCM in the fall of 2022. “This project is such an incredible example of the CCM alumni showing up for our students," she says. "We raised over $100,000 to support our students through the concert in Cincinnati, and it was the generosity of over 40 alumni that allowed for that to happen.” The fall 2022 performance at CCM was a preview of what will be performed on one of the country’s most famous stages this January.

The performance features the music of Flaherty and his longtime writing partner, book writer and lyricist Lynn Ahrens. It was conceptualized and developed by the following CCM alumni: Producer Kevin McCollum (BFA Musical Theatre, ’84; HonDoc, '05), Producer Jim Semmelman (BFA Musical Theatre, ’76), Music Supervisor Jeffrey Saver (BM Piano, ’79), Writer David Goldsmith (BFA Musical Theatre, ’85) and Sarah Mizelle Miller (MA Arts Administration, ’11). CCM Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations Elaine M. Cox (MA Arts Administration, ’20) serves as the managing producer.

Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who directed the original production at CCM, returns as the director/choreographer for the Carnegie Hall event. Also reprising their roles for the Carnegie Hall performance are CCM alums and Broadway veterans: Christy Altomare (BFA Musical Theatre, ’08), Ashley Brown (BFA Musical Theatre, ’04), Jason Graae (BFA Musical Theatre, ’80), Aaron Lazar (MFA Musical Theatre, ’00), Bryonha Marie (Broadway guest artist), Geoff Packard (BFA Musical Theatre, '04), Stephanie Jae Park (BFA Musical Theatre, '14) and Alton Fitzgerald White (Musical Theatre, att. 1983-86).

The collaborative effort between students and alumni represents a significant moment in the history of the school and the world of musical theatre.

“When the ‘curtain goes up’ on January 14 at Carnegie Hall, audience members are not only in for a spectacular show, but also a unique glimpse into the rich history and enduring impact of CCM,” says Vincent DeGeorge, Patricia A. Corbett Distinguished Chair of Musical Theatre at CCM. “What makes this performance at Carnegie Hall truly extraordinary is the coming together of multiple generations of talent. It is a testament to the multigenerational legacy that is CCM. Students, stage managers, performers, musicians and professional producers, writers and performers who all had their start at CCM unite to celebrate one of our most prolific and celebrated alums — Stephen Flaherty,” he adds.