Broadway's Future Stars Shine in CCM's Musical Theater Senior Showcase 'Time & Tide'

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Musical Theater program proudly presents the Musical Theater Showcase Time & Tide, a new revue created by the 2007 graduating class and performed under the musical direction of Julie Spangler with choreography by senior Brandon Bieber. Performances take place April 5-7 in CCM's Patricia Corbett Theater.

Each year, CCM's musical theater seniors collaborate under the supervision of department chair Aubrey Berg to create an original showcase of their singing, dancing and acting talents for New York City casting directors and agents -- and hometown audiences are the first to get a sneak peek at these rising stars.

"The showcase provides a valuable start for young performers," says Berg. "During the two New York performances they are seen by many of the leading agents, casting directors and managers in the business. In a single day, they are seen by more industry professionals than they could meet in a year."

Time & Tide

offers a whimsical look at the passage of time and features well-known selections like "The Circle of Life" (from

The Lion King

) as well as songs from lesser-known shows.

Many success stories that have come out of these annual showcases, Berg notes. "Through the years many performers working on Broadway and in national tours made their New York debut in this forum," he says. "The record for the most agent call-backs must go to Ashley Brown, currently playing Mary Poppins on Broadway. Within 20 minutes, Disney had called expressing an interest in her for their touring revue

On the Record

."

The Saturday, April 7, performance of the showcase will include the presentation of the second Musical Theater Young Alumni Award, which is given in recognition of excellence in musical theater or a related field by an alumnus of CCM's musical theater program from the past two decades. This year's award goes to

Sharon Wheatley

, Broadway actress and author of the recently published memoir

'Til the Fat Girl Sings: From an Overweight Nobody to a Broadway Somebody

(Adams Media, 2006). Wheatley's Broadway credits include the final company of

Cats

, Cosette and Eponine in

Les Miserables

, and Madam Firmin in

The Phantom of the Opera

. She has also participated in several international tours and recently completed a yearlong run in

Avenue Q

at The Wynn Casino and Resort in Las Vegas.

Performance Information

Thursday, April 5 - Friends of CCM Benefit

The opening performance of

Time & Tide

on Thursday, April 5 is a benefit for the Friends of CCM, beginning at 7 p.m. and including dinner-by-the-bite served in the CCM Atrium after the performance. Tickets are $75, and proceeds benefit student career development grants and scholarships. To reserve a ticket, call CCM External Relations at 513-556-2100.

Friday, April 6 & Saturday, April 7 - FREE

Admission to

Time & Tide

on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 is FREE, though seating is limited and reservations are required. Call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 beginning Monday, April 2 at noon to make a reservation.

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University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Musical Theater Senior Showcase
TIME & TIDE

Created and performed by seniors in CCM's musical theater program
Musical direction by Julie Spangler
Choreography by Brandon Bieber

Time & Tide is a new musical revue created and performed by CCM's 2007 class in musical theater under the supervision of department chair Aubrey Berg.

Performance Dates:
April 5-7
* Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m.; Friends of CCM Benefit, including dinner-by-the-bite
* Friday, April 6, 8 p.m.
* Saturday, April 7, 8 p.m.

Location:
Patricia Corbett Theater
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Tickets:
* Thursday, April 5: $75 for Thursday Friends of CCM benefit. Call CCM External Relations at 513-556-2100.

* Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7: FREE, though reservations are required. Call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 beginning Monday, April 2 at noon.

Parking:
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the University of Cincinnati campus.

For additional parking information or directions, please visit www.ccm.uc.edu.
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Musical Theater Program Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation