The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Choral Ensembles present "Opulent Operetta and Marvelous Musicals" on Friday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a repeat performance on Sunday, March 6 at 4 p.m. in the Lee & Thomas Beam Music Center's Rando Recital Hall located at the northeast end of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
The Concert Singers, Varsity Men, Chamber Chorale and numerous soloists perform a wide variety of tuneful choruses, solos and duets from the golden age of Viennese operetta, along with excerpts from the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, early American musicals and Broadway classics. More than 60 singers will fill the stage in a veritable smorgasbord of musical delights.
Works to be performed include excerpts from "HMS Pinafore" by Gilbert and Sullivan, "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss, "Naughty Marietta" by Victor Herbert, "The New Moon" and "The Desert Song" by Sigmund Romberg, "Show Boat" by Jerome Kern, as well as "Countess Maritza," a rollicking 1920s operetta by Hungarian composer Emmerich K?lm?n. Favorite highlights from Broadway include songs from "Guys and Dolls" by Frank Loesser, "Oklahoma!" and "South Pacific" by Rodgers & Hammerstein, "Kiss Me, Kate" by Cole Porter and "One Touch of Venus" by Kurt Weill.
Under the musical leadership of conductor David B. Weiller, the university choral ensembles enjoy a reputation for vibrant performances.
Annual tours have encompassed the southwestern United States as well as Hawaii, New York, Mexico, and Canada. Past highlights include holiday performances with the world-renowned Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and participation in a massed choir performance in New York City's Carnegie Hall.
Tickets for "Opulent Operetta and Marvelous Musicals" may be purchased at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Performing Arts Center box office or by calling 895-ARTS. General admission is $10; senior citizens, military and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ faculty/staff tickets are $8. Students from the university and the Clark County School District may receive one free ticket by presenting valid student identification at the box office.
