TUCSON, Ariz. — Students in the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television will perform alongside Broadway, film and television actress Kristin Chenoweth and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra on Thursday.
Eight freshmen and two seniors in the UA's musical theater Bachelor of Fine Arts program will perform with Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway musical "Wicked" and earned a Tony Award for her performance as Sally Brown in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Chenoweth also has two Emmy nominations and a People's Choice Award for her featured role on the hit television show "Glee" and an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Pushing Daisies."
The UA students will perform two songs with Chenoweth: "Reasons for Hope" and "Upon This Rock."
"This is a thrilling opportunity for our musical theater majors and furthers our commitment to connect our BFA students with current working professionals," said Hank Stratton, assistant professor of acting and directing in theCollege of Fine Arts' School of Theatre, Film & Television.
"Kristin is a long-time friend of my colleague Danny Gurwin (co-chair of the UA's acting/musical theater division) and myself," Stratton said. "She had her music director, esteemed Broadway conductor Mary-Mitchell Campbell, reach out to me about participating. Both Kristin and Mary-Mitchell are committed to student and community engagement, and the three of us agreed that this would be a perfect partnership. We are very honored to be included in this intimate evening."
The students performing with Chenoweth are UA freshmen Vinney Pugliese, Taylor Maresca, Jackson Wujek, Alia Vinson, Hannah Peyton, Reagan Kennedy, Michael Laverde and Steven Enriquez, and seniors Zach Zupkeand Rachel Franke.
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