Westport Country Playhouse presents “Getting to Know You: A Celebration of Young Artists,” hosted by Tony Award-winning singer-actress Kelli O’Hara (“South Pacific,” “The King and I”), at 7 tonight, April 17, on the Playhouse YouTube channel and Facebook Live.
During the virtual showcase, the students will have the opportunity to share their experiences with O’Hara and perform a musical theater selection. Mark Lamos, the playhouse’s artistic director, will introduce the program.
“We are thrilled that so many students from across Fairfield County signed up to be a part of this unique event,” Jenny Nelson, playhouse director of education and community outreach, said in a statement. “Twenty talented students will participate in this first event and, hopefully, there will be many more shows to come.”
High school students from across Fairfield County prepared, filmed and submitted videos of songs, many of which they had hoped to perform in school musicals this spring. Ten participants and 10 understudies were selected at random.
All videos submitted as part of the entry process will be compiled into a supercut shared at the end of the program and on playhouse social media channels.
To access the livestream tonight, visit westportplayhouse.org, go to bottom of the homepage and click on the Facebook or YouTube icons.
During the event, tax-deductible donations to the nonprofit playhouse will be accepted.
As a special thanks to all of the high school students who submitted videos, the playhouse has created a Facebook group, Playhouse Young Artists, as a place to connect, share audition tips, discuss onstage experiences, ask for advice and more.
“With such an overwhelming response from our community, it’s clear that the students have a great need to express themselves through the arts, and Westport Country Playhouse is committed to providing artistic and educational resources during this difficult time,” Nelson said.
Support for the event is from Bankwell, the 2019-2020 Family Programming Sponsor.
For more, call (203) 227-4177 or visit westportplayhouse.org.
– Georgette Gouveia
