GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – The seventh annual “Broadway Comes to Greeneville” show is coming up April 29 at Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC). This event is a chance to see a little bit of Broadway on a local stage, and there’s nothing else like it in our area.
WHAT IS THIS SHOW?
It’s a two-hour production of song and dance, starring five show-stopping Broadway performers as well as some top local young talent. The show is designed to raise awareness and support for Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
“The talent level for these Broadway performers is just amazing,” said Cookie McKinney, creator of the event. “You don’t get to see Broadway talent up-close like this very often.”
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
Tickets range from $25 to $35. This year’s show is almost sold out, but balcony seats are still available. Purchase tickets from NPAC here, or by calling 423-638-1679.
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?
It takes place on Sunday, April 29, at 3 p.m. in the plush, 1,100-seat Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 212 Tusculum Boulevard in Greeneville. The show is presented by the Ballad Health Foundation and Consumer Credit Union.
WHO ARE THE BROADWAY PERFORMERS?
David Elder, who has starred on Broadway in “Guys and Dolls” and “42nd Street,” among others, directs and choreographs the production. He comes to Johnson City each year leading up to the event to put the show together and rehearse with the young local performers.
The Broadway performers include Elizabeth Southard, who has “Phantom of the Opera” and “The Sound of Music” among her stage credits, and her husband, Gary Mauer, who has starred in “Les Miserables” and played the lead role in “Phantom of the Opera.”
Beth Leavel has performed in “Mamma Mia” and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” among many others, while Jeannette Bayardelle (“Hair” and “The Color Purple”) will perform in Greeneville this year for the first time.
WHO ARE THE YOUTH PERFORMERS?
The 32 students range from 7 to 17 years old and were chosen through a series of auditions held throughout the 29-county region served by Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our local kids to work with these professionals and perform onstage with them,” said McKinney, who is manager for children’s initiatives for the Ballad Health Foundation. “The Broadway performers are amazing, but the kids are just outstanding, too!”
For more information, contact McKinney at 423-431-1224 or Cookie.McKinney@balladhealth.org.