Akron Symphony Orchestra to spotlight women of musical theatre with Wicked Divas

Nov. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Akron, OH – Alli Mauzey and Nicole Parker, stars of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, will join the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Maestro, Christopher Wilkins, in a concert of divine diva showstoppers this Saturday at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall.

The Wicked Divas will inspire and entertain with a performance that pays tribute to the women of musical theatre and film. This memorable evening of Broadway moments will include selections from The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Ragtime, Spamalot, Carmen, The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and much more.

“The term Diva describes a celebrated female singer or a woman of great talent in the world of opera, theatre, pop music and film. So that’s exactly what we’re celebrating,” said Wicked Diva, Alli Mauzey. “The term Diva is also sometimes used to describe someone who is a ‘prima donna’ and who might carry a “certain attitude” with them if you know what I mean. So let’s just say there might be a little sass!”

Alli and Nicole both have extensive backgrounds in musical theatre and have performed together on Broadway in Wicked as Glinda and Elphaba respectively. They are also longtime friends with a natural chemistry that shines through in Wicked Divas as they engage the audience with their amazing vocals, humor and energy.

When asked what she is looking most forward to with this performance with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Alli Mauzey said, “That I’ve actually been here before! I performed at The Carousel Dinner Theatre one summer during college. I’m excited to come back. I’m excited to sing with the Akron Symphony Orchestra! What a treat!”

According to Nicole Parker, “When singing with an orchestra, the sound is fuller. The score is also more detailed so there may be new instruments and orchestration that you are not used to. So singer, conductor, and orchestra have to get a feel for each other in order to pull off a cohesive piece. But the result is such a rich sound, one that isn't matched in other types of performance.”

There are still great seats for Wicked Divas. Tickets range from $20 to $50 with discounts available for students, seniors and groups. Tickets for students are $5 at the EJ Thomas Box office starting one hour before the show. Call the EJ Thomas Hall box office at 330-972-7570 or order online by clicking the 'tickets' link at http://www.akronsymphony.org/wickeddivas.

The Akron Symphony appreciates our sponsors, including the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Akron Symphony concerts with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. WKSU-FM is the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s official Classic Series media partner. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is sponsoring a private reception after the concert. Additional support is provided by Harwick Standard, ChemSpec, Ltd., HB Chemical and Brockman, Coats, Gedelian and Co.

About the Akron Symphony Orchestra

The Akron Symphony Orchestra proudly celebrates our 60th anniversary during the 2011-2012 concert season. For 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence.

The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.

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