Southeastern to feature Broadway's Ivan Rutherford in benefit concert February 27


Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Ivan Rutherford
by: Tonya Lowentritt

BENEFIT CONCERT SCHEDULED - Former Broadway star and famed actor Ivan Rutherford will perform a benefit concert for Southeastern Louisiana University's Wind Symphony and its upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. Scheduled on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m., the concert will take place on Southeastern's campus in Pottle Music Auditorium, located at 310 Ned McGehee Drive (Friendship Circle). 


HAMMOND – Former Broadway star and famed actor Ivan Rutherford will perform a benefit concert for the Southeastern Louisiana University Wind Symphony and its upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.

Scheduled on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m., the concert will take place on Southeastern's campus in Pottle Music Auditorium, located at 310 Ned McGehee Drive (Friendship Circle).

Rutherford will perform for one night only, presenting songs from theatre, stage, film, and popular culture. He will be backed up by a small jazz combo comprised of Southeastern musicians. Among the songs scheduled for the concert are Something's Coming from "West Side Story;" Music of the Night from "Phantom of the Opera;" The Impossible Dream from "Man of La Mancha;" She's Got a Way by Billy Joel; and Bring Him Home, Jean Valjean's signature song from "Les Miserables."

"Ivan Rutherford is one of the most talented and best recognized Broadway performers of his generation," said Glen Hemberger, professor of music and artistic director for the concert. "His voice is exceptional, and his ability to grab and hold an audience is unmatched today. Ivan's range of musical variety is impressive, and this once-in-a-lifetime concert in Hammond should be extremely memorable."

All tickets are general admission seating. Adult tickets are $25, and student tickets are $15 with university ID.

All profits directly benefit the Southeastern Wind Symphony and its scheduled May performance in Washington DC as one of four wind bands chosen to participate in the 1st annual John Philip Sousa Wind Band Festival. Last year, the Southeastern Wind Symphony received two Global Music Awards for a live recording of its performance in Orchestra Hall in Chicago.

Most recently, Rutherford has performed in "Les Misérables" in regional theatres across the country. He was honored with the role during the 10th anniversary company of "Les Misérables" in New York; playing alongside Andrea McArdle at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine and performing with Lea Salonga on Broadway in the 20th anniversary "Les Miz" revival.

"To many tens of thousands of Les Miz fans, Ivan Rutherford is Jean Valjean," Hemberger said. "When he performed with the Southeastern Wind Symphony two years ago, the line for tickets was out the door and around the corner. By offering tickets in advance and on-line, we hope to shorten the line on concert night."

Rutherford was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Valjean at the first annual National Broadway Theatre Awards held in New York. Other prominent roles he has performed include The Caliph in "Kismet," Tony in "West Side Story," Lt. Joe Cable in "South Pacific" for which he received the Drama-Logue Award, and 2nd Officer Charles Lightoller in the Broadway production of "Titanic."

 




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