Seth Rudetsky. Photo courtesy of RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
Every summer, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts announces its upcoming season in mid-June. Previous season announcements have been made to patrons and press at closed receptions or membership galas, but this year the venue has broken the mold and is offering an entirely different experience altogether.
For the first time ever, RiverCenter's upcoming season will be announced live in concert by a celebrity.
Internationally-acclaimed radio host and actor Seth Rudetsky is famous for his humor and exceptional knowledge of theatre. Rudetsky's career has held decades of experience working as a conductor and pianist for some of Broadway's biggest hits. In addition to Rudetsky's work in theatre, he also is the host of Sirius/XM Radio's Broadway show Seth Speaks.
For RiverCenter's season announcement, Rudetsky will appear onstage live performing his trademark role- the lead in his very own production titled Seth's Big Fat Broadway Show. The show has been performed all over the world and has been called a "one-man tour-de-force" by the RiverCenter.
Seth's Big Fat Broadway Show is a concert series focused on breaking down the most beloved performances of famous Broadway shows, and then bringing them back to life for his audiences.
But how?
As he performs live, Rudetsky utilizes his vast audio and visual collection of famous performances to "deconstruct" them, and in doing so, illustrates what makes them memorable. These deconstructions include manipulation of video clips, audio examples, and Rudetsky performing some of the excerpts himself to educate the audience on what exactly makes each one a hit.
For RiverCenter's season announcement, Rudetsky has been contracted to tailor his performance to feature scenes and songs from shows included in its 2018-19 season.
Audience members are in for a treat. Rudetsky is hilarious, knowledgable, and extremely gifted on his instrument, and the nature of the show makes every concert unique to its own repertoire. Seth's Big Fat Broadway Show was recently performed to a sold-out show in London where it received 5-star reviews and was called "hysterical," "a must-see," and "nothing short of brilliant!"
Norm Easterbrook, RiverCenter's Executive Director, is excited for RiverCenter patrons to experience this new season announcement format.
“We are thrilled that Seth will be joining us to announce our season," said Easterbrook. "Seth is an icon and a long time fixture in the Broadway Theatre landscape. Audiences in New York and abroad have flocked to his delightfully engaging and fun performances featuring stories, lore and, of course, great music of the Broadway stage."
Attendance for Seth's Big Fat Broadway Show at the RiverCenter is by invitation only, with 2017-18 RiverCenter sponsors, donors, subscribers and ticket buyers receiving coveted invitations for the performance.
However, for those who would like to attend the performance and do not fall into any of these categories, a special membership is being offered for a donation of $50 which, in addition to two tickets for Rudetsky’s performance, will include an invitation to members-only gatherings throughout the season, as well as the season announcement for 2019-20 Season.
This new perk in the form of a special membership offer promises to enable more locals to join in the fun this year. RiverCenter's season will offer everything from hit Broadway shows to educational programming for thousands of youth in the Chattahoochee Valley.
Easterbrook is eager for Columbus to hear what's on the docket for RiverCenter's 2018-19 Season.
"It will be an exciting evening in which we will have a surprise or two. Expect an announcement of expanded services for our audiences and patrons. We have something for everyone at RiverCenter this coming season." ◼︎
The Details:
What: RiverCenter's 2018-19 Season Announcement Concert
featuring Seth's Big Broadway Show
When: June 21, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Heard Theatre, RiverCenter.
Connect with RiverCenter for the Performing Arts:
RiverCenter.org
RiverCenter on Facebook
For additional information contact the RiverCenter box office at 706-256-3612. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.