Winspear Centre

2011-12 Robbins Pops

 

For opening night of the season, stars Julia Murney and Stephanie J. Block of the Tony-award winning Broadway hit Wicked join the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for a spellbinding evening of popular hits.

 

New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke guest leads the first Pops concert of the ESO’s 60th anniversary season with crowd favourites from Chicago, Ragtime, Titanic, The Phantom of the Opera and, of course, Wicked. 

 

“Basically the focus is on strong “diva” women through the years — Broadway, opera, popular music and film,” said Reineke in an interview with BWW. “For example, selections from Gypsy and Carmen, as well as Liza Minelli, Gloria Estefan, Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion.”

 

Making their debut with the ESO, Julia and Stephanie will sing beloved pieces such as “All That Jazz” from Chicago, “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady, “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.
 

To add New York flavour, guests will be dazzled with a red carpet and spotlights when entering the building and can enjoy Brooklyn beer and themed martinis and drinks. This evening gives patrons a taste of one of the most extraordinary events in the Orchestra’s history to happen this season: performing in New York at Carnegie Hall on May 8, 2012.

 

Both vocalists played the witch Elphaba in Wicked, Julia winning an Acclaim Award and Stephanie earning the 2006 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress on their national tours. While Jennifer has earned a Drama Desk nomination for her role in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, she’s also appeared on TV, including Sex in the City, Law and Order and NYPD Blue. Stephanie’s credits include the Critics Award for Best Actress in Oliver and working alongside Dolly Parton and Allison Janney in her most recent Broadway smash 9 to 5. 

 

Edmontonians can attend performances on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at 8 pm. Tickets start at $24. Call 780-428-1414 to purchase tickets or buy online.

 

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