Purdue News

October 26, 2001 Hamlisch brings his musical magic to Elliott stage WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Concertgoers will meet the personality behind the composer whose music has filled Broadway for decades when Marvin Hamlisch and "One Singular Sensation!" comes to Elliott Hall of Music at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Typical of the splashy shows that Hamlisch is known for, including "A Chorus Line," "The Goodbye Girl" and "They’re Playing Our Song," the concert will feature Broadway singer Stephen Lehew along with the Purdue Jazz Band/Orchestra, the Purdue Glee Club and the Purduettes. The campus groups have been rehearsing for two months in anticipation of the show. At the concert, Hamlisch will not only sing and play a parade of his own hit tunes on the piano, he also will talk to the audience. Known for his wit and improvisational ability, the composer readily shares his New York sense of humor, as well as the vast store of tales he has collected in 33 years of composing for Broadway and motion pictures. The Purdue Jazz Band/Orchestra will augment the musical sound. Both Hamlisch and his musical director, Michael Keller, will direct the group. The featured vocalist on various numbers will be Dallas tenor Lehew, whose extensive performing resume includes leads in "West Side Story," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Showboat" and "Cabaret." He will be backed up by singers from Purdue Musical Organizations. As a composer, Hamlisch has won virtually every major award – three Oscars, four Grammies, three Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards. His groundbreaking show, "A Chorus Line," received the Pulitzer Prize. Films he is known for include "The Way We Were," "Sophie’s Choice," "Three Men and a Baby" and "Ice Castles," among others. Purdue Jazz Band director M.T. "Mo" Trout says the musicians have been practicing a medley of rags to perform with Hamlisch, who won an Oscar for his adaptation of Scott Joplin’s music for "The Sting." Both Trout and PMO director Brian Breed say they are eagerly looking forward to working with Hamlisch. "This is an opportunity to showcase our talented Purdue student performers, and to learn from, and work with, an American musical legend," Breed says. "Mr. Hamlisch has such a generosity of spirit and wealth of talent that we all will have a chance to grow as musicians, performers and people through the experience." Trout’s excitement stems from the unique opportunity. "Many of these students will never have the chance again to play a major show on one of the country’s largest stages with one of the biggest names in the music business," Trout says. Trout is keenly aware that when the music plays, Keller or Hamlisch will direct the students, not him. "They’ll have to be incredibly professional," Trout says. "They’re up there in the spotlight and it’ll be do or die. They have to be on their toes musically, and be able to roll with what happens. It’s a big opportunity and a lot of pressure." It’s anticipated that all the vocalists and musicians will jointly perform "God Bless America," as well as the Hamlisch tune "One Song," which is particularly special to Breed. "I was in the process of trying to find an arrangement for ‘One Song’ nine years ago when I saw Mr. Hamlisch perform the piece on a PBS special," Breed says. "Through a local contact we were able to connect with Mr. Hamlisch directly, and he personally sent us his arrangement of the song with his permission for PMO to use it. At the time it wasn’t even published yet." Breed says the Glee Club has been singing "One Song" ever since. "The lyrics are very powerful, and the song is an inspiration to all that sing or hear it ," Breed says. "'If we all sing one song, one song of love, one song of peace, one song to make all our troubles cease. One hope, one dream, imagine what tomorrow would bring, if we all sing one song.’" Tickets range in price from $10-$34. They are available in advance by calling (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Media interested in interviews should contact Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations, (765) 496-6785. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page