Broadway and jazz Broadway and jazz (May 21, 2004)

Playhouse Chorus fills the air
by Teresa C. Brown

"Let us entertain you" is the ambition for Pleasanton Playhouse as the theater production company lets loose its Broadway Chorus for a second time this season with the Playhouse's spring concert "Jazz Meets Broadway."

With only three performances, over Memorial Day weekend, the chorus of 50, led by Rob Campbell, will perform excerpts from upcoming featured productions such as "Evita" and "Jekyll and Hyde," as well as music by Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and others.

Accompanying the chorale are the Rendition and the Cosmopolitan Dancers.

In recognition of Memorial Day, the performers will present a special Armed Forces tribute, saluting past and present service members.

The production is choreographed by Misty Schachtell, and JoAnn Loitz is the producer.

Campbell, a former music professor at University of San Diego and University of Wisconsin, is a veteran choral leader. His experience ranges from large and small choruses to jazz ensembles and college-level ensembles. He has served as the artistic director for the male chorus Pot O' Gold and is a certified music judge for national and international vocal music competitions.
Broadway chorus

What: "Jazz Meets Broadway" Who: Pleasanton Playhouse When: 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, May 28-29; 2 p.m., Sunday, May 30 Where: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road Cost: $15 for adults; $13 for seniors age 60 and older; $10 for juniors age under 18 Tickets: Order online at www.pleasantonplayhouse.com, or call 462-2121.
Pleasanton Playhouse trailers online

Sample a taste of Pleasanton Playhouse's Main Stage musical productions online with video trailers that are available to download. New to the Web site this year, the trailers give viewers a morsel to savor of Main Stage productions, such as "Cabaret" or "West Side Story."

Trailers are available for previewing a couple weeks before the musical opens on stage, when it is close to production, said John Baiocchi, president of the Playhouse. Currently the Web site features trailers from "Cabaret" and "West Side Story." The next Main Stage production is "Carousel," with performances from July 2-18.

To view the trailers, visit www.pleasantonplayhouse.com.

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