To celebrate his 10 year anniversary season, John Leggio, owner of John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts, has arranged for his friend, Liz Callaway, a Tony Award-nominated Broadway star, from his days of performing "Cats" on Broadway, to present a special concert.
"An Evening with Liz Callaway," will take place at 8 p.m., Friday, May 2 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, Brooksville. Tickets are on sale now.
Callaway is a Tony nominee and Emmy Award winning actress, singer and recording artist. For five years, she won acclaim as Grizabella in "Cats" on Broadway.
"I was fortunate to listen to Liz sing "Memory" on a nightly basis while we both performed in the Broadway production of "Cats," Leggio said. "I asked Liz if she would come to Spring Hill for a concert and stay for a special vocal master class, and she agreed."
Callaway will conduct a "Musical Theatre Vocal Master Class" on Saturday May 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at John Leggio's Center for Performing Arts, 10455 County Line Road in Spring Hill.
Callaway made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along," and received the Tony nomination for her performance in "Baby." She also starred in the original cast of "Miss Saigon," "The Three Musketeers," and "The Look of Love." Callaway has been said to have a "purity of voice and sweetness of persona." And though her name is not legendary - her voice is. She has an established career as a concert and recording artist.
She provided the singing voices for several animated films, including the title role in the Oscar nominated Anastasia for "Journey to the Past." Callaway also was the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin and the King of Thieves," and "The Return of Jafar." Her other film work includes the singing voice of the title character in "The Swan Princess," "Lion King 2: Simba's Pride," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars."
She performed with Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick and Steve Wonder at Hal David's 80th birthday celebration, and has extensive U.S. symphony work with appearances at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Ravinia, The Hollywood Bowl and the Boston Pops. The award winning "Sibling Revelry" created with sister Ann Hampton Callaway was presented to great acclaim at the Donmar Warehouse in London. "Boom! Live at Birdland" a celebration of the music of the 60s and 70's, also created with her sister, was recently recorded and is currently touring performing arts centers around the country. The recording debuted at #19 on the Billboard Jazz Chart.
Her TV credits include "In Performance at the White House," "Inside the Actor's Studio: Stephen Sondheim; Christmas with the Boston Pops, The David Letterman Show, and Senior Trip (CBS Movie of the Week).
"An Evening with Liz Callaway," will reprise many of the Broadway musical theatre classics as well as the Oscar-nominated song she sang as Anastasia, and music from other classic Disney movies.
"Her voice is crystal clear, it sparks emotion in anyone who hears her sing," said Leggio. "You and your children will want to be part of this very special evening at Silverthorn."
Over the past 10 years, Leggio has groomed many young performers. His studio offers the full range of performing arts - dance, voice, acting, and gymnastics. Leggio's vision has always been to share his life experiences as a Broadway performer, and show his students that with focus and hard work, their dreams can come true.
The Master Class is open to anyone who loves theatre and music. Callaway will offer advice on vocal technique, projection, and how to perform for an audition.
While owner Nick Sessa has done some renovation at the country club, seating will be limited.
Tickets are $30. For a more personal experience with Callaway, there will be a VIP "Wine and Cheese Reception," where guests have preferred seating, meet and get their photos taken with Callaway and get a C.D. signed. The VIP tickets are $50, and the event begins at 6 p.m.
The Vocal Master Class workshop is noon-3 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts. The cost is $75. To purchase tickets for the concert or the Master Class, call 683-8395 or purchase online at Leggio.ticketleap.com or LeggioArts.com. Tickets can also be purchased at lizcallaway.com/schedule after clicking on the Spring Hill concert for "more information."
