The symphony will join forces with The Revival Theatre Company, along with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale to present Brucemorchestra XIV: An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein.
The musical program is an illustrious nod to one of America’s most famous musical theater composers Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Together, the pair created what is known today as the twentieth century’s “Golden Age” of musical theater. The show will feature favorites from “State Fair,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Oklahoma.”
Alongside the music, there will also be ballet at this outdoor concert. Des Moines-based choreographer Megan Helmers, who teaches dance at Drake and the School of Classical Ballet and Dance, intends to have RTC’s dancers add visual inspiration to OI’s Brucemorchestra XIV performances. Guest dancers will include Cameron Byrd, Dallas Olberding, Calvin Boman, Vanessia Lund, Joslyn Seeley, Anna Slife, and Josh Payne.
Broadway star Elena Shaddow with opera and musical theatre cross-over-concert artist Ezekiel Andrew will perform ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’ from “Oklahoma.”
Cedar Rapids native, Broadway, Disney, and baritone opera phenom, Christopher Johnstone will present the rousing ‘It’s a Grand Night for Singing’ from “State Fair” accompanied by Orchestra Iowa and the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale. Other guest vocalists include former Cedar Rapids natives and NYC cabaret/jazz singer, Amy Friedl Stoner, and Broadway and TV actress, Catherine Blades. Prior Iowa City singer and actor, Brandon Burkhardt, and active recitalist, opera and oratorio performer, mezzo-soprano, Loralee Songer, will also solo on the Brucemorchestra stage.
COVID-19 Concerns In Linn County
This week, Linn County's positivity rate for COVID-19 has gone up drastically, according to data from the New York Times.
Orchestra Iowa’s Executive Director, Jeff Collier says that the orchestra encourages attendees to get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines.
“Orchestra Iowa is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our audience, musicians, and staff as we launch our 2021-22 season. We encourage everyone attending an Orchestra Iowa event this fall to consider getting a vaccine if they are able. We will continually monitor the spread of the virus in coordination with public health experts and plan to update audience members in advance of each concert of any new protocols and expectations," he said.
For more details about Orchestra Iowa’s Masterworks, Pops, Chamber, Ballet concert series (in conjunction with Ballet QuadCities), educational programs, and Opera Theatre (in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids Opera), please see: artsiowa.com.
In case of rain, this weekend's scheduled program will be held on Sunday, September 19, at 7 p.m.
