In just its second season of regular programming, The Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center is already attracting A-list names.
Lynn University’s glistening new performing arts venue has been plucking stage and concert-hall superstars who might otherwise have played the more longstanding arts centers in our area.
Announced last week, the “Live at Lynn” theatre and jazz series is an eclectic cultural stew, beginning in October with two nights of Clint Holmes, an elegant cabaret vocalist who performers regularly at the Colony Hotel’s Royal Room in Palm Beach. The entertainment continues in November with the Capitol Steps, who offer their equal opportunity political irreverence inspired by the week’s headlines. In January, the up-and-coming vocal group Bravo Amici will croon a diverse palette of pop and opera with classical overtones.
In February Lynn will welcome two show-stopping favorites – the off-Broadway hit “Five Guys Named Moe,” the popular music revue of music by songwriter, saxophonist and jazz legend Louis Jordon, and Jack Jones, the Rat Pack-era jazz and pop singer, still at it into his ’70s. In March, Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artists will perform selections from “La Boheme,” “Romeo and Juliette,” “Rigoletto” and “La Rondine,’ accompanied by the Lynn University Philharmonia Orchestra.
The Beatlemaniacs, a group that pays tribute to the Fab Four with authentic period costumes and special effects, will usher in April, and the season concludes with David Osborne, the “pianist to the presidents.” The piano player sold out his Lynn performance earlier this year and returns by popular demand, fresh off performing for President Obama.
The season came together thanks to Jan McArt, who is considered the First Lady of Florida Musical Theatre. Lynn is thrilled to employ McArt, a New Yorker who relocated to Boca and founded the Royal Palm Dinner Theatre. The “Live at Lynn” schedule is a result of McArt’s extensive contacts.
“The season ranges from classic rock and roll to grand opera to Broadway,” says Joyce Shelfo, director of cultural communications at Lynn. “It’s giving smatterings to offer something for everybody. For those who are not used to coming to theater, there’s something for them too.”
Tickets are $45 to $65 per show. Call the Lynn box office at 561/237-9000 or visit our.lynn.edu to purchase online.
