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Returning with a vibrant performance of Pippin, “The Broadway Sitzprobe Experience,” founded by Seth Rudetsky, seeks to provide valuable opportunities for MUSE and Maestra musicians who are exceptionally talented but have limited access to Broadway. This initiative allows these musicians to gain experience by collaborating with established Broadway instrumentalists and performing alongside renowned Broadway stars. The term “sitzprobe” refers to the initial rehearsal where the cast sings the score with the orchestra.
The program has previously enjoyed notable successes with sitzprobes for productions like Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls, and She Loves Me, which even led to job offers for participating orchestra members. This upcoming rendition of Pippin will be conducted by Julie McBride and feature Darius de Haas and Sis sharing the role of the Leading Player, alongside Nathan Salstone and Zachary Noah Piser alternating as Pippin. Additionally, the cast includes Charlotte d’Amboise as Fastrada, Terrence Mann as Charlemagne, Autumn Hurlbert as Catherine, and Andrea Martin reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Berthe.
Seth Rudetsky noted, “I encountered a Broadway executive who expressed challenges in hiring diverse orchestra members, citing a lack of experience. Consequently, I decided to create an avenue for them to gain that experience! Each Project Broadway Sitzprobe is overseen by seasoned Broadway musicians who volunteer their time to guide these skilled musicians to become ‘Broadway ready!’ We also ensure a veteran Broadway conductor is involved so the musicians grasp what’s expected of them. It truly feels like a genuine Broadway sitzprobe, as the songs are performed by Broadway stars!” He added, “By livestreaming the event nationwide, we aspire to motivate audiences to chase their artistic aspirations and ultimately foster a more diverse musical community.”
An open call was issued last month for MUSE and Maestra instrumentalists who have never held a Broadway or touring seat, resulting in the selection of 20 musicians to join the orchestra for Pippin.
This free event is scheduled for Friday, May 2 at 2:00 PM ET, taking place at the Library for Performing Arts in the Bruno Walter Auditorium (111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York). For individuals who cannot attend in person, the performance will also be livestreamed on StarsInTheHouse.com, hosted by Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson.
Upcoming Broadway Event
Return of Mamma Mia! at Winter Garden Theatre
After a ten-year hiatus, Mamma Mia! will be making its Broadway comeback this summer. With music from ABBA, the musical is set to begin previews on August 2, culminating in an opening night on August 14. The show will return to its original casting location, the Winter Garden Theatre, which first opened it in 2001. Originally running for an impressive 14 years and 5,773 performances, this production holds the title of Broadway’s ninth longest-running show in history.
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www.broadwayworld.com