By Kyle Wallace, Staff Writer
Music and theater students will have the opportunity to gain insight into the entertainment industry from two famous performers without leaving campus.
Two-time Grammy and Tony award winner Patti LuPone will engage with students in a Q&A session at 3 p.m. March 6 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.
Jason Alexander, known for playing “George Costanza” on the TV series Seinfeld, also will visit campus on March 11 to teach a master class and participate in a Q&A session. Aside from his role in Seinfeld, Alexander has worked on Broadway and appeared in several television shows and films.
During LuPone’s 43-year career, she has performed on Broadway, television, film and various concerts.
“It’s a nice motivation for our students to see somebody of her level come here to discuss her beginnings,” said Angela Polk, production coordinator for the schools of music and theater.
LuPone’s visit to OCU is a result of a connection between Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre and the schools of theater and music. Donald Jordan, artistic director of City Rep and OCU alumnus, helped the school arrange LuPone’s visit.
The day after her visit to OCU, LuPone will perform a concert at 8 p.m. at Oklahoma City Community College, 7777 S. May Ave.
Tickets range from $50-$150, based the seat.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased by calling (405) 682-7579 or visiting OCCC’s cultural programs website at www.occc.edu/cp.
Thirty-six students from the OCU acting and music theater programs will join LuPone during her performance at OCCC.
“I am so thrilled and blessed to have this opportunity,” Travis Burch, music theater junior, said. “We’re lucky to have been chosen to perform with such a prestigious Broadway diva.”
Alexander will work with theater students in the morning and then host a master class for music theater majors 2-5 p.m. March 11 in Petree Recital Hall.
There will be a Q&A session with Alexander at 7:30 p.m. the same day in Petree Recital Hall. This session is open to all students on a first come, first serve basis, but preference will be given to music and theater students.
“This one-two celebrity punch is really quite exciting,” said David Herendeen, director of opera and musical theater.
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