Tony-nominated Broadway performer Carolee Carmello makes her Bay Area debut at the Orinda Theatre on Feb. 17.
The concert series “Live At the Orinda” got off to a great start last month with the appearance of legendary actor/singer Rita Moreno. The brainchild of Lamorinda Theatres owner Derek Zemrak and cabaret producer Michael Williams, the concert series performs in the historic Orinda Theatre’s mid-sized movie venue.
“Our goal has been two-fold: to bring world-class Broadway and jazz artists who excel in this intimate style of performing and who don’t often perform in the Bay Area to the Orinda Theatre; and to create a sense of community among live music lovers. It’s a beautiful community here and an untapped market, we’ve discovered,” says Zemrak.
The 180-seat space provides a rare opportunity to see Broadway stars in an intimate setting. Moreno’s performances on Jan. 19 and 20 not only provided an up-close-and-personal setting for the award-winning star but also served as a fundraiser for the theater with proceeds used to purchase permanent concert lighting for the series.
The season continues on Sunday, Feb. 17, with three-time Tony nominated Broadway star Carolee Carmello (Scandalous, Mamma Mia!, Finding Neverland) making her long-awaited Bay Area concert debut. Carmello has had a plethora of starring roles in Broadway musicals since landing her first role in City of Angels in 1989. Her most recent performances include: Donna in Mamma Mia!, Alice in The Addams Family, Mother Superior in Sister Act, Aimee in Scandalous and Madame du Maurier in Finding Neverland.
On Thursday, March 14, Broadway and TV star Telly Leung (Aladdin, Wicked, Allegiance, GLEE) will appear in his first Bay Area concert in many years. Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway (At the Same Time) will reunite with Broadway star and sister Liz Callaway (Miss Saigon, Cats) on Thursday, April 4, for their award-winning show Sibling Revelry. This also marks the first Bay Area duo concert by the Tony-nominated sisters in several years. The first half of the season ends with the Bay Area concert debut of Broadway and East End star Brent Barrett (Olivier Award nominee and star of Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and Kiss Me Kate) Thursday, May 2.
Tickets to the concert series at 2 Orinda Theater Square are priced from $55 – $100. Subscribers receive ticket discounts and first choice of reserved seats for the season. VIP subscribers and donors are also invited to private post-show receptions with each artist at Ciné Cuvée Wine Bar, adjacent to the theater. Information and tickets for the concert series are available at www.LamorindaTheatres.com or by calling 925-254-9065.
