Straight from her triumphant Broadway return as Madame Morrible in “Wicked,” Donna McKechnie debuts her new tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Live at the Orinda! on April 6. McKechnie, who starred in many Sondheim musicals, is thrilled to share Sondheim’s music and her many remembrances with audiences.
Orinda audiences are in for a double treat this April as Live at the Orinda! presents not one, but two acclaimed entertainers at the Orinda Theatre.
Starting April 6, Tony Award Winner and Broadway legend Donna McKechnie debuts her newest show “Take Me to the World, The Songs of Stephen Sondheim” in Orinda.
Having starred in such Sondheim masterpieces as “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Company,” McKechnie certainly has the knowledge and experience to present a very special show on the man she so admires. With incredible stories from decades working on Broadway, McKechnie also has a huge selection of dynamite tales to share with Orinda audiences.
McKechnie’s storied career began with a film she saw as a child: The classic British ballet film “The Red Shoes.” That convinced the 8-year-old McKechnie to pursue a career in ballet. Moving to New York at 17, she discovered summer stock, and ballet’s loss was Broadway’s gain, as the multi-talented young dancer/singer soon debuted in Sondheim’s “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
McKechnie’s lifelong collaboration with Michael Bennett began when she met him while working as a featured dancer on NBC’s music series “Hullabaloo.” The renowned choreographer showcased McKechnie in several shows, including Sondheim’s “Company,” but most notably “A Chorus Line,” where she originated the role of Cassie, for which she won a Tony Award.
Recently inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, McKechnie has starred many times on Broadway and London’s West End and sung with countless symphonies. She’s also showed her acting skills on such television shows as “Fame,” “Cheers,” “Family Ties” and “Dark Shadows.”
At 82, McKechnie still has plenty of creative energy, having just completed the Broadway run of “Wicked” as Madame Morrible and immediately going into rehearsals for her newest cabaret show.
While tickets to McKechnie’s April concert are sold out, ask to be placed on the waiting list by emailing Michael Williams at mdw500@gmail.com.
Singer/choreographer Niki Haris brings her powerful vocals that backed up Madonna for over 18 years to Live at the Orinda! on April 27. The daughter of Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, she shares her extensive knowledge of the Great American Songbook with local audiences.
There are still tickets available, however, for Live at the Orinda’s April 27 concert featuring actress, singer, dancer and choreographer Niki Haris.
The daughter of Grammy nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, Niki Haris has a true jazz pedigree and, while she also performed pop, dance, gospel and R&B during her career, she considers jazz the soundtrack of her life.
“I was always singing jazz with my father and grew up around music and musically gifted individuals,” said Haris. “I never thought of people as celebrities. As Sly Stone said, ‘Everybody is a star.’ I was raised to believe that, and I know I’m simply blessed to be able to paint with the canvas given to me.”
Pop music took over much of Haris’ life when she became the “big voice” behind Madonna as one of her backup singers, dancers and choreographers.
“I have so many stories from my time and travels with Madonna, but I’ll save those for the book,” Haris joked. “I have such gratitude for the years of hard work and loads of laughs and understanding the pros and cons of the illusions built around people in this industry. It helps keep me thankful for my great, and honest, community of family and friends. No one does any of this alone. Those were lessons Madonna instilled in me during our time together.”
Haris’ multi-faceted career also had her collaborating with such music greats as Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston, Sheryl Crow and many more.
“Challenge is something I look for. I’m an Aries so I think it’s the fire in me,” said Haris.
All Live at the Orinda! concerts begin at 5 p.m. and take place at the Orinda Theatre, #4 Orinda Theatre Square. For tickets to Niki Haris, visit bit.ly/4iOs3hw.
