Broadway star Colm Wilkinson to share musical theater favorites on Nov. 19 at Goshen College; Choral Terrace tickets available

GOSHEN, Ind. – Bringing well-loved songs from beloved musical theater productions such as “Les Misérables” and “Phantom of the Opera,” legendary star Colm Wilkinson will bring a taste of Broadway to Michiana. On Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Wilkinson will grace the stage of Sauder Concert Hall in the Music Center as part of the 2005-06 Goshen College Performing Arts Series.

Choral Terrace tickets are still available, though selling fast. They are located behind the stage and cost $18. Any tickets in A and B sections available because they were returned by series holders who cannot attend will be sold the night of the concert at the ticket booth, which opens at 6:30 p.m.

One of musical theater’s most celebrated international performers, Wilkinson has appeared on stages in London, New York, Toronto and beyond. Before accepting his first musical theater role in 1972, to perform the role of Judas Iscariot in the Dublin and London productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Wilkinson was part of a popular Irish band and recorded several pop hits in Ireland. His career was solidified when he created the role of Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables,” earning him the Helen Hayes Award, the Outer Critic Circle Award and a Theatre World Award, as well as nominations for Laurence Olivier, Tony and Drama Desk awards.

Wilkinson created the original role of The Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” and gave 1,653 performances of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. He was honored with the Dora Mavor Moore award, Toronto’s professional theater accolade, for his portrayal of the Phantom in the 1989-90 season, and again in 1998-99 for his role in “Les Misérables” as Valjean. Wilkinson has also contributed to more than 60 recordings, factoring in musicals, solo albums, compilation and singles.

At Goshen College on Nov. 19, Wilkinson will present his new stage show, titled “Some of My Best Friends Are Songs.” Based around his latest recording, which has been receiving rave reviews from audiences around the world, the show features a collection of his all-time favorite songs as well as three songs he composed himself.

Future concerts in the Performing Arts Series:

·    Jan. 22, 3 p.m. – Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus with Goshen College Chamber Choir

·    Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. – The Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet (add on performance)

·    March 10, 7:30 p.m. – The Blind Boys of Alabama

·    March 31, 7:30 p.m. – Clarinetist Richard Stoltzman and pianist Peter Stoltzman

Tickets are $45 for A section, $40 for B section or $18 for C section seats. For information about ticket availability, prices, reservations or more information, contact the Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566 or e-mail welcomecenter@goshen.edu.

- Jennifer Rupp

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu/.