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Broadway comes to Kalamazoo

Sept. 6, 2004

KALAMAZOO--Broadway stars Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley present their review "Opposite You" Friday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m. in Shaw Theatre at Western Michigan University.

As part of the University Theatre Guild's 25th Annual President's Performance, WMU alumna Mazzie and Danieley will offer their show of duets and love songs as a scholarship benefit for students enrolled in WMU's Department of Theatre.

Mazzie and Danieley created and performed "Opposite You" for the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center. They have subsequently shared it with audiences on both coasts, and most recently at the Cinegrill in Los Angeles. "Opposite You" includes superlative songs by the likes of Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Irving Berlin, and Fats Waller.

Marin Mazzie has been seen on Broadway as Kate in "Kiss Me, Kate "(Tony nomination, Best Leading Actress), Mother in "Ragtime" (Tony nomination, Best Leading Actress), Clara in "Passion" (Tony nomination, Best Featured Actress), Rapunzel in "Into the Woods," and Mary Jane Wilkes in "Big River." Mazzie has also appeared in the London production of "Kiss Me, Kate" (Olivier Award, Best Actress) as well as off-Broadway in productions of "The Vagina Monologues" and "And the World Goes 'Round." A graduate of WMU's theatre program, she last performed in Kalamazoo with WMU alumna and Broadway actress Barbara Marineau during WMU's Centennial Celebration.

Jason Danieley made his Broadway debut in the 1997 revival of "Candide," as the title character, directed by Harold Prince. For his performance, he received a Theatre World Award, a Drama League Award and a Drama Desk Nomination. His most recent endeavor on Broadway was in "The Full Monty" in the role of Malcolm, which he originated, and in which he later made his London West End debut. Danieley's international tour experience includes "The Phantom of the Opera" (Raoul), "Hair" (Claude) and "Music of the Night" featured with Melissa Manchester. His work with regional theatre has taken him to the Old Globe, Goodspeed Opera House, Prince Music Theatre (formerly AMTF), and Missouri Repertory Theatre.

Tickets for "Opposite You" may be purchased by calling or visiting the University Theatre Ticket Office weekdays from noon and 5 p.m. at (269) 387-6222. Admission for the general public is $40, $35 for WMU faculty and staff, and $25 for students with ID.

The 2004-05 season at the University Theatre is made possible through a partnership with Millennium Restaurant Group.

Media contact: Patrick Donnelly, 269 387-6222, patrick.donnelly@wmich.edu

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