Amplify

May 29, 2020

Digital Dive is an extension of our Deep Dive program, which invites our audience to take a more in-depth exploration of our artists.

Seth Rudetsky first brought his concert series to the Virginia G. Piper Theater in 2018. He continuously graces us with his witty banter and treasure trove of experience to pull from. If you haven’t attended one of Rudetsky’s concerts at the Center in the past it is something to look forward to next season. Rudetsky uses his immense black book of amazing Broadway (and beyond) talent to bring the best performers in the industry to Scottsdale for an evening of conversation and performance.

Our most recent concert series as part of our 2019–20 season featured Norm Lewis. Lewis premiered on Broadway in 1993 in The Who’s Tommy and has been a veritable force on the stage ever since. Since 1993, Lewis has held multiple roles on the best stages in the world and making history as he goes. He was the first African American to play Javert in the 2006 Broadway revival of Les Misérables. More recently (2014) he made history as the first Black actor to play the titular role in The Phantom of the Opera. Get a peek of his thrilling performance below.

Norm Lewis performs “The Music of the Night” from the beloved musical The Phantom of the Opera.
Norm Lewis performs “The Music of the Night” from the beloved musical The Phantom of the Opera.

An evening with Rudetsky on the Virginia G. Piper Theater stage is always a roller coaster of emotion. They perform all sorts of Broadway songs from the well known to the unknown, from highly energetic comedy to tear inducing emotion. Peppered throughout these songs, Rudetsky and guest sit and chat about their career and provide clever anecdotes that only the pros can give. The video below is a great example of the sort of chemistry we see at every performance during Rudetsky’s concert series. Watch below and find out how Norm Lewis got in trouble with his music director on Miss Saigon.

Seth Rudetsky and Norm Lewis engage in discussion and performance in this short video.
Seth Rudetsky and Norm Lewis engage in discussion and performance in this short video.

Seth Rudetsky will be back with us again next season for his concert series. We hope to see you there!

Do you have a fond memory of Broadway @ the Center with Seth Rudetsky? Let us know at [email protected].