ICCT fundraiser this weekend

ICCT - Iowa City Community Theatre will present South Pacific: In Concert on August 6 and 7, a gala event at the Englert Theatre that will feature local stars and a stunning full orchestra under the direction of University of Iowa Professor Emeritus Ed Kottick.

Directed by Josh Sazon, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical features the classic songs “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Honey Bun,” “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” The concert version of the musical includes the original dialogue and tells a tale of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime that is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences in 1949.

The renowned baritone Stephen Swanson, who has sung in opera houses in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands and amassed a repertoire of 91 roles in operas, operettas, and musicals, will portray Emile de Becque. Kate Thompson, an original touring member of the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, will play Nellie Forbush. Krista Neumann, who previously starred as Nellie opposite John Raitt, will play Bloody Mary.

The cast also features:

Brian Jones as Lieutenant Cable
Andrew Cole as Luther Billis
Olga Rua as Liat
Brian Lawler as Captain Brackett
Justin Braden as Commander Harbison
Jeff Mead as Professor
Dylan Wheeler as Stewpot
And an amazing twenty five member vocal ensemble.

Tickets are available through the Englert Theatre Box Office at (319) 688-2653 or for purchase online at www.englert.org.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Iowa City Community Theatre, a beloved area institution that is celebrating its fifty-fifth season.