Source: Marci Maullar, 785-532-6878, marcima@k-state.edu
Hometown connection: Topeka
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu
Monday, Feb. 13, 2012
A night on Broadway: Ebony Theatre to host concert by two Broadway performers
MANHATTAN -- A bit of Broadway is coming to Kansas State University's Nichols Theatre.
Broadway actors Nikki Renee Daniels and Joshua Henry will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27. Sponsored by K-State's Ebony Theatre, the performance is free and open to the public.
Daniels and Henry currently co-star as the loving couple Clara and Jake in the 2012 Broadway revival of the Gershwins' "Porgy and Bess." The African-American performers have a combined 13 Broadway shows in their repertoire.
In their Nichols Theatre performance, "Something Gonna Change: Nikki Renee Daniels and Joshua Henry on Broadway," they sing Broadway show tunes that are as diverse as the shows in which they have performed. Paying tribute to Black History Month, they share their musical journey as African-Americans navigating Broadway.
"We are so fortunate to have these talented actors perform for our K-State students for free," said Marci Maullar, adviser to Ebony Theatre. "It would cost $130 a ticket to see them on Broadway. Anyone who loves musical theater will be thrilled to see them perform a variety of Broadway tunes in the intimate setting of Nichols Theatre."
The duo will be taking one night off from their musical to perform at K-State, and they will travel back to New York City the next morning for their evening production. K-State's Jennifer Vellenga, assistant professor of theater and a professional director, facilitated their visit.
"Joshua is a former student of mine," Vellenga said. "We've stayed in close contact over the years. He was excited about the opportunity to share his journey as an African-American artist with Ebony Theatre members and the K-State community."
Daniels, whose in-laws live in Topeka, also has a passion for reaching out to students and sharing her perspective as an African-American performer.
Seating is limited for the event. The doors to Nichols Theatre will open at 7 p.m. and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations for Ebony Theatre will be accepted at the door. Ebony Theatre is funded by the university's Student Governing Association.
