‘New One Night on Broadway' takes Centre Stage with Penn State Theatre alumni

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa — Penn State Centre Stage Broadway alumni will return home for “New One Night on Broadway," to be held Monday, May 19, at the Playhouse Theatre on the University Park campus. The evening will include wine, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, performances and a gala seated dinner on stage with alumni. 

The event supports Centre Stage and the School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture and is sponsored by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Hyatt Place State College and Avant Garden.

Directed by head of Penn State Musical Theatre John Simpkins, the Nagle Family Endowed Chair in Musical Theatre, and music-directed by Ben Kiley, the show will feature Broadway and Penn State musical theater alumni. Sharing the stage will be Rachel Fairbanks (“Camelot”), Amina Faye (“Six”), Dan Teixeira (“Harmony”), and Aidan Wharton (“Girl from the North Country”).

"We are so proud of the graduates of Penn State Musical Theatre," said Simpkins. "This past season alone featured alumni on 27 Broadway contracts, seven Off-Broadway contracts and 22 National Tour contracts — in addition to the countless shows at regional theaters around the country. We are excited to welcome four of our incredible alums back to campus so we can celebrate them and share in their artistic excellence!

New to the event are displays celebrating the artistry of the School of Theatre designers and technicians, and a gala dinner on stage with Broadway alumni from various program areas, including Heather Augustine (sound design, “Outsiders”) and Robert W. Schneider (music theater directing, “The Baker’s Wife”), among others.

"This gala celebration will highlight the dynamic and multifaceted success stories of students and graduates from across all our programs, reflecting the breadth of talent and dedication that have long defined the Penn State School of Theatre," said Artistic Director A. Kikora Franklin.

"We hope to make this year's “One Night on Broadway” an event that creates a meaningful space where alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students and friends can come together in fellowship — celebrating not only who WE are, but the impact we make together. Through shared stories, inspiring performances, and moments of reflection, this gala will showcase the role our community plays in shaping the next generation of theater artists."

Visit the Centre Stage website theatre.psu.edu/centrestage for more information. Event ticket options include: 

• Pre-show and performance from 5 to 7:30 p.m. is $129. 
• VIP option with gala dinner following performance is $254. 

Advance sales only. Ticket price includes a $4 Ticketmaster fee which will be waived if purchased in person at the Arts Ticket Center or by calling 814-863-0255.