Texas A&M’s MSC OPAS performing arts series returns this fall with four shows following the pandemic.
Executive director Anne Black says “We, like you and our audiences, are ready to be back. And I think everybody is just really ready for some live entertainment. We’ve all been zooming and streaming for too long.”
Black says two of the shows features Tony Award nominees. One is Michael Cavanaugh, who will be performing songs from Billy Joel and Elton John. The other is J. Bobby Spencer, who appeared in OPAS performances of Midtown Men. Black says Spencer is performing a one man show about how he got from his hometown of Plano Texas to Broadway.
The other shows feature the vocal group The Barricade Boys and a holiday concert by The Kingdom Choir.
Season ticket holders form the 2019-2020 OPAS season have until June 30 to buy tickets. Single tickets will go on sale to the general public starting July 15.
Click below for comments from Anne Black, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver:
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News release from MSC OPAS:
After a whirlwind of a year, OPAS is pleased to announce the four concerts heading to the Brazos Valley this fall as part of the 2021-22 “Let’s Get Together” season. These will be the first live performances presented by OPAS in Rudder since the COVID-19 pandemic halted the performing arts industry in the spring of 2019. The 2022 spring performances, which will include multiple national tours of Broadway musicals, will be announced at a later time.
OPAS Executive Director Anne Black explains, “While there are no Broadway shows on our fall lineup, we are very excited to present top-notch award-winning Broadway and West End performers – including two Tony Award nominated actors in concert Michael Cavanaugh and J. Robert Spencer.” Black continues, “OPAS audiences will recognize Bobby because he’s also in the popular group The Midtown Men. And just wait until you hear The Barricade Boys sing at our opening night performance! As for The Kingdom Choir? Their joyful message is exactly what we need at this time.”
Black summarizes, “We started the pandemic with a simple message about the healing power of the arts. We kept that message at top of mind when considering what programs to put on the stage this fall. It is our hope that patrons will join us back in Rudder for all four of these events because each carries a special message of coming together.”
For more information about OPAS, including season announcement information and how to order tickets, visit www.MSCOPAS.org and follow OPAS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@MSCOPAS).
Season ticket holders from the 2019-2020 season must order their tickets to these fall concerts by June 30. Single tickets will go on sale the general public on Thursday, July 15 at the MSC Box Office (979-845-1234) and online at www.MSCOPAS.org. More information about each of the performances follows.
THE BARRICADE BOYS: Stars from the West End’s Les Misérables, Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
Direct from London, meet Britain’s newest and most electrifying vocal group, The Barricade Boys! These stars from the West End production of the world’s longest running musical, Les Misérables, will blow you away with their powerhouse vocals and slick dance routines. They transport audiences, performing an incredible array of iconic songs. Expect powerhouse ballads, beautiful operatic arias, as well as pop, rock, and swing numbers. Plus, enjoy showstoppers from Broadway shows including Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and, of course, Les Misérables.
MICHAEL CAVANAUGH: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John. Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
Michael Cavanaugh is ready to rock Rudder! Described as “Brilliant,” by Variety Magazine, “Amazing,” by The New York Times, and “Entertainer of the Year,” by Reuters, Michael scored his big break when Billy Joel handpicked him for the lead in Broadway’s smash hit Movin’ Out. The role garnered him rave reviews and accolades, culminating with Grammy and Tony Award® nominations. In this one-night-only concert, he will lead his band through the biggest hits by Billy Joel and Elton John. Experience this high-octane show and you’ll realize why Billboard Magazine calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock ‘n Roll Songbook.”
7000 MILES TO BROADWAY: Starring Broadway Veteran J. Robert Spencer, Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre at Texas A&M University
Expect a concert chock-full of radio and Broadway hits when Broadway star J. Robert Spencer takes you on a musical journey across a variety of genres and multiple decades. Go back in time on a road trip in the family wood-paneled yellow station wagon where Bobby grew up singing classic country, rock, and Broadway hits. This is the music that helped pave his way to starring in some of the biggest hits on Broadway, including Jersey Boys and Next to Normal (Tony Award® Nomination for Best Leading Actor). From Willie Nelson’s country twang, to the smooth crooning sounds of Frank Sinatra to the pop favorites of Frankie Valli, this concert has something for everyone!
THE KINGDOM CHOIR (TM): A Special Holiday Concert, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
Led by award-winning gospel choir conductor Karen Gibson, London’s The Kingdom Choir™ shot to stardom in 2018 when their performance of “Stand by Me” was celebrated by a global audience of over two billion. The ensemble built on their worldwide fame later that same year when Coca-Cola tapped them to sing “Holidays Are Coming” for their Christmas ad. Gibson founded the group in 1994 with a mission to form a choir that draws from various gospel traditions and creates a sound that reflects the community they share. Their warm energy and enthusiastic performance will have you feeling all the feels, making joyful noise, and dancing in your seat.