Vereen performs “Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen” on Oct. 10 and delivers free arts-related lecture on Oct. 11
Kent State University’s College of the Arts, in conjunction with the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series, presents the community with two unique opportunities to see Tony award-winning performer Ben Vereen. On Wednesday, Oct. 10, Vereen and his band will perform “Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen” in the E. Turner Stump Theatre on the Kent Campus at 7:30 p.m.
Vereen and his band will perform music by such greats as Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra, while also performing some of the most-loved songs of Broadway. Patrons can expect to hear such great songs as “The Lady is Tramp,” “It Was a Very Good Year,” and “My Way,” “If I Ruled The World,” “Ol’ Black Magic” and “Mr. Bo Jangles.” Vereen’s performance will also feature music from such great Broadway shows as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Cats" and "Hair,” among others.
Tickets are $50 for gold circle seating, $25 for general reserved seating, $20 for seniors (60+), $10 for students with a valid college ID and for those under age 18. Tickets are available for purchase at the new Performing Arts Box Office located in the Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance in the Music and Speech Building at 1325 Theatre Dr. on the Kent Campus. Tickets can be reserved by phone at 330-672-ARTS (2787), in person or online at www.kent.edu/artscollege. The Performing Arts Box Office is open Monday–Friday, noon – 5 p.m., and will be open one hour prior to the performance. The box office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash and personal checks. Tickets will only be sold at the door, depending on availability.
On Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom, the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series continues Vereen’s visit to campus with a free, public lecture. The lecture, “Up Close and Personal with Ben Vereen,” will feature Vereen weaving light conversation and personal experiences in with thoughtful reflections on arts advocacy, overcoming adversity, arts in education and disabilities in the arts.
Reservations, recommended but not required, can be made by calling 330-672-ARTS (2787) or online at www.kent.edu/artscollege. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the door. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. A complimentary dessert reception will follow the lecture.
Since 2002, the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series has presented guest artists respected in the field of theatre, dance, visual arts, music and architecture.