CCRI Presents ‘Hello Broadway’ June 21-23

WARWICK, RI — The Community College of Rhode Island’s Performing Arts Department 11th annual production of ‘Hello Broadway’ returns to the Knight Campus’ Bobby Hackett Theater Friday, June 21.

The production, directed by CCRI music professor Dr. Audrey Kaiser, runs through June 23. This year’s ensemble cast performs The All Night Strut!, a Great Depression-themed production of swing music from the 1930s and ‘40s.

The All Night Strut! musical revue details American history through the Great Depression, World War II and the post-war boom with eclectic jazz, blues and big band classics from legendary songwriters Erskine Hawkins, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Glenn Miller. Songs include “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Brother Can You Spare a Dime” and “Tuxedo Junction.”

“For such a difficult time in our history, the music is exhilarating,” Kaiser said. “There’s no real script or dialogue. The story is told through the lyrics.”

This year’s cast features a mix of current students and Hello Broadway alum, including Michelle Legault, Nathan Melo, Jessica Still, Cara Higgins, Jessi Migliozzi, Nick Barratt, Tony Rodrigues, Jason Tramonti, Naomi Tyler, and Laura Castellone. The production staff includes Jen Hammond, stage manager; Tom Ricciotti, sound design; and Haley Ahlborg, lighting design, along with a pit orchestra featuring Kaiser as the conductor and pianist, Joe Grilli on bass, Ken DiBiasio on drums and Fernando Marzan on the saxophone.

“Our performers are doing wonderful work,” Kaiser said. “They are learning how to accomplish an entire project in a short time frame. That’s the way a professional company operates. There’s no time to wait until you get it. You have to work at it, and our focus is amazing because of it. We surround them with everything they need and they are working with professionals that have been in the field. The experience is beneficial for everyone involved.”

The All Night Strut! musical revue details American history through the Great Depression, World War II and the post-war boom with eclectic jazz, blues and big band classics from legendary songwriters Erskine Hawkins, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Glenn Miller. Songs include “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Brother Can You Spare a Dime” and “Tuxedo Junction.”

“For such a difficult time in our history, the music is exhilarating,” Kaiser said. “There’s no real script or dialogue. The story is told through the lyrics.”

Opening night includes performances at 2 and 8 p.m. and is the culmination of an intense, five-week audition and rehearsal process for cast and orchestra members in preparation for the event. Showtime is 8 p.m. on June 22nd following by a 2 p.m. matinee June 23.

Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and CCRI faculty and staff, and can be reserved by phone at 401-825-1135 or purchased at the box office the night of the event.