CFA to Present Colm Wilkinson: Broadway & Beyond Sept. 27

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo will present Colm Wilkinson: Broadway & Beyond on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage theater, located at the Center for the Arts, North Campus. This performance is sponsored in part by the Center for Plastic Surgery.

To lovers of musical theatre around the world Colm Wilkinson needs no introduction. On stages in London, New York, Toronto and beyond he has firmly established himself as one of theater's greatest performers. His definitive portrayal of such leading characters as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" and the Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera" have brought the Irish born singer huge critical acclaim, a trophy case of awards and the adoration of millions of theatre-goers.

Wilkinson achieved international fame when he created the role of Jean Valjean with The Royal Shakespeare Company in the hit musical "Les Miserables." After appearing in London's West End and on Broadway, Wilkinson was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for best actor as well as Tony and Drama Desk Nominations. He also won the Helen Hayes Award, The Outer Critics Circle Award and the Theatre World Award. He returned to the role of Jean Valjean for one night only in the now legendary London 10th Anniversary Concert of "Les Miserables." The DVD version of the concert has been seen by millions worldwide.

Wilkinson also created the role of the Phantom for Andrew Lloyd-Webber at the Sydmonton Festival in 1986. He went on to star in the Toronto production of this musical for four and a half years. He earned the Dora Mavor Moore Award for his portrayal of the Phantom in the 1989-90 season. Wilkinson returned to "Les Miserables" in 1998 in Toronto and won his second Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role as Valjean.

The concert will be a two-hour evening of music and stories. Theater favorites such as "Music of the Night," "Some Enchanted Evening," "Somewhere" and his signature song "Bring Him Home" anchor the experience. Mr. Wilkinson includes definitive Irish classics such as "Danny Boy" and "Whiskey in the Jar." Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and The Animals "House of the Rising Sun" add another dimension to a program rich in musical theater and showcasing the complete depth, range, and variety of Colm Wilkinson's talents.

Joined on stage by two female backing vocalists and a seven-piece band under the skilled musical direction of Steve Hunter, Mr. Wilkinson's two act show brings the audiences to their feet over and over again. Broadway & Beyond is truly a magical evening that only a talent such as Colm Wilkinson could create.

Tickets for Colm Wilkinson: Broadway & Beyond are $53.50, $47.50, $41.50. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and all Ticketmaster locations including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets call 1-800-745-3000; in Canada, call 416-870-8000. For group sales, call 716-645-6771. For more information, call 716-645-2787.