July 26 & 27, 7:30 pm
@ The Wallis
July 28, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
@ The Wallis
ABOUT
MUSE/IQUE Presents "Plenty of Heart, Plenty of Hope: The Making of Oklahoma! and the Broadway Musical"
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Oklahoma! was undoubtedly the first of its kind. In the early 1940s, Rodgers & Hammerstein did the then-inconceivable: they combined the complex storytelling of the typical stage play with the music and movement of traditional musicals. Oklahoma! broke and rewrote all the rules for what was possible on Broadway and opened the door for decades of revolutionary musicals yet to come
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Join MUSE/IQUE for the dazzling story of how the Broadway musical came to represent hope and wonder in American culture. We trace the history of the modern musical beginning with the provocative, unprecedented Oklahoma!, which dared to tackle darker themes and serious subject matter, all while capturing the hopeful, resilient spirit of the nation.
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In the 80 years since, brave artists have continued to push the boundaries of Broadway even further. Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby leads us through some of Broadway’s most momentous numbers, from the groundbreaking Hamilton to the vibrant Hair, and inventive reimaginations of classic stories in The Wiz and West Side Story. This performance features soaring solos, stirring motifs, and Herman Cornejo solo dance numbers that will leave you feeling inspired to dream differently.
Make Some Noise: Music and Stories of America Defiance and Hope
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In our 2024 season, MUSE/IQUE spotlights the transformative American artists and thinkers who rejected norms and limitations to forge a new and better future. When artists make loud choices and take bold stances, they teach us that nothing is impossible. Join us in a celebration of the stories and music that moved America.
Brandon Victor Dixon, vocals
Brandon Victor Dixon is an Emmy, Grammy (2x), and Tony (2x) Award Nominated Actor, Producer, and Social advocate. He has produced multiple works including the Tony Award winning Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris and Tribeca Film Selection the political thriller, 88, now available on all streaming platforms.
A Presidential Scholar Semi-finalist, Brandon studied at the British Academy of Dramatic Acting in Oxford, is a graduate of Columbia University, and a recipient of the university's I.A.L Diamond Award for achievement in the Arts.
Broadway: HELL’S KITCHEN, HAMILTON, SHUFFLE ALONG (Tony nom.), THE COLOR PURPLE (Tony nom.), MOTOWN THE MUSICAL (Grammy nom.), Kander and Ebb’s CHICAGO; THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS (Olivier, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and AUDELCO noms.). TV: NBC’s The Best Man, Judas in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Terry Silver on the STARZ hit drama Power, NETFLIX’s She’s Gotta Have it, Amazon’s Modern Love, ABC’s The Good Wife, NBC’s This Is Us, DISNEY’s Firebuds, PEACOCK’s The Best Man. FILM: 88 (STARZ, HULU, APPLE)
HERMAN CORNEJO, DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY
Argentine born Herman Cornejo is one of the most celebrated dancers of our time. He began his training at the Arts Institute of Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. At age 14 he was awarded a full scholarship from the School of American Ballet, after which he was summoned by Julio Bocca to join the Ballet Argentino, alternating the major roles of the repertoire with him during the world tour of the company. He officially joined American Ballet Theatre in 1999. He was promoted to soloist in 2000 and to Principal Dancer in 2003. Since then, he has been one of the greatest stars of the company. Considered a prodigy by teachers and critics alike, he has received numerous awards and honors: he was appointed Messenger of Peace by UNESCO; ‘Dancer of the Year’ by The New York Times. This year, he reaches a fundamental milestone in his career celebrating 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, continuing to represent the prestige of the company around the world
Abi Levis, vocals
Named “Debut Artist of the Year” by the Joy in Singing Foundation, Mezzo-Soprano Abi Levis is quickly being recognized as an exciting singer of immense talent, with critics around the world describing her artistry as “fearless”, “dazzling”, “impressive”, and “breathtaking”. In the 2022-2023 season, Ms. Levis sang the roles of the Officer’s Wife/Martha in The Secret Garden with Hawaii Opera Theater, joined the Portland Baroque Orchestra for Handel’s Messiah and returns to Promfest Estonia as Prince Charmant in Cendrillon. During the 2023-2024 season, Ms. Levis will make debuts with Brooklyn Art Song Society, and the Reno Chamber Orchestra, while also returning to Intermountain Opera Bozeman and the Portland Baroque Orchestra. Overseas, Ms. Levis has joined Deutsche Oper Berlin in roles such as Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflöte, Siébel in Faust, Mercédès in Carmen and Dido in Dido and Aeneas. She has also performed with the Luzerner Theater as Stéphano in Roméo et Juliette, Zerlina in Don Giovanni and Orfeo in Orfeo ed Euridice
dc6 singerS collective, vocals
The DC6 Singers Collective are a Los Angeles-based ensemble of dynamic and energetic a cappella, gospel, and Motown singers. Together, the DC6 Singers Collective have brought their shared passion for music as well as their uplifting and charismatic performances to audiences across the country via film (Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”), national television (The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Hallmark's Home & Family, Hollywood Game Night, etc.) and live events across the country. In harmony, the DC6 Singers Collective deliver a unique approach to gospel and Motown standards and breathe new life into classic and current pop standards ranging from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to Adele.
VENUE
The Wallis
Indoors
9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
PARKING
Guests will find convenient self-parking in the underground paid parking structures.
The flat rate for performances is $8.
FOOD & DRINK
There will be a cash bar where you may purchase beverages and other light snacks such as popcorn and chips.
ADMISSION / MEMBERSHIP
New to MUSE/IQUE?
MUSE/IQUE is a member-driven organization. Membership gives you admissions to 12 months of MUSE/IQUE events, beginning the moment you sign up! The more you give, the more you support us in our mission to bring life-changing live music to all.​
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