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Musicians reveal "The Full Monty’

Kimberly NIcoletti

BRECKENRIDGE – Douglas Webster brings Broadway to Breckenridge with “The Full Monty” – and more – this week.

“The basis of the program is Broadway standards mixed with new hits on Broadway,” Webster said. This year, show tunes include selections from “The Producers,” “West Side Story,” “My Fair Lady,” “Gypsy,” “How to Succeed in Business,” “Oklahoma!” and, of course, “The Full Monty.”

Broadway performers and well-known teachers visit Breckenridge to coach talented young singers six to eight hours a day for two weeks straight. At the end of the intense training, the nine singers, ranging in age from 16-25, strut their stuff on the Riverwalk Center stage. Artistic director Douglas Webster created the program, called the American Singing Seminar – Musical Intensive, in 1999 as part of the Breckenridge Music Institute’s (BMI) educational programs. He selects participants from live or taped auditions, choosing a cohesive group of performers.



“I cast it like a show, taking each individual and (considering) how they blend with the others,” Webster said.

The seminar focuses on technical skills, choreography and voice, acting and audience techniques. Webster studies the performers, then creates a program to help each singer with his or her challenges.



“The synergy of the group and the way they work with the faculty is great,” Webster said. “They’re really eager to learn, very dedicated and focused.”

Webster draws from the best veteran performers and teachers to round out his faculty.

With stage roles ranging from opera’s “Don Giovanni” to Broadway’s “Les Miserables,” he tempers old-school, Italian voice technique with a few years’ experience on Broadway. Broadway performer Geoffrey Blaisdell coaches monologues and the meaning behind the text of songs. Wysandria Woolsey teaches students how to belt out the brassy Broadway sound without hurting their voices. Musical Director Stephen Randoy hand-picks the repertoire, based on each student’s needs. Choreographer Madeline Zeiberg teaches actors who don’t dance basic steps. During the last three days, Broadway Casting Director Vincent Liff gives singers feedback after a mock audition.

“I really wanted the young people who come to me to meet the nicest people in New York,” Webster said.

In addition to the performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Riverwalk Center, the faculty and students will perform at the joint pops concert with the BMI and National Repertory orchestras at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19 at the Riverwalk Center and at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville.

Tickets range from $17-$27. Last year’s performance at the Riverwalk Center sold out, so call (970) 547-3100 to reserve tickets. To purchase tickets to the performance at the Tabor Opera House, which include a tour of the historical building, call (719) 486-8409.

Broadway Music Theater

– When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18

– Where: Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge

Kimberly Nicoletti

can be reached at (970) 668-3998 ext. 245 or by e-mail at knicoletti@summitdaily.com.


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