Forty years later, in her signature playful and heartfelt style, Ann Morrison reprises the Stephen Sondheim songs she had the honor of introducing to the world.
(April 25, 2022) Choral Artists of Sarasota presents an exclusive Sarasota preview of “Ann Morrison: Merrily From Center Stage,” Saturday, May 7, 7 p.m., at the home of John Fischer and Jim Weisenborne in Serenoa Lakes south of Sarasota. Tickets for this fundraiser for Choral Artists are $100 per person, which includes light food and beverages. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.
Joseph Holt, Choral Artists’ artistic director, explains that Sarasota resident and award-winning actor, writer, teacher, and director Ann Morrison is bringing her newly created solo cabaret show, “Merrily From CenterStage,” to Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City on May 17. Her show includes insights and never-before-heard tales of “Merrily We Roll Along” from the perspective of her award-winning character, Mary Flynn. Forty years later and a few years wiser, in her signature playful and heartfelt style, Morrison reprises the Stephen Sondheim songs she had the honor of introducing to the world.
“We’re very grateful Ann offered to give Sarasota fans a sneak peek—and to do it as a fundraiser for Choral Artists,” says Holt. “Music theater lovers should relish the opportunity to hear her insights into the creative genius of Stephen Sondheim as well as experience the joy and enthusiasm she brings to all her performances. She’s immensely talented and we anticipate a wonderful evening ahead.”
Ann Morrison has been an award-winning actor, writer, teacher, and director for more than 40 years. As an actress, she performed on Broadway in Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” directed by Harold Prince, and in “LoveMusik” (2007). She performed off-Broadway in the musical “Goblin Market,” and was an original cast member of “Forbidden Broadway.” Nationally she has performed in “Sondheim on Sondheim,” “Into the Woods,” “Peter Pan,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Cabaret,” and many more. As a solo artist, Morrison has performed cabaret at major venues across the country, most recently at Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City. She won Best Actress for her solo play, “Linda Lovely Goes to Broadway” at the United Solo Festival in New York, and appeared there again with her solo play, “Word Painting: Soliloquies Around an Easel.” Morrison is the co-founder/artistic director of SaraSolo Productions, helping to develop and celebrate solo theater artists. She plays herself in the 2017 documentary “Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened.” For more information, visit www.annmorrsion.net.
About the Choral Artists of Sarasota
The Choral Artists of Sarasota, entering its 43rd season, features 32 of the region’s most notable professional singers and eight apprentice singers. The group celebrates the rich, artistic expressiveness of choral music through innovative repertoire, inspired performances and stimulating educational outreach. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, Choral Artists of Sarasota performs a repertoire spanning four centuries, and includes symphonic choral works, intimate madrigals, folk songs, close-harmony jazz, and Broadway show music. The ensemble also specializes in premiere performances of lesser-known choral works—particularly music by living American composers. Choral Artists of Sarasota has performed premieres by René Clausen, Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth Walker and James Grant. As part of the organization’s educational outreach, eight young singers from area schools, colleges and universities, ages 16 to 22, are invited to join the group each year. For more information, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.