Gulf Coast Symphony will present Make Believe – Jerome Kern Tribute. Immerse yourself in the glorious world of musical theater as we pay homage to the brilliant Jerome Kern. From “Ol’ Man River” to “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” experience the magic of Kern’s timeless masterpieces, brought to life by our exceptionally talented performers. Get ready for an evening of pure theatrical delight! Starring Broadway performers Erika Henningsen, Jason Forbach and Nicholas Ward.
Featuring Special Guests…
Erika Henningsen
Erika Henningsen is a Bay Area native most known for originating the starring role of Cady Heron in the Tony-nominated hit musical, Mean Girls. Prior to Mean Girls, she played Fantine opposite Ramin Karimloo in the recent Broadway revival of Les Miserables. She made her New York stage debut in the New York Philharmonic production of Show Boat, conducted by Ted Sperling at Alice Tully Hall, which was subsequently released on PBS as part of the Live From Lincoln Center concert series. Other theater credits include Beth in the acclaimed musical adaptation of Barry Levinson’s hit movie, Diner, helmed by Kathleen Marshall for Signature Theater in D.C., Nellie Forbush in South Pacific and Sophie in Mamma Mia! at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, as well as Nina in Dear World opposite Tyne Daly.
Jason Forbach
Jason Forbach, whose “Commanding tenor”- Kansas City Star “has charisma in spades” – Washington Post, has a career ranging across the opera, symphony and Broadway stage. Recently, Jason famously stepped into the lead role of The Baker last minute on opening night in the acclaimed 2022 Broadway revival of Into the Woods alongside Sara Barielles and is currently playing Rapunzel’s Prince in the National Tour of the same show. The Daily News described his star turn as “excellent.” He also starred as Raoul, Vicomte de Changy in The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater and Enjolras in the 2014 Tony nominated Broadway revival of Les Miserables, where he reprised the role he played on the 25th Anniversary National Tour.
Nicholas Ward
Nicholas Ward was recently featured in the hit Broadway revival of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, playing Oliver Hix (the baritone in the quartet). His past Broadway credits include playing the role of Mufasa in The Lion King, King Agnarr in Disney’s Frozen, Chris in In Transit, and Miss Turnstile’s Announcer in On the Town. Ward has also had the great pleasure of performing in eight New York City Center Encores! Productions including: Brigadoon, Cabin in the Sky, Pipe Dream, The Golden Apple, 1776, Zorba, Paint Your Wagon, and Annie Get Your Gun. Lincoln Center Productions include Camelot, and Andrew Lippa’s I am Harvey Milk. On film and television, he has appeared in Shmigadoon, Frozen 2, Ricky and the Flash, The Tony Awards, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, One Night Only: The Best of Broadway, The Disney Holiday Sing Along, and Rockefeller Center’s Tree Lighting.
About the Composer
Jerome Kern
Jerome Kern was an American composer of musical theatre and popular music.
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