September 13, 2006
For Immediate Release
For more info:
James Arrington
(801) 863-7157
Theatre Department
(801) 863-8071
Campus Connection
(801) 863-8797
Premiere Performance of Broadway-Bound “Queens of Birdland” at UVSC
The UVSC Theatre Department will present the premiere staged public readings of a new Broadway-bound play, “Queens of Birdland,” based on real-life stories told by international superstars Madonna, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Chrissie Hynde ( lead singer for The Pretenders), Patti Smith and Carly Simon, September 22-23 at 7 p.m. in the UVSC Ragan Theater. Admission is free (seating is limited).
The play, written by New York celebrity journalist Carl Arrington, follows the divas’ paths to stardom, based on personal in-depth interviews he conducted with the artists throughout his career.
“It was fascinating to hear these gifted, driven and legendary talents describe their separate roads to fame and fortune,” said Arrington, a former music editor of People Weekly Magazine and writer for Time, Rolling Stone, US Weekly and TV Guide. “In my 30 years of work and hundreds of interviews as a reporter, these six women stand out as the most unforgettable modern heroines. 'Queens of Birdland' is really the answer to the question I am asked most often: So what is she (name your favorite diva ) REALLY like in person?”
UVSC Theater Professor James Arrington collaborated with Carl Arrington, his brother, to write the script for “Queens of Birdland.” J. Arrington will direct the production.
Following each performance, the Arrington brothers will open an “audience talk back” session for questions and answers, featuring the playwrights and actors. This production may be inappropriate for children under six.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Kim Chapman
(801) 863-7011
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