LEANN BURKE / THE DEPAUW
Today, DePauw University’s School of Music will be hosting world-renowned guest artist Jason Robert Brown as part of the Living Composer Festival.
Brown has a prolific career and is a three-time Tony Award-winning composer. One of his acclaimed works includes the score of the 2014 fall musical presented at DePauw, Parade. JRB was scheduled to be at DePauw during Parade’s debut but unfortunately, his trip was postponed until now due to the release of his new Broadway musical, The Bridges of Madison County and the premiere of the film adaptation of his musical, The Last Five Years.
Maintaining a strong presence in the media, some of his more notable acknowledgments include a quote made by the Philadelphia Inquirer saying that JRB is, "one of Broadway's smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Stephen Sondheim." The New York Times also acknowledges him as "a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical."
Brown’s career has taken off in full force as he has become one of the great contemporary artists. Students have the amazing opportunity to meet with this composer today. Starting at 11:30 a.m., Jason will be leading a “Success in Theatre” discussion. If you have an interest in the theatrical arts, this unique experience is a must attend. There also will be a “Composition and Creative Process” discussion held at 1:45 p.m. for those students interested in the making of music. Each of these events will be held in the Thompson Recital Hall in the GCPA near the Communication wing.
Saturday, March 7, the day begins at 10:00 a.m. with an Alumni Panel featuring alumni from the classes of 1959 through 2007. They will be sharing their experience relating to the work they have been doing in the area of music and theatre in room 1029 in the GCPA. A panel luncheon, “Ethics and the Stage,” will follow in the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics Auditorium. Leaders of these conversations will consist of Music and Communication department faculty.
During this talk, students will get the chance to discuss the element of ethics within a production with examples from theatrical productions including, but not limited to, Parade and Into the Woods. This type of discussion ties well into the diversity and acceptance discussions that have been occurring on campus.
We are extremely lucky to have the opportunity talk with and listen to this seasoned professional here at DePauw. Performances Saturday will take place back in Thompson Recital hall starting at 2:00 p.m. with a Student Cabaret performance. For the Grand Finale of the weekend, students will be able to see “Jason Robert Brown In Concert” at 5:00 p.m. in Thompson.
Whether musical theatre is a genre you are passionate about or one that you have never had much experience with, I recommend you take this chance to learn more about the makings and artistry that happens on the stage and behind the curtain. You won’t be disappointed!