LEGACY THEATRE OF BRANFORD PRESENTS BROADWAY

If music be the food of love, play on! Shakespeare said it hundreds of years ago, and the Legacy Theatre of Branford is proving it today. The Legacy Theatre is welcoming Broadway, in a series of concerts, to its beautiful gem of a theater and you are cordially invited to share the musical joy. First up is Nikki M. James with Nate Buccieri on the piano on Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m. Valentine’s Day may be over but this sweetheart of a singer is ready to woo you with love and passion. Nikki originated the role of Nabalungi in “The Book of Mormon” for which she won a Tony Award and recently starred in “A Bright Room Called Day” by Tony Kushner. You don’t want to miss this sensational performance. On Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. the suave Max Von Essen with Billy Stritch on piano will set the rafters warbling as he presents an afternoon of sophisticated songs and stories. Max recently starred on Broadway in “Anastasia” about a Russian princess as well as toured as Marvin in “Falsettos,” not to mention his turns in “An American in Paris,” “Evita,” “Les Miserables," “Jesus Christ Superstar” and so many others. Eden Espinosa with John McDaniel on the piano will celebrate her rich musical background on Sunday, April 2 at 2 p.m. and there will be no April Fool’s tricks here as Eden lights up the Legacy stage. Eden began singing at the age of three, performing at five and recording at ten. She has been Elphaba in “Wicked” in a number of productions across the country. On May 7 you will have the unique opportunity to hear Jenn Colella with John McDaniel on piano show off her vocal skills in a Sunday afternoon concert. You may remember her as the take charge American Airlines pilot who landed in Gander, New Foundland in the marvelous musical “Come From Away,” that told the amazing story of the 38 planes diverted to Gander when the world experienced the terror of September 11, 2001. The final concert of the series will be held on Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m. when Hugh Panaro, again with John McDaniel on piano, will take center stage. Hugh has played the lead in “Phantom” at least a trio of times, as well as leads in “Sweeney Todd.” “Les Miserables,” “Sunday in the Park with George” and many others. Don’t miss any of these fantastic gifts from the Great White Way. In addition to its Sunday concert series, the Legacy will feature on March 25 and 26 family favorites “The Tales of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh” and on April 29 and 30 “A Princess Tea.” The crooning pipes of Chaz Esposito will once again splash splash and serenade on April 21 and 22 when “Mack Is Back!,” the great music of Bobby Darin returns for an encore. For tickets, call the Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Island Road, Branford at 203-315-1901 or online at LegacyTheatreCT.org. Mark your calendars for a continuing parade of musical favorites to complete your winter and usher in the beauties of spring.