I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that the Association of Former Students is bringing "Inspiration of Broadway" to Wayland's Harral Auditorium on Jan. 28.
The Dove Award-winning gospel group, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, which played to more than 900 people in Harral in May 2014, will be joined by J. Mark McVey, who has starred as Jean Valjean in more than 3,000 performances of "Les Miserables" on Broadway.
McVey, who also has starred in "Showboat" and "Tommy," collaborated with EHSS for several performances of "Inspiration of Broadway" in 2014 and this year as well.
"We put so much work into this project, carefully selecting songs that are inspirational and familiar, working out 5-part harmonies," Haase explained. "While these are not Gospel songs, many people have told us that they've heard a few of them in their churches."
Uplifting, hope-filled classics include "Old Man River" by bass singer Paul Harkey, a 2003 Wayland graduate, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "I Got the Sun in the Morning," "Sunrise, Sunset," and McVey's signature song, "Bring Him Home." The program will include several Gospel selections and video.
In addition to tenor Ernie Haase, a former longtime member of The Cathedrals, and Harkey, Signature Sound includes Devin McGlamery (lead), and newcomer Dustin Doyle (baritone). David Griffith plays bass guitar and Tyler Vestal is the pianist.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the university's upcoming capital campaign for several campus improvements as well as scholarships.
Tickets are $25 for special Artist Circle seating near center stage and $20 for all other general admission seats. They can be purchased by calling 806-291-3603. Doors open at 6 with the performance beginning at 7 p.m.
If you can't attend the concert, you might consider a donation for Wayland students to attend or, as a Christmas present or special gift, you might want to purchase tickets for relatives or friends who live close enough to Plainview to attend.
My wife Carolyn and I and several Wayland friends heard Signature Sound at a banquet sponsored by the Center for Global Understanding in Lubbock and in full concert the next night back in early November.
Hearing Paul Harkey sing "Old Man River" is worth the cost of the ticket. The showmanship and singing talent you'll experience will absolutely amaze you. Guaranteed!
Thanks for your consideration and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
