Broadway star coming to Delaware – Delaware Gazette

On June 12, Area Truthful Theatre will host a particular efficiency by Hilliard native and Broadway star Jessica Grové titled “Jess & Judy” as a part of a fundraiser to assist fund upgrades to the auditorium contained in the Willis Schooling Middle at 74 W. William Avenue in Delaware.

The occasion, which will likely be held within the auditorium at Willis, will happen at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Arenafair.com.

The present is headlined by Grové, who originated the position of Dorothy within the Broadway model of “The Wizard of Oz” and toured nationally with the present.

Area Truthful Creative Director Greg Patterson stated Thursday that Area Truthful has had “plenty of cool occasions currently however this one could be very particular,” and he’s thrilled Grové will likely be performing in Delaware.

“I do know this younger woman. I’ve recognized her since she was very small,” Patterson stated. “She’s from Hilliard … She took (her singing expertise) and made a legendary lifetime out of it. She went on to audition for reveals earlier than she had even graduated from highschool.”

Grové’s Broadway credit additionally embody roles in “Sunday within the Park with George,” “Totally Trendy Millie,” “Les Misérables” and “The Boy Pal.”

Patterson stated throughout Grové’s time in “The Wizard of Oz,” she labored alongside Hollywood actors like Mickey Rooney. He added she will likely be sharing a few of her tales through the occasion.

“Mickey Rooney cherished to talked concerning the outdated days,” Patterson stated. “She has included (these tales) into her present. She won’t simply be speaking concerning the nice Judy Garland and her profession … She is a pleasant younger woman. Everyone seems to be charmed together with her. Everybody who involves see the present will likely be charmed together with her. She actually is Broadway royalty. Discuss ‘native lady does good.’ She has labored with many of the iconic Broadway and Hollywood performers. Sufficient to make her cred spectacular.”

Patterson added the occasion is serving as fundraiser to help the continued efforts to renovate and enhance the Willis auditorium. He stated the mission is vital as a result of Willis is the varsity the place the late Vincente Minnelli — an American stage director and movie director — graduated from.

“I’ve been doing my greatest to lift the town’s consciousness that Minnelli is our most fun resident,” Patterson stated. “I wish to proceed to deliver the Minnelli-Garland connection again to this space, and that is simply one other step in (that mission.)”

Patterson stated bringing a performer of Grové’s caliber to Delaware is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

“For $45 it is possible for you to to sit down and hearken to a few of the most lovely music this aspect of the American songbook,” he stated. “Additionally, you will hear inside tales from Hollywood royalty which have by no means been heard earlier than. It’s actually the easiest way you possibly can spend a summer season afternoon in Delaware, Ohio.”

Extra details about the occasion will be discovered at ArenaFair.com.

Efficiency tobe held June 12

Glenn Battishill will be reached at 740-413-0903 or on Twitter @BattishillDG.Attain