Theater News

Headley, Hearn, Mitchell, White, et al. Set for 2007 Ravinia Festival

Lillias White
(© Michael Portantiere)
Lillias White
(© Michael Portantiere)

A new production of The Most Happy Fella starring Tony Award winner George Hearn, Sylvia McNair, and Rodney Gilfry, and cabaret appearances by Tony winners Brian Stokes Mitchell, Heather Headley, and Lillias White will be among the highlights of the annual Ravinia Festival in Ravinia, Illinois.

Hearn, McNair, and Gilfry will appear in a one-night-only performance of the Frank Loesser musical on July 20; it will be directed by Marc Robin and feature the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, which will be conducted by Erich Kunzel. Hearn will play Tony; McNair will be Rosabella; and Gilfry will play Joe.

Ravinia’s popular Martinis at the Martin cabaret series will feature White (June 4), Mitchell (July 9), Headley (August 20), and Hershey Felder in his critically acclaimed show George Gershwin Alone (September 9).

Other Ravinia events will include a collaboration between jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis and the Joffrey Ballet (June 22), a concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (June 27), a gala concert with opera great Placido Domingo (August 4), and a concert by R&B legend Aretha Franklin (August 22). In addition, the Mark Morris Dance Group will present the Chicago premiere of Mozart Dances at the Harris Theatre in Chicago (August 24).

Selected tickets will go on sale on December 1. Call 847-266-5100.