PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE MAY 13, 2015

The Memorial Opera House is tipping their hat to award winning composers like Andrew Lloyd Weber and Stephen Sondheim as a part of their Lunchtime Cabaret series.

Although most of these famous musical composers never made it to the Memorial Opera House, their legacy will sing on in “The Best of Broadway: Our Favorite Composers” at 1 p.m. May 20.
The Lunchtime Cabaret series has been a regular series since 2013. The shows occur about every six weeks, with six shows remaining for the rest of this year. The series is the brainchild of Business Director Trinidad Snider, and Artistic Director Scot PJ MacDonald and was designed to highlight music of the past and complement the setting of the historic opera house. This Lunchtime Cabaret series takes place on Wednesdays, perfect for those who want to see a show, but don’t have time to dedicate on nights and weekends.

According to Andrew Brent, director of “The Beat of Broadway: Our Favorite Composers,” “The set list, the lineup of songs, and the tremendous talent of the seasoned professional singers are the best things about this show, in my opinion.”

“Everyone who is performing in this show has been performing these songs all of their lives,” Brent mentioned, “We matched the set list with what the performers were excited about doing. After all, these songs are so much a part of them that it’s in their blood.”
“This show brings top-notch entertainment in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week to many,’ said Brent. He continued, “Northwest Indiana has a gem with the Memorial Opera House. This show is just another example of what they can present. It’s the best of the best, from composers, songs, and cast, it’s something that everyone can enjoy.”

Each Lunchtime Cabaret show lasts about an hour long and, in that time, about 15-17 songs are highlighted.

Tickets to “The Best of Broadway: Our Favorite Composers” can be purchased at the box office the day of the show, or purchased in advance, online, at .

Beth Casey is a freelance writer.

“The Best of Broadway: Our Favorite Composers”

May 20

Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso

Tickets: $13 for adults, $11 for students, seniors, and military

219-548-9137 or Memorialoperahouse.com