What do F. Murray Abraham, Bea Arthur, Carol Channing, Stockard Channing, Danny DeVito, Christine Ebersole, Ralph Fiennes, Calista Flockhart, Sutton Foster, Morgan Freeman, James Gandolfini, Jennifer Garner, Brad Garrett, Richard Gere, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Dustin Hoffman, Anjelica Huston, Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Shirley MacLaine, Walter Matthau, Bette Midler, Bebe Neuwirth, Paul Newman, Jack Palance, Sarah Jessica Parker, Faith Prince, Anthony Quinn, Phylicia Rashad, Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera, Doris Roberts, Anika Noni Rose, Wesley Snipes, Kevin Spacey, Elaine Stritch, Tommy Tune, Ben Vereen, Sigourney Weaver, Bruce Willis, Alfre Woodard and Joanne Woodward have in common?

It is a little known fact that they are among a long, distinguished list of performers who earlier in their careers served as Broadway standbys or understudies. As a Casting Director, I have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for the theatre’s “unsung heroes,” and took on the challenge of helping these exceptional talents get the recognition they deserve. Since I started the At This Performance… series in October 2003, I have had the pleasure of showcasing almost 400 performers from over 200 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

I’m so happy to be returning to Hartford with At This Performance…. This all-new edition is being produced specifically for the Bushnell and promises to be something really special. Giving up their night off from their Broadway shows to finally get their well-deserved chance in the spotlight will be Katie Adams (standby for the role of Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked), Laura Marie Duncan (understudy for the role of Nellie Forbush in the Broadway revival of South Pacific), Merwin Foard (understudy for the role of King Triton in the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid) and Annie Funke (standby for the role of Tracy Turnblad in the Broadway production of Hairspray). Musical Director/Accompanist for the evening will be Eugene Gwozdz. They will each perform a song from the show in which they “cover,” a song which they use in auditions, a song from earlier in their career and a song that represent their “dream role.” In addition, they will all participate in a round table discussion and share backstage behind-the-scenes anecdotes as well as conduct an enlightening and entertaining question and answer session with the audience. Think part concert, part “Inside the Actors’ Studio.” I remember how appreciative and insightful the Bushnell audience was on my last visit and I can’t wait until November 17th.

I hope you’ll join us for what has become a “can’t miss event” for New York theatrical audiences and entertainment industry insiders in this rare opportunity to see the Broadway stars of tomorrow today.