KAUFFMAN CENTER ANNOUNCES TWO BROADWAY LEGENDS TO KICK OFF THE 2012 – 2013 ‘KAUFFMAN CENTER PRESENTS’ SEASON

Iconic performers Bernadette Peters and Ben Vereen to take the stage at the Kauffman Center
KANSAS CITY, MO – Today, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts announced that tickets go on sale July 5th for three-time Tony Award winning Broadway actress and film star Bernadette Peters and Tony Award winning actor, dancer, and television great Ben Vereen.
Bernadette Peters will perform at the Kauffman Center in Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Saturday, August 18 in “Bernadette Peters in Concert” alongside members of the Kansas City Symphony. Ben Vereen will perform in Helzberg Hall on Saturday, September 8 in his one-man show “Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen.” Both performers are a part of the ‘Kauffman Center Presents – American Legends’ series.

“The Kauffman Center Presents series features diverse performances that showcase excellence in the performing arts. We’re thrilled to be welcome two of Broadway’s finest performers to the Kauffman Center,” said Jane Chu, President & CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

ABOUT BERNADETTE PETERS
Making her Kauffman Center debut, Bernadette Peters will perform in Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Saturday, August 18 as the first presentation of the Kauffman Center’s 2012-2013 American Legends Series, which showcases legendary artist who have mastered their genres and have been instrumental in defining American culture.

Throughout her illustrious career, Tony Award-winning actress Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics with her performances on stage and television, in concert and on recordings. One of Broadway’s brightest stars, Peters received both the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for her critically acclaimed performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical “Song and Dance.” Peters earned her second Tony Award, her third Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for her portrayal of Annie Oakley in one of Broadway’s most popular musicals, the smash Tony Award winning hit Broadway revival of “Annie Get Your Gun.” Peters also received Tony nominations for her work in the 1992 musical “The Goodbye Girl” and Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Sunday in the Park With George.”

Recently, Peters guest starred on NBC’s new hit series “SMASH.” She has appeared in the Lifetime movie, “Living Proof“ opposite Harry Connick, Jr.; a guest starring role in the two-hour 2008 season premiere of the ABC-TV hit series, Grey’s Anatomy, and a recurring role on the popular TV hit, “Ugly Betty. “

A performer of amazing versatility, Peters has lit up the silver screen in seventeen films throughout her career. Film credits include “The Jerk“ with Steve Martin, “The Longest Yard“ with Burn Reynolds, “Silent Movie“ with Mel Brooks, “ Annie“ with Carol Burnett, and “Pink Cadillac“ with Clint Eastwood.

ABOUT BEN VEREEN
Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy. On Broadway, Ben Vereen has appeared in “Wicked,“ “Fosse,” “I’m Not Rappaport,” “Hair,“ “Jesus Christ Superstar,“ “Pippin,” “Grind,” “Jelly’s Last Jam” and “A Christmas Carol.” His role in “Pippin” garnered him both the prestigious Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.” For over 40 years, Ben has showcased his versatility and creativity, performing around the world. He was the first simultaneous winner of the “Entertainer of the Year,” “Rising Star,” and “Song and Dance Star” awards from the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). He also earned a coveted spot in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame.
Ben Vereen will be performing his one-man show “Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen,” featuring the music of Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, and the best of Broadway.

While performing worldwide, Ben’s acting credits continue to give us memorable roles that stand the test of time such as the unforgettable Chicken George in “Roots” and Louis Armstrong in “Louis Armstrong – Chicago Style.” Ben’s television guest appearances include “How I Met Your Mother,“ “Grey’s Anatomy (for which he won the Prism Award), “House of Payne,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “OZ,” “Touched By An Angel,” “Second Noah,” “New York Undercover,” “The Nanny,” “Star Trek – The Next Generation,” “The Jamie Fox Show,” “The Promised Land,” and “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Ben has also had recurring roles on “Silk Stalkings,” “Webster,” and “J.J. Starbuck and Booker.”

On January 30, 2012, Ben was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame. This coming July, he will appear at the new venue, 54 Below, for two weeks, followed by the Broadway debut of his one man show. The Museum of Dance will honor Ben with a lifetime achievement award in August 2012.

ABOUT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a major new center for music, opera, theater, and dance designed by Moshe Safdie opened in Kansas City on September 16, 2011. The Kauffman Center presents vibrant performances and educational programming, and advances the role of the performing arts as a catalyst for Kansas City’s educational, civic, and economic vitality.
Three of the region’s leading performing arts organizations—Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City—are in residence at the Kauffman Center. The Kauffman Center’s two performance venues, the 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre and the 1,600-seat Helzberg Hall, offer audiences engaging and intimate experiences, while at the same time providing resident companies with dramatically enhanced performance capabilities.
Serving as a cultural cornerstone for Kansas City’s dynamic downtown, the Kauffman Center brings a new spotlight to the region’s performing arts community while simultaneously attracting some of the world’s most talented performers and entertainers, further establishing Kansas City as a major cultural destination.

More information on the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is available at www.kauffmancenter.org.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts would like the thank our official building sponsors, Aristocrat Motors and Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, for their generous support of our 2012-2013 season.