Theatre Raleigh concert series to feature Broadway stars

A new Raleigh concert series will feature Tony Award winners, Broadway stars and local and regional singers.

Theatre Raleigh is kicking off the series June 23 with two-time Tony Award-winner Norbert Leo Butz.

"Norbert Leo Butz is the real deal. I was lucky enough to star opposite him in the world premiere production of 'The Last Five Years' in 2001. He is one of the most inspiring actors I have ever encountered with an incredible voice and stellar musicianship. If you are able to snag a ticket for this show, it is going to be so awesome to witness his genius up close and personal in our intimate space," said Lauren Kennedy Brady, Theatre Raleigh's producing artistic director.

Butz is one of only nine actors to have won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice as lead actor. He won for his performances in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "Catch Me If You Can."

"I spent many years in New York City where you could go to a club like Birdland or 54 Below to see your favorite Broadway star in a more intimate setting. It is so special to see performers of that caliber revealing themselves by sharing stories and song. I am so excited to start the TR In Concert series to offer the same experience to our Raleigh audiences," Kennedy Brady said.

Tickets for the June 23 concert start are $35 and can be purchased on Theatre Raleigh's website. Theatre Raleigh Arts Center is located at 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, between Atlantic Avenue and Capital Boulevard.

On July 7, Tony Award-winner Rachel Bay Jones, who won the award in 2017 for playing the other in "Dear Evan Hansen," will perform. And on Nov. 3 Norm Lewis, who was nominated for a Tony for his performance of "Porgy and Bess," will take the stage.