Ashley Brown Steps In Time with Erie Philharmonic

Contributed

The Erie Philharmonic is concluding their Pops season with a slate of fun events and activities including a themed dinner and performances from Broadway star Ashley Brown as well as a yoga class at the Warner Theatre, accompanied by the violin music of Ann Yu.

BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, APR. 22

The Erie Philharmonic's Pops Season is concluding with a sweep of events, including three with Broadway superstar Ashley Brown – a masterclass at the Erie Playhouse; La Dolce Vita, a musical dining experience at the Warner Theater; and Spoonful of Sugar, the Pops performance. All events will feature Brown, who originated Mary Poppins on Broadway when the show transferred from the West End. In addition, Yoga at the Warner continues this month with Jill Murphey of yogaErie teaching Yoga Flow, featuring Philharmonic violinist Ann Yu creating ambiance in the rehearsal hall.

"We're always looking for ways to expand our opportunities and collaborate with community partners," Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape explained. Each yoga session is unique, with changing locations and instruments to match the vibe set by the instructor, all from different studios and disciplines. "Music and yoga go together like chocolate and peanut butter. We've seen a lot of success with Erie musicians providing the ambiance. It opens up our conversation between the instructors and the musicians. They follow their instincts. I don't know that there's anyone better suited to tell us what makes the most sense than them."

Hosting Brown for multiple Philharmonic events, Pape describes the opportunities it creates for a unique community, such as the Broadway Masterclass at the Erie Playhouse featuring rehearsals with students from five local high schools performing a solo for Ashley, who then will give a short lesson to each student. "We knew that having someone as dynamic, engaging, and enthralling as Ashley Brown coming to town with these incredible great songs from Broadway and Disney, she really brings it to life. Ashley, as a legendary Broadway diva of her era, gets to embody that breadth. She's done the American songbook and knows how to own this repertoire," says Pape.

One of the centerpiece events of Brown's time in Erie this month is a music meal called "La Dolce Vita," a jazzy Broadway experience, recreating the music clubs of New York City and Chicago. A curated menu complements the atmosphere, alongside smaller tables and specialized lighting. Pape and the Philharmonic's Special Events Committee worked with Brown's management to create a setlist, with Red Letter Hospitality, Erie Events, and local florists helping with the rest. "It's like we're launching an intimate little club for the night, right there for 100 people. The entire experience is a door-to-door tribute to that kind of night out on the town. That's why the capacity is limited. We want everyone who comes to feel like they've got the best seat in the house."

With Brown's expertise, it's about more than the music. Pape connects the link between Broadway and Disney as a symphonic calling. In the same way that John Williams gravitated to film from symphonic music, Broadway ballads and jazz standards find their identity onstage – expect to witness this connection during Spoonful of Sugar. "There's a reason why these musicals resonate and live with us for generations, because they stand the test of time. It's going to be at a level of maturity and execution between Ashley and our incredible musicians in our orchestra."

Masterclass with Ashley Brown, Wednesday, Apr. 22 // 6 p.m. // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. // Free // Registration required: eriephil.org

La Dolce Vita with Broadway's Ashley Brown, Thursday, Apr. 23 // 5:30 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $150/person // Tickets and info: eriephil.org

Ashley Brown: Spoonful of Sugar, Saturday, Apr. 25 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 26 at 3 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $27-$68 // Tickets and info: eriphil.org