Alysha Umphress: 15 Stories
May 18, 2024
Encore by popular demand! Alysha Umphress returns to 54 Below with a unique new show called 15 Stories. Conceived by Jack Viertel and music directed by Bálint Varga, Umphress (On the Town, American Idiot, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, many television and symphony appearances including with the London Symphony and at La Scala) will take the audience on 15 different rides, performing songs that tell a narrative story from beginning to end – theater songs, country songs, pop songs, gospel and more.
Leaving behind – for the moment – the “I love you,” “I wish I was in love,” “Why don’t you love me” genres, each number is a unique journey for a unique character in a unique situation. The songs range from Bock and Harnick and Kurt Weill to Bobby Gentry, Lyle Lovett, Randy Newman, and Leiber and Stoller. This special engagement is an opportunity to see Alysha take on 15 different personae in one evening, featuring one of the most glorious voices there is to be heard anywhere.
Alysha Umphress’ Broadway credits include On the Town (Hildy), American Idiot, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Priscilla Queen Of the Desert, and Bring It On. Off Broadway: Scotland, PA, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Lortel nomination for Best Supporting Actress and Chita Rivera Award winner for Best Ensemble). Alysha performed the role of Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town with the London Symphony Orchestra, which was recorded on the LSO label. Alysha originated the role of Cee Cee Bloom in the world premiere of Beaches at the Signature Theatre (Helen Hayes nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical). Television credits include “Chicago Med,” “Blue Bloods,” “Girls5eva,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Royal Pains,” and “The Climb.” Alysha can now be seen as Murphy in Netflix’s “Bonding.” Alysha was awarded the gold medal this year at the American Traditions Vocal Competition in Savannah. In addition to the London Symphony Orchestra (under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle), she has sung with the San Francisco Symphony (under the baton on Michael Tilson Thomas) the Boston Pops, The Savannah Philharmonic, the Asheville Symphony, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg and Orchestre National de Lille and most recently with the Orchestra Teatro Regio Torino at the world famous Teatro alla Scala in Milan. @alyshaumphress
Jack Viertel, Senior Vice-President emeritus of Jujamcyn Theaters, also served as the company’s Creative Director beginning in 1987, in charge of developing projects for the company’s Broadway theaters, including five of August Wilson’s ten–play Century Cycle, M. Butterfly, Angels in America, Grand Hotel, City of Angels, and others. He produced the Patti LuPone revival of Gypsy, conceived the long running Smokey Joe’s Café and the critically acclaimed After Midnight, and served as the dramaturg for Hairspray and Dear Evan Hansen. The musical and movie The Prom were developed from his original concept. From 2000 to 2020 he served as Artistic Director of the Tony®-honored Encores! series, presenting 65 Broadway musical revivals. He is the author of The New York Times bestseller The Secret Life of the American Musical and a new novel, Broadway Melody. He began his professional career playing national bottleneck steel guitar behind Bonnie Raitt, Son House, and The Pointer Sisters.
Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.
