Canterbury Voices is set to place musical theatre at the forefront of Oklahoma City’s performing arts economy with a large-scale Broadway-themed concert at the Civic Center Music Hall on Saturday, March 21. The 7:30 PM performance marks a notable return to the genre for the award-winning choral organisation, combining celebrated repertoire, professional soloists, and live instrumental accompaniment in one of the city’s premier cultural venues.
The concert reflects a strategic programming decision that balances artistic ambition with commercial viability. For performing arts organisations, musical theatre remains a reliable driver of ticket sales, sponsorship interest, and audience diversification. By centring its programme on Broadway, Canterbury Voices aligns itself with a genre that is both culturally significant and economically resilient.
The evening’s repertoire spans some of the most recognisable works in the musical theatre canon. Selections will be drawn from West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, and Into the Woods, alongside emotionally charged pieces from Ragtime, Les Misérables, and Chess. Together, these works represent decades of Broadway output, highlighting shifts in musical style, narrative ambition, and audience expectations.
Artistic oversight for the performance comes from Canterbury Voices’ Artistic Director, Dr. Julie Yu, whose leadership has focused on maintaining high musical standards while broadening the organisation’s appeal. Dr. Yu views musical theatre not as a departure from choral tradition, but as an extension of it.
“Canterbury strives to perform the highest quality of representative choral literature from throughout the ages. Musical Theatre is such a vibrant, thriving art form, truly embraced and led by American creators and performers. You’ll hear classics, Broadway revivals, and contemporary shows, currently running on Broadway. You’ll experience the gamut of emotions — from pure joy and laughter to intense contemplation, and everything in between.” says Dr. Yu.
Beyond the repertoire itself, the concert will showcase the depth of talent within Canterbury Voices’ own ranks. Several dynamic moments will feature virtuosic soloists selected from what the organisation describes as Oklahoma’s oldest and largest auditioned chorus. This emphasis on internal talent development reinforces the group’s role as both a cultural institution and a professional training environment.
Musical support for the evening will be provided by collaborative pianist David Hillis, joined by an electric instrumental band combo. The use of an amplified ensemble reflects contemporary Broadway performance practice and underscores Canterbury Voices’ commitment to delivering an authentic theatrical soundscape rather than a purely traditional choral presentation.
From a management and audience engagement perspective, the Broadway concert builds on a proven model. Executive Director Pam Mowry pointed to the organisation’s previous successes with the genre, framing the event as both a creative and emotional investment.
“Who doesn’t love Broadway? We all need a little joy in our lives right now,” says Executive Director Pam Mowry. “Canterbury’s first strictly Broadway concert was in 2008 with Kelli O’Hara, and we brought Broadway veteran Ron Raines to perform with us in 2012. We can’t wait to return to this music and present our favorite choruses!”
Such productions also contribute to the wider local economy. Performances at the Civic Center Music Hall support a network of musicians, technical staff, venue employees, and nearby hospitality businesses, reinforcing the role of live arts as an economic as well as cultural asset.
Tickets for the concert are currently available through CanterburyOKC.com and OKCCivicCenter.com, with telephone bookings accepted at 405-232-7464. As arts organisations continue to navigate evolving audience habits and funding pressures, Canterbury Voices’ Broadway celebration stands as an example of how established cultural groups can combine tradition, accessibility, and financial sustainability.
The performance is expected to attract both long-standing patrons and new audiences, strengthening Canterbury Voices’ position within Oklahoma City’s creative economy while reaffirming the enduring appeal of Broadway’s choral repertoire.
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