Actor, dancer and singer Ben Vereen will return to the Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC) to perform his show “Ben Vereen Sings Broadway and More.”
Vereen has performed at QPAC twice before, most recently in 2007.
“It was wonderful,” Vereen said of his previous Queens show. “Everyone was wonderful. That’s why we’re coming back.”
Vereen’s Broadway credits include “Wicked,” “Pippin,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Jesus Christ Superstar. He has also appeared in television and film.
For QPAC managing and artistic director Susan Agin, it was seeing Vereen in “Pippin” when she was a little girl that led her to work in the theater world. It was her first Broadway show and she said that “from the moment” Vereen walked out on the stage she became “mesmerized with the whole theater world.”
“He actually holds a very special place in my heart,” Agin said. “For me it’s always very special to have him perform here because it feels like I’ve come full circle.”
Agin said that Queens audiences have already responded positively to Vereen’s previous performances.
“They’re always on their feet for him,” she said.
Vereen appreciates the opportunity to perform.
“I’ve been blessed to do what I do so any venue that allows me to express that artistic flare I’m thankful for,” Vereen said. Of the upcoming QPAC performance on Sunday, May 15 he said, “It’s going to be a great show.”
The show will include many Broadway songs, in addition to music from his new CD “Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen.” Vereen said that part of the show is autobiographical while another part of it is a tribute to entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra.
“In this show we see many sides of him,” Agin said. “We see his Broadway side and we also get a glimpse of the people who inspired him.”
Vereen said that people can expect to have a good time and have their spirit uplifted.
“We’re there to entertain and enlighten and give people a good feeling inside,” Vereen said, adding that it gives him a good feeling when he sees the faces of the audience members.
This show will close out QPAC’s current season.
“We couldn’t have booked a better show for that purpose because I know that people will leave here feeling energized and inspired,” Agin said.
Agin added that QPAC is already “getting ready for a truly explosive season next season,” including an appearance by Joan Rivers in October.
In addition to touring, Vereen has a recurring role on “How I Met Your Mother” and is working on several other projects, including a book, documentary and other shows. A diabetic, he is also an advocate for the fight against diabetes. To keep updated on Vereen’s work, visit www.benvereen.com.
Tickets for the QPAC performance, which will begin at 3 p.m., are $45. For more information about the show, or to keep posted about QPAC’s upcoming season, visit www.qcc.cuny.edu/QPAC or call 718-631-6311.
