A local concert series that averaged more than 350 people per show before the COVID-19 pandemic returns Aug. 19 with a hometown favorite from Broadway.
Columbus native Mary Claire King, who sold out two previous shows in the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Cabaret at The Commons lineup, will perform a concert she has titled “Always Been a Rainbow!” It will mark her first public performance since March 2020 when “Chicago,” in which she plays the the understudy leading role of Velma Kelly, was shut down with other shows.
She had been with the production, also as a member of the ensemble, for nine months at the time.
“I can’t think of a sweeter way to return to the stage,” King said. “And it’s extremely special to be able to do that in front of so many wonderful people who have been a part of my story from the very beginning.”
King has stayed busy in various ways during Broadway’s shutdown scheduled to end Sept. 14. That’s when “Chicago” is scheduled to open again in New York City.
“That’s really, really exciting,” she said. “This definitely has been a challenge, and I know the impact has been felt across a lot of families, industries, and more. I just feel blessed that I have been well, and my family has been well.
“And I’m happy that the arts are going to be revitalized here (in New York) very shortly.”
She performed in the leading role of “Chicago” in the fall of 2019 when a group from Columbus came to see her.
VIP tickets — those seats closest to the stage — have sold out for King’s show, according to Heidi Kelley, Philharmonic executive director. Those have been purchased by season subscribers as part of a season package. Single tickets to each show go on sale July 19.
A total of 400 seats, normal capacity for the series, will be available for each concert at the venue at 300 Washington St. downtown.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Republic.
