Composer to give students crash course in Broadway

Neil Berg's "100 Years of Broadway" will make its way to Huntington 3 p.m. Sunday at the Keith Albee Theater.

Neil Berg, composer and lyricist, is the creator and co-producer of Neil Berg's "100 Years of Broadway."

Berg said once students see the show, they are going to realize how wonderful and important Broadway is.

"This show is a great way for students who don't really know Broadway to get a crash course," Berg said. "We play Broadway like it's a rock 'n' roll concert."

Berg is the composer and lyricist of the off-Broadway musical "The Prince and the Pauper." He is also the composer of the new Broadway musical "Grumpy Old Men."

"We've got an incredible cast," Berg said. "We have five of the biggest stars from some of the biggest shows on Broadway."

Stars that will be performing in Huntington are: Ivan Rutherford, who played the role of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" on Broadway; Chuck Wagner, who starred in "Jekyll & Hyde," Carter Calvert, who starred in the Broadway musical "Cats," Sandra Joseph, who played in "The Phantom of the Opera" and has spent over 10 years straight on Broadway and Danny Zolli, who was the star of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Berg said there is a poll that shows more people fear public speaking than death, and that's why theater is so important.

"If you're afraid of something, college is the place to confront your fear," Berg said. "They're in college, they're supposed to be trying new things and there's no denying good talent."

Berg said students can learn a lot from Broadway and Broadway music has traced our country's history.

After the show, the cast will be in the lobby to sign autographs and answer questions.