An Evening of Music and Architecture for Council Oak
MUSICAL ANTICIPATION: Coordinator Tracey Norvell, producer Mitchell Savage, composer David Friedman and home owner John Piercey prepare for the July 9 benefit featuring Friedman and the local cast of Listen to “My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman.???
Arts Society
On July 9, Tulsans have a one-of-kind opportunity. Make that three unique opportunities.
At a cocktail party that evening, guests will have the opportunity to meet world-renowned composer and Broadway conductor David Friedman, tour the Mediterranean-style estate of John Piercey and hear a preview of “Listen To My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman.” Add to all that the chance to bid on unique Broadway packages! Proceeds benefit the Council Oak Men’s Chorale of Vocal Pride Foundation.
“David is someone everyone knows but doesn’t know they know,” says Mitchell Savage, Tulsan and producer of “Listen To My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman,” which will debut at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center August 19 through 27 during Summer Stage. “In the music world, he’s a legend!”
As a hit pop composer, Friedman wrote both words and music for Diana Ross’s “Your Love.” His work has also been performed and recorded by Leslie Uggams, Jason Alexander, Kristen Chenoweth, Kathie Lee Gifford, Heather Headley, Laurie Beechman, Sam Harris and Alix Korey, who made a Christmas hit out of the hilarious “Rich, Famous & Powerful.”
One of TV and film’s favorite composers, Friedman has written the words and music to well-known songs including the Lizzie McGuire movie’s theme “Open Your Eyes To Love” and “Trick of Fate” from the movie “Trick.” He has conducted and written all vocal arrangements for some of Disney’s most memorable classics, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas” and “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” His new song “There Is Life” will be featured in Disney’s sequel to “Bambi,” hitting the screen in 2006.
In “Listen To My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman,” Friedman reveals his personal voice, including many of his recognizable standards combined with other personal favorites based on his own life experiences, from challenging to joyful to hilarious. Friedman offers a look inside his mind and heart by introducing the “voices in his head” conveyed by five singers that sing to him, through him and from him. The show was originally produced in New York City at Upstairs at Studio 54.
Friedman and Savage were recently in Tulsa for final casting auctions and spent an afternoon touring Piercey’s residence near the Oaks Country Club. The home, designed by architect Pat Fox and completed in 2000, is a Mediterranean-inspired, hilltop retreat with grand indoor and outdoor living areas. The spectacular art collection, which includes the work of Piercey’s late wife, Rebecca, is complemented in each room by sweeping outdoor vistas of stunning, landscaped gardens designed by Gary Phillips.
The July 9 show preview performance featuring Friedman and the Tulsa company will perform in the estate’s 30-foot entry rotunda. Individual tickets are $40. Space is limited. Call Arts Society at 918-447-9643 or mail a check payable to Council Oak Men’s Chorale to 5301 Oak Timber Drive, Tulsa, OK 74131.
Updated 05-31-2005
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