United Way bringing in world renowned Broadway stars

United Way of Lake County is bringing in world class entertainers to the Mentor Fine Arts Center on Saturday, July 14 for “Broadway & Beyond” to raise money for the nonprofit organization’s 2012 campaign.

Among the night’s performers is Ciarán Sheehan, who has starred in the role of the Phantom in over 1,000 performances of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Sheehan, who was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, has also performed in “Les Miserables,” has four sold out performances at the world-famous Carnegie Hall, has appeared in three PBS specials and has a strong Cleveland area following for his frequent performances with the Cleveland Orchestra.

Sheehan will sing popular Broadway and Irish songs during his performance, which The New York Daily News describes as “glorious” and that Sheehan “brings a rich understanding and depth to familiar melodies.” Hollywood Variety says Sheehan “has the kind of soaring stage voice from which indelible Broadway moments are made…the best yet."

Performing alongside Sheehan will be Sarah Pfisterer, who hails from the East Coast and has also played the role of Christine Daae in more than 1,000 performances of “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway and across the country. She has also performed in “Show Boat,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Sound of Music” among many other Broadways. She has also had appearances on The Today Show and The Rosie O’Donnell Show.

Other performances will come from Heather Martin Bixler, a violinist from Wisconsin and the Murphy Irish Dancers who just placed fourth in a world dance competition hosted in Ireland.

“This is a very rare opportunity for people in the Northeast Ohio region to witness some world class entertainers perform in their own backyard,” said Ray Somich, WELW personality and owner of Spirit Media, who will also serve as the event’s emcee. “At the same time, it’s also a great way to raise money for those in need here in Lake County.”

The performances will start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the fundraiser are $40 or $100 for the VIP experience, which includes a Sheehan autographed CD, backstage access and refreshments and appetizers following the show. The VIP tickets are limited to 100 tickets. Proceeds will benefit United Way of Lake County.

To purchase tickets go to www.uwlc.org or call 1.866.967.8167. Tickets can also be purchased by clicking here.

All money raised during the 2012 United Way of Lake County campaign benefits programs that focus on senior citizens, health and human Services, children and families and basic needs.