When one utters the name “Ben Vereen,” the image that pops into most theatre minds is of the coy, slick and cool Leading Player from Pippin for which Vereen won a 1973 Best Leading Actor in a Musical Tony Award for. The subtle tilt of the straw bowler hat, the mischievous grin, and the winning smile that invites those lucky enough to be in the performer’s presence know he has us in the palm of his hand.
At 68, Vereen is still as vibrant, energetic and entertaining as ever as he brings a lifetime of memories and stories to his buoyant one-man show for one night only to Pace University’s Schimmel Center. The show, Steppin’ Out, is one that Vereen has performed before but seems to put a new spin on it every time. Vereen does not disappoint and delivers songs from shows he’s previously starred in including Hair, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, and even Wicked as well as some standards. Previous venues for Steppin’ Out have included 54 Below (We Were There), Hartford Stage (where the show was recorded live for Sh-K-Boom Records), and as part of the 90th Anniversary Season at Town Hall. You won’t want to miss the performer that The New York Times hailed as “one of the last old-school vaudevillian troupers still standing, and an entertainer with a capital E.”
The legendary performer will be backed by a three piece band and show time is set for 7:30 p.m on May 30th, 2015 Tickets are priced at $69, $59, & $49 and can be purchased via the box office by calling (212) 346-1715 or online HERE.
Ben was recently featured in Top Five, by Chris Rock, which opened this past December. Later this year, he will be seen in the feature film, Time Out Of Mind, co-starring Richard Gere. We were also more than thrilled to have him as the first guest on Broadway Black Box.
Below is Mr. Ben Vereen as the Leading Player in Pippin singing “Glory”
