Do you have a special talent that could be used in music, film or on Broadway? Are you ready to reach the next level of your journey as a performer or songwriter?
Darius de Haas will help you get there during a special visit to Indianapolis.
The award-winning singer and actor, best known for his work in Broadway productions, will hold the Darius Master Class on Saturday, July 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club (formerly the American Cabaret Theatre.)
De Haas will also have two performances of his Broadway and Beyond show on Friday, July 9 and July 10 at 8 p.m. The show includes material that De Haas has performed throughout his career, followed by a musical tribute to Stevie Wonder.
“He’s a master performer who is multi-talented and can engage an audience,” said Shannon Forsell, managing director of the Cabaret at the Columbia Club.
She said De Haas will transfer his gifts to the cabaret style of performing, which provides a more intimate setting between an artist and the audience than a concert or Broadway production.
“People will feel like they are not just seeing Darius, but getting to know him,” Forsell said. “Our theater is one of the most beautiful performing spaces in the city. There are tables where people can enjoy each other’s company, not just rows of seats like you find in front of a stage. Cabaret is the only style that offers you the opportunity to see stars of this caliber so close.”
During the class, De Haas will help participants develop performance techniques in the genres of Broadway, the Great American Songbook and Cabaret.
Classes are open to the public, from high school-age youth through adults. Local performers and aspiring students are invited to participate. An accompanist will be provided, and singers should bring sheet music in the correct key. A $25 fee is required to participate and perform in the class, but it is free to attend.
Often described as a “vocal acrobat” due to his range, De Haas, 41, has appeared in productions such as “Rent, “ “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (with Vanessa Williams), “Carousel,” “Marie Christine” (with Audra McDonald) and “Children of Eden” (with Stephanie Mills.)
“I attribute my success to growing up in a musical family,” de Haas said in a recent interview.
He won an Obie Award for his performance in the title role in Diedre Murray’s “Running Man.” More recently, he has performed in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” toured as a concert artist and has released a tribute CD to songwriter Billy Strayhorn called “Daydream: Variations of Strayhorn.”
De Haas often appears with Vanessa Williams when she tours nationally, and many remember their critically acclaimed duet during The National Memorial Day Concert in 2005, broadcast live on PBS.
De Haas is appearing as part of the American Cabaret Theatre’s Signature Cabaret Series, which introduces top national cabaret performers to local audiences. The series also provides students and local performers the opportunity to hone their cabaret skills, by offering performance workshops and master classes led by national artists.
Forsell said De Haas’ visit is part of an effort by the Cabaret at the Columbia Club to expand its outreach among all members of the community.
“We are excited about the new direction, and Darius’ performance is just a sample of the diverse options and variety yet to come,” Forsell said. “Everyone is welcome to our events, and everyone is treated as a special guest.”
For more information on Darius de Hass, visit www.DariusdeHaas.com. To see a full Recorder interview of De Hass, visit our Web site at www.indianapolisrecorder.com.
Double dose of Darius
Who: Darius de Haas
What: Master Class
What else: Broadway and beyond
When: Class on July 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; shows on July 9 and July 10 at 8 p.m.
Where: Cabaret at the Columbia Club, 401 E. Michigan St.
Tickets: $35, $45 and $55 for show; $25 for class. Hurry, class space is limited!
For more information, call (317) 275-1169, or visit www.thecabaret.org.
