“Guests that came to ‘Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters’ know Lisa Rock as a powerhouse vocalist. She played in Fairfield to a sold-out crowd in January of 2016. Melissa Minyard was in the original Broadway production of ‘Les Misérables.’ They are going to come, belt it out, and we’re going to have a great time,” said David Sheldrick, marketing specialist, Fairfield Parks and Recreation.
Rock has written more than 25 original concerts and cabarets that have been seen across the country, including her “Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters” production, which brings spot-on renditions of beloved Carpenters’ classics to the stage. Now, Rock has used the same band of musicians to bring “80s Night Out” alive.
On Broadway, Minyard performed the role of Cosette in the closing company of “Les Miserables,” alongside legendary Broadway performer Terrance Mann. Recently, she originated the role of Pat in “Bombshells, the Musical” at the Actor’s Playhouse in Miami. A few of her other favorite roles include Kathy in “The Last Five Years,” Joanna in “Sweeney Todd,” Amy in “Company,” and Kathryn/Lilly in “Kiss Me Kate.”
“The 80s music spans generations. You go to college campuses now, and there are 80s nights in the bars. My generation, which I’m in my 40s, we grew up listening to the 80s music. It’s catchy, and it’s fun, but it’s cross-generational, in terms of people that love the 80s,” Sheldrick said.
Audiences can expect to hear hits like Irene Cara’s “Flashdance (What a Feeling),” Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield,” and Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” and more.
“These are tunes that people know. They’re played on the radio and you find yourself dancing and singing along in the car. It’s music people are familiar with and it’s fun. It will be a great night out, and it’s a feel-good show,” Sheldrick said.
HOW TO GO
What: 80s Night Out featuring Lisa Rock and Melissa Minyard
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 26. Enjoy a cabaret setting for the concert with complimentary light hors d'oeuvres and cash bar starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield
Admission: Tickets are $20 for cafe seating and $18 for stadium seating. Call the FCAC Box Office at (513) 867-5348 or purchase tickets online at www.fairfieldoh.gov/tickets.
More info: www.fairfield-city.org. Also, visit 80snightout.com.
About the Author