Oswego State’s Ke-Nekt Series traditionally features about six chamber music performances every year. Broadway actor Kyle Dean Massey will perform the first Ke-Nekt recital of the 2012-13 year on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in Sheldon Ballroom at 7:30 p.m.
Todd Graber, Chairperson of the Oswego State Music Department, will be hosting the event and conducting a pre-concert talk beginning at 7 p.m. Graber is responsible for initiating Massey’s visit. Graber was one of Massey’s teachers while Massey was pursuing an undergraduate degree at Missouri State between 2000 and 2002.
“After Massey graduated he took the training he received at Missouri State and went to New York, and the rest is history,” Graber said. In New York City, Massey started his career in a group called the ‘Ultra Boyz,’ which is a spoof of Christian boy bands, according to Graber. Massey’s first Broadway appearance was on a show called ‘Xanadu.’ I think he made his debut wearing roller skates and a toga.”
Massey soon began working on the infamous Broadway show “Wicked” as an understudy. Massey would fill in for actors who fell ill or could not perform.
“He told me that when he first started on ‘Wicked’ it was like a marathon, he was often wearing multiple costumes throughout one show,” Graber said.
After leaving New York and spending some time in Los Angeles, Massey has recently been re-signed with the Broadway show “Wicked,” to play the lead romantic role of Fiero. At the age of 30, Massey is at an enviable place in his career according to Graber.
Massey will be conducting a workshop for musical theater students who will have a chance to sing and get feedback from the Broadway star.
“I think the nice thing that has always stuck out about Kyle, what makes him unique, is that, yes, he is extremely talented and good looking, but he works very hard. He is extremely disciplined,” Graber said. “He is out doing it right now. He can help instill some wisdom in the students.”
Graber will be performing the song “You Should Live with Someone You Know,” from the show “Martin Guerre,” as a duet with Massey at the recital on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The recital has been titled “Eclectic Broadway,” and will feature songs that one normally would not hear.
“It’s not Oklahoma, or Sound of Music,” Graber said. “He is actually doing a Willie Nelson tune that he likes a lot.”
The recital will also include songs from the Disney movie “Aladdin,” the group “Ultra Boyz,” as well as songs from “The Spitfire Grill,” “Sweet Smell of Success” and “Les Miserables.”
The Ke-Nekt series exists to connect Oswego State with other artists outside of our community as well as in our community and features performances that will be entertaining for any kind of student. Do not miss this chance to take part in a personal show performed by a Broadway star.
