Evening of Sondheim- January 2023

In collaboration with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, I had the opportunity to perform some of Sondheim's work at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. I was a soloist in "Not Getting Married Today" from Company as the Wedding Singer as well as in "A Weekend in the Country" from A Little Night Music as Charlotte.

We received wonderful reviews, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Performing on a stage where numerous national tours have played before me, getting to hear my voice fill that space. . . it was breathtaking. So thankful to have had the opportunity to perform with my friends and with the DPO.

As the wonderful Patrick Reynolds, our conductor for the show, said “It’s a real honor to work with Joe Deer and his amazing students,” added Reynolds. “From time to time, I’m able to cross paths with these incredibly talented people at Wright State, especially in musical theatre. So this collaboration is very special.” I echo his statement that this collaboration was special and it was an honor to work with such talented people.

"Tonight, I didn’t see students from Wright State University’s theatre department, I saw performers just as capable as those professionals who pass through on national tours. There was a beautiful balance of artistry shared by Wright State University theatre students and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra."

- Darin L. Jolliffe-Haas