Saint Paul, Minnesota (November 14, 2023) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced two additions to its popular Ordway Presents Series for the 2023-2024 season. Broadway icon and well-known actor Mandy Patinkin and Sounds of Blackness lead singer Jamecia Bennett will join a robust lineup bringing celebrated music and artists to the Ordway stages.
“The Ordway Presents Series celebrates music of all genres, along with its incredible capacity to unite, soothe and inspire us,” said Ordway Vice President of Programming and Community Impact Tanya Gertz. “Jamecia and Mandy are phenomenal vocalists and storytellers that connect deeply with audiences, and we’re so happy to add them to the 2023-2024 series.”
The Ordway Presents Series provides distinct, intimate engagements with singers, comedians, and other performers. Other upcoming shows for the 2023–2024 season include Patti LuPone, Sons of Serendip, Malevo, and Classic Albums Live.
Jamecia Bennett and Friends: A Night of Jazz, Blues, and a Whole Lotta Soul will heat up Ordway’s Concert Hall on Friday, February 23. A Minnesota musical icon, Bennett is an Ordway resident artist and three-time Grammy Award® winning vocalist. Featuring a live band, dancers, and special guests, this multimedia concert will showcase the evolution of music from African roots to jazz, blues, and soul. Bennett will treat audience members to hits from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Chaka Khan alongside Broadway favorites—including a reprise of the main theme of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which she sang while performing as Ms. Potts in the 2022 Broadway @ the Ordway production.
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive will come to the Ordway Concert Hall for two special performances on April 19 and April 21. Patinkin, an Emmy® and Tony Award® winning actor, singer, and storyteller whose career has spanned the stage, television, and film, will be accompanied by Adam Ben-David on piano. This powerful concert is a collection of many of Patinkin’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes, ranging from Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter to Harry Chapin.