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Concordia University presents
A Gala of Stars

May 17, 5:00 PM

5:00 p.m. - Silent Auction
6:45 p.m. - Dinner, Live Auction and Program

Returning to direct this year's musical with a brand-new look are talented alumni Rob Blaney '92 and Mic Shackelford '90, M.A. '99. This year's show, performed by Concordia's talented students and a live orchestra, will feature a Gospel music theme, A Closer Walk.

All proceeds of this event go to the Concordia Fund, supporting student scholarships.

For more information contact LaVeda Carter at (949) 854-8002 x1862 or LaVeda.Carter@cui.edu.

Rhonda Fleming,
Lifetime Award Recipient
Christian actress and humanitarian, Rhonda Fleming, has appeared in over 40 motion pictures. Among her co-stars were Ronald Reagan, Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas and Bob Hope. Her numerous charitable activities have benefitted thousands of people.

Stephanie Edwards, Emcee
Popular with audiences as a radio and television performer, Stephanie Edwards returns as our vivacious emcee.

Woodbrige High School presents
Side Show

May 7-10, 7:00 PM

Directed by Kristine Linares
Vocal Direction by Rob Blaney
Music Direction by Joslynne Blasdel

"Side Show," is based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the Depression. It is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks. Along the way, they are consistently victimized by their managers. The adventurous, ambitious Daisy and the quieter, more retiring Violet are unforgettable characters that sing their way into your heart.

The theatrical production of the Hilton girls" story was the brainchild of writer and lyricist, Bill Russell, best known for "Pageant." Russell was fascinated with the story, and brought his idea to Henry Krieger, who had won Tony Awards for his scores for "Dreamgirls" and "The Tap Dance Kid."

Tickets for the WHS production of "Side Show" may be requested by contacting the following:
jblasdel@iusd.org or 949-936-7886

March 11, 2008
Mayors' Prayer Breakfast

44th Annual Orange Coast
Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast
Featuring Tim Salmon
Former Angel Baseball Legend

Rob and friend Kris Huston will be providing entertainment at the Forty-forth Annual Orange Coast Christian Outreach Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast. It will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 7:00-9:00, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, 92614 - (949) 975-1234. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m. and the breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m.

$300 per table of ten or $35 per individual
(Self Parking is Included)

Mail checks by 3/1 to:
Orange Coast Christian Outreach
c/o Cindy Ludington
326 Evening Canyon Drive
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
For more info call 949.640.4076

If you would like to become an Event Sponsor,
please call 949-640-4076 or email pamelacurry@cox.net

Join the Mayors of our local cities and John Moorlach, Orange County Supervisor at this annual event, featuring Tim Salmon, one of the greatest players in the Angels’ franchise history.

February 13 – 16, 2008, 7pm
Woodbridge High School

Directed by Kristine Remegio Linares
Music Direction by Rob Blaney

Based on Charles Schulz's Charlie Brown comic strips, this show is bright, fun, and adorable. You are shown glimpses of each of the characters- the old favorites: Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Linus, and Schroeder.

Presented through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark

Rob is excited to be a part of this event hosted by Searchlight Ministries in Anaheim. This night of worship will feature an incredible band along with 5 worship leaders. It will be a time of Word and Worship and we invite you to be a part of it.

This night will also be recorded for a live worship album.

November 3 – 11
Concordia University

Directed by Professor Lori Siekmann
Music Direction by Rob Blaney
Tickets: $15.00 General Admission
$12.00 Students/Seniors
(949) 854-8002 ext. 1526

Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time.

Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, “Day By Day.” As the cast performs “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All For The Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side,” the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life.

Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International

Magdalene
September 27 – October 27
Rock Harbor Church

Directed by Shawn King
Music Direction by Rob Blaney
Tickets: $20.00 General Admission
Purchase Tickets HERE
(714) 384-0914 ext. 306

Broadway actress/playwright Allison Metcalf Allen has teamed with Grammy-nominated artists and composers Chris Eaton and Michele Pillar to bring the epic drama of Mary Magdalene, history’s iconic “bad girl”, to life. The fictional retelling of her search for redemption, powerfully underscored with original music, offers theatergoers an extraordinary experience of haunting beauty and depth rare in the contemporary scene. Join us and experience Mary’s story of hurt, hope, and healing in this West-Coast Premiere production!

The Friends of Concordia University Theatre Boosters P r e s e n t s :

Coffeehouse On Broadway
An alumni/faculty musical revue

September 8 at 7pm
September 9 at 2pm & 7pm

Musical Direction/Pianist:
Rob Blaney

The Theatre Department kicks off its season with the “Grand Re-Opening” of one of our most popular events! After a year's hiatus, Concordia's theatre alumni and faculty return to offer an intimate evening of song, dance, coffee and dessert, presented cabaret-style in the Studio Theatre. This year's theme is “Favorites,” classics from the musical theatre songbook. This annual fundraiser to benefit the theatre program has become an audience favorite for students, faculty, staff and friends. Get your tickets while they last!

Adults: $20
Students/Seniors: $17

Purchase on-line HERE or call: (949) 854-8002, ext. 1862

July 21, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
Calvary Church, Santa Ana

Thanks to all of you who came out to support this concert at Rock Harbor Church on June 9th! We raised over $11,000 to send to New Orleans! Please bring your friends and family to the July 21st event and let's raise even more money for the victims of Katrina!!!!

Rob is honored to be musical directing this concert as well as performing along side these friends and Broadway performers:

Sabrina Sloan
(Original Broadway cast of Hairspray (Dynamite); Nights on Broadway (Atlantic City); Children of Eden (Eve/Mama); Ain't Misbehavin' (Charlaine), Rent, American Idol.)

Evan D’Angeles
(Broadway credits include Pacific Overtures, Miss Saigon, Children & Art: A Tribute to 75 years of Stephen Sondheim. Angel in 1st national tour of Rent.)

Kristine Remigio
(Kim in Miss Saigon on Broadway, 2nd National Tour, and Fullerton Civic Light Opera. Kristine was the recipient of the 2005 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for Lead Actress in a Musical for her performance in Miss Saigon.)

The Music Man

April 20 - 28, 2007

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by Terry Sohn
Vocal Direction by Renee Cahill
Musical Direction by Rob Blaney

Presented at the Alexandra Nechita Center for the Arts
Lutheran High School of Orange County
2222 N. Santiago Blvd., Orange, CA 92867

An affectionate paean to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era, Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize - this despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

This critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to is quirky characters, charmingly predictable dramatic situations, and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads which have become popular standards. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, "The Music Man" is family entertainment at its best.

Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International
Date: April 20 - 28, 2007
For Tickets: Call (714) 282-4699 or visit www.lhsoc.org/arts

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

March 16 - 25, 2007

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by Prof. Mic Shackelford ’90, MA ’00
Musical Direction by Rob Blaney ’92
Choreography by Janice Gudde Plastino

Presented at the Alexandra Nechita Center for the Arts
Lutheran High School of Orange County
2222 N. Santiago Blvd., Orange, CA 92867

Based on the treasured Disney film, this Tony® Award-winning, modern-day classic has captivated audiences around the world. Join Belle as (with the help of some magical household friends) she teaches the Beast the true meaning of kindness and love. The fairytale score features the delightful songs “Be Our Guest,” “Belle,” and the Academy Award®-winning title song. Enjoy the magic of this enchanting family favorite in the elegant intimacy of theAlexandra Nechita Centerfor the Arts at Lutheran High School of Orange County. Beauty and the Beast has never been so beautiful!

Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International
For Tickets: Call (714) 282-4699 or visit www.lhsoc.org/arts
For More Information, Call: (949) 854-8002, ext. 1525

The Last 5 Years
by Jason Robert Brown

Presented by Woodbridge High School

Directed by Kristine Linares
Musically Directed by Rob Blaney

February 8-9, 2007
Thu./Fri. 7:30pm

Tickets – Call (949) 936-7886

This fresh and contemporary song-cycle musical is by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs for a New World). A young couple's romance is ingeniously chronicled from meeting to break-up... or from break-up to meeting, depending on who you’re watching. Some of the most heartbreaking and universally felt moments of modern romance will leave you crying and laughing!

* This show is performed without intermission and runs aprox. 84 minutes.

"... EXCITING, INNOVATIVE AND ALTOGETHER INSPIRING"
Chicago Tribune

"Pulses with dangerous, irresistible giddiness... [Jason Robert Brown] is a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical... "
The New York Times

"Compulsively enjoyable... a real modern falling-in-and-out-of-love musical... Their last five years make us feel much better about the future of musical theater."
The New York Post

"A bracing musical theater piece... Brimming with persistent melodies, thoughtful lyrics and a heartfelt, compelling story..."
Associated Press

West Side Story

Presented by Lutheran High School of Orange County

Based on Conception of : Jerome Robbins
Book by: Arthur Laurents
Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Music by: Leonard Bernstein
Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Directed by: Dr. Peter Senkbeil
Musical Direction by: Rob Blaney
Choreography by: Jamie Nadeau

November 3, 10 at 7:30pm
November 4, 11 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Buy tickets on-line here

The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments.

Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet” is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Its exciting, sophisticated score by Bernstein and Sondheim is often considered Broadway’s finest, its songs part of the nation’s musical heritage.

You won’t want to miss this wonderful production!

Rob has a new position at Lutheran High School!

Beginning this fall, Rob will be the full-time Director of Choral Activities and Conductor, responsible for a vocal department of about 250 students. He will conduct four choirs and musical direct two musicals per year. This fall LHSOC will present the classic West Side Story! Please bookmark this link to the LHSOC Vocal Web Page to keep current on upcoming concerts and activities. They will also be posted on the calendar page on this site.

Rob is pleased to continue his association with Concordia University and will musical direct Disney’s Beauty & The Beast for them in the Spring of 2007. He will also continue to play for worship services at Yorba Linda Friends Church about twice a month.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at a performance soon!

A Gala of Stars

May 20, 2006
Concordia University
http://www.cui.edu/gala

Thanks to everyone who attended to help make this event a smashing success! Here are the highlights:

A total of $230,000 was raised for student scholarships.

460 guests in attendance.

"Pianist to the Presidents" Roger Williams was presented Concordia's Lifetime Achievement Award. He performed a medley ending with his famous "Autumn Leaves" on a Steinway grand piano.

The musical review of hit movie songs was arranged by Theatre Professor Dr. Peter Senkbeil, Rob Blaney '92 and Michael Shackelford '90 and performed by 20 students and alumni.

Concordia University is celebrating its 30th year. This year, the university served 2,100 students and ended its academic year on May 13, 2006 graduating a record of 446 students.

The Chance Theater Presents:

The Last Five Years
by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Oanh Nguyen
Musically Directed by Rob Blaney

Jan. 26 - Mar. 12, 2006
Thu./Fri./Sat. 8pm; Sun. 2pm

$40 Opening Gala Admission
    (Fri. January 27 at 8pm)
$25 General, $22 Seniors/Students
$20 Preview Admission
    (Thu. January 26 at 8pm)
$40 Dinner and Show

This fresh and contemporary song-cycle musical is by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Songs for a New World). A young couple's romance is ingeniously chronicled from meeting to break-up... or from break-up to meeting, depending on who you’re watching. Some of the most heartbreaking and universally felt moments of modern romance will leave you crying and laughing!

* This show is performed without intermission and runs aprox. 84 minutes.

"... EXCITING, INNOVATIVE AND ALTOGETHER INSPIRING"
Chicago Tribune

"Pulses with dangerous, irresistible giddiness... [Jason Robert Brown] is a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical..."
The New York Times

"Compulsively enjoyable... a real modern falling-in-and-out-of-love musical... Their last five years make us feel much better about the future of musical theater."
The New York Post

"A bracing musical theater piece... Brimming with persistent melodies, thoughtful lyrics and a heartfelt, compelling story..."
Associated Press

Concordia University's Musical "Working" Becomes a Candidate for Appearing in National Theater Festival

Concordia’s fall musical, Working, has been "held for consideration" for possible inclusion in the Region VIII Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival (KC/ACTF). The adjudicators who attended Concordia's production informed the Theatre Department on Monday, November 14 that we may be invited to bring the entire production to the festival, slated to be held February 14-18, 2006 at Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT. The final list of plays invited to the festival will be announced in mid-December.

This marks the third time in three years that a Concordia theatre production has been held for festival consideration. The spring 2003 production of Medea, directed by Professor Michael Shackelford, was selected for the February 2004 regional festival at CSU-San Bernardino. It earned best actor honors for Rebecca Rogers '04, a best crew award and a nomination for the national festival in Washington, DC. The Woman in Black (fall 2004), also directed by Professor Shackelford, was also held for consideration. Scenes from Agnes of God (2001) and Cabaret (2002) were also invited to KC/ACTF regional festivals.

*** Rob was the musical director for WORKING and CABARET, and composed the soundtrack for THE WOMAN IN BLACK.

Yorba Linda Friends Church

Rob will be playing piano for upcoming weekend services on the following dates. Plan to join us for uplifting worship!

DECEMBER
3rd at 6pm
4th at 9am and 10:45am

24th – Christmas Eve – at 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm
25th – Christmas Day – at 10am

JANUARY – 2006!!!
1st at 9am and 10:45am

All-Church Advent Celebration

November 20
4:30 – 7:00pm

Geneva Presbyterian Church

Rob will be the guest pianist for this event! It’s the perfect way to start the holiday season. Don’t miss it!

On Sunday, November 20, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM, you can help decorate the Sanctuary and outdoors for the holidays. There will be crafts for children and adults in McLennan Lounge. Enjoy a wonderful lasagna dinner at 6:00 PM Come hear Christmas music by guest pianist, Rob Blaney. And join us for the Christmas Carol Sing in the sanctuary, led by Rod Kingston, including an annual favorite, the interactive “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Don't miss it!

$5 for adults
$2 for children
$15 for family

For Tickets and Information: (949) 837-2323

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

Rob will be playing background music and accompanying an ensemble from Trinity United Presbyterian Church at this event. Plan to join us!

The Tustin Community Foundation and Tustin Chamber of Commerce, in association with the city of Tustin and the Orange County Rescue Mission, will hold their Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Marconi Automotive Museum, 1302 Industrial Dr. This year’s keynote speaker will be Bob Shank, founder and CEO of Priority Living, Inc. Tickets are $40; RSVP to (714) 544-5341 by Nov. 14.



Kennedy Center Award

Rob has been recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KACTF) for his work on the ghost play The Woman In Black presented at Concordia University in October of 2004. He has been awarded a Meritorious Achievement Award for Original Music and Sound Design for the production.

Cds of his original music for The Woman In Black will be available later this month on the SHOP page.

For more information about the award, please visit the KACTF.