Watch Now: Fan Favorites Return to Sullivan’s Little Theater for Free Summer Concerts | Music

“I think it will be a big party and a big celebration,” she said.

Small Theater the administrators have created a Free summer concert on the first Friday Series throughout the summer. The outdoor stage was built especially for the series. Little Theater alumni such as Dorsett Sharp will perform fan favorites as well as their own.

The producers of the shows recommend that members of the public bring lawn chairs to comfortably watch the shows. In addition to music, the public will have access to food trucks as well as beer and wine for the concert. “You can have your drink on the street and watch the show with a drink in your hand,” said John Stephens, executive director of the Little Theater on the Square.

Upcoming performances of the Little Theater concert series include Heather Beck, Colleen Johnson and Bonner Church with tracks from the “Mamma Mia” performance on July 2; and Solomon Kee as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Nick Carroll as Dean Martin at the August 6 concert.

Live music will accompany Dorsett Sharp as she performs some of her favorite songs. “Not just Broadway music, but we do rock, pop, there’s even folk,” she said. “It really is a celebration of all kinds of music.”

The singer said she was thrilled to be able to perform music that will be new to audiences, including The Animals 1964 hit “House of the Rising Sun”.

“I’ve always wanted to sing this song, and now we have a band to sing with,” said Dorsett Sharp.

Performance isn’t the only element missing from shows, according to performers. “We really miss the community,” said Dorsett Sharp. “We really miss being able to see each other, celebrate in person and enjoy something together. “

Over the past year, Dorsett Sharp has taken the opportunity to teach voice as well as practice his ukulele and violin to stay creative. She lives in New York, New York, and has started to see theaters prepare for the fall season. Plans for the Sullivan Theater’s first show in 2021 include “The King and Marilyn” in October and “The Marvelous Wonderettes” in November.

“The little theater is a gauge,” she said. “It will fit perfectly with the reopening of Broadway.”

Outdoor entertainment is gaining ground with the theater world including the Sullivan Theater.

On stage with fan favorite Dorsett Sharp, backing vocalists Jordan Cyphert and Stephens. “I want to do it with my friends,” she said.

Stephens has close relationships with many artists, including Dorsett Sharp. “Not only are she and Jordan Cyphert my best friends, but amazing people to play with,” he said. “I’m honored that she wants me to sing for her and do a few numbers myself.”

Stephens and the producers of the Little Theater wanted to show Central Illinois that artists are coming back stronger than ever, he said. “We’re not able to fully open the interior yet, but it’s happening in October and Sullivan needed something to look forward to,” he said. This concert series shows that Sullivan can still sizzle and has so much to offer day trippers.

For performers, the free time gave them a new perspective on their careers and talents. “Artists, like many people, have remained resilient,” said Dorsett Sharp. “Your resilience is tested at times like this. We have learned what we can do.