MASTERCLASS: SINGING SONDHEIM WITH DEANDRE SIMMONS

MARCH 18th, 5:30-8:30pm

Class Description

Delve into the intricate melodies and poignant lyrics of Stephen Sondheim's renowned repertoire in this immersive masterclass. Selected participants will come prepared with a Sondheim selection and work with DeAndre to explore vocal techniques tailored to Sondheim's distinctive style while delving into the narrative complexities and emotional depth of his compositions. From the classic ballads of "Send in the Clowns" to the intricate wordplay of "Being Alive," refine your vocal artistry and deepen your understanding of musical storytelling in this enriching journey through the world of Sondheim.

DEANDRE SIMMONS, a native San Diegan, is well at home on the musical theatre stage having performed in a wide variety of musicals from Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Kerchak in Tarzan, Boatman in Sunday in the Park with George and Ken in Ain't Misbehavin', the last two being with CCEA Theatricals. He has played Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me, the Wolf in Into The Woods, Curtis in Dreamgirls and the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Al in Working, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, Father in Children of Eden and others including Sweet Charity and Candide. Having spent years under the tutelage of the great Barbara Cook, he frequently performs the music of musical theater and the American Songbook in recitals, concerts and cabaret. His recent cabaret of songs by Stephen Sondheim titled, "Just me and Stephen: the songs of Stephen Sondheim" has been highly regarded and is now in popular demand across the country. DeAndre is an alumni of San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, The Old Globe Theatre Intensive, The University of the Arts (B.A., Phila), Manhattan School of Music (M.A.) and The Curtis Institute of Music (M.M). As an international opera singer, DeAndre is often immersed in the operas of Händel, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi. DeAndre has worked with Barbara Cook, studied the work of Fosse with Ann Reinking and Jacques D’Amboise, and acting with Uta Hagen. Future performances include Montrellous in Clyde's with The Moxie Theatre, Bonze in Madame Butterfly with the San Diego Opera and the West Coast premiere of the opera, The Rising and Falling with Bodhi Tree Concerts in San Diego. IG @deandresvoice