VALDOSTA, Ga. – Stephen DeAngelis describes creating a revue of Broadway stars as similar to creating a fine buffet.

“You want something for everybody,” he said, “served up throughout the evening.”

DeAngelis is setting up the buffet for Valdosta as the show “With Love from Broadway” plays as part of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Presenter Series.

The show is scheduled for Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, and features an optional pre-show dinner. Nancy Warren, a Presenter Series committee chair, said the show allows couple’s a well-rounded date night of a dinner and a show for Valentine’s Day.

The Presenter Series production features five stars performing songs they performed in shows playing Broadway.

The stars include:

– Craig Schulman who has played Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” and the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

– Rick Faugno who has played Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys” on Broadway.

– Kissy Simmons, the longest running Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway.

– Jackie Burns, the longest running Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway. 

– Jared Mason, who played both Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis respectively in “Million Dollar Quartet” on Broadway.

“They will be recreating their most memorable musical moments from their Broadway careers,” DeAngelis said. 

DeAngelis is a Broadway casting agent. He has created the show specifically for the Presenter Series in Valdosta, he said.

But he does occasionally arrange similar shows for venues throughout the United States.

He often partners with Eugene Gwozdz for the shows.

“I consider him to be the finest pianist in New York,” DeAngelis said of Gwozdz. “A brilliant musician and accompanist. He is called the one man virtual orchestra. He plays with the power and dynamics of an orchestra.”

Gwozdz is also the brother of Donna Farwell, the chorus director of St. John Catholic School. She lives in Valdosta with husband Doug, who is head of the Valdosta State University music department and executive director of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

The connection led to the Presenter Series show.

DeAngelis said the evening will give the audience a glimpse at the lives of Broadway stars both on stage and behind the scenes.

The performers will not be dressed in their character costumes. They will rotate their performances throughout the evening, with the song list composed so one song will complement the previous one and the next, he said.

They will share stories of their Broadway careers. Audiences members may ask questions.

“If there are questions you want to ask a Broadway star, here’s your chance,” DeAngelis said. “It’s fun. The audience always thinks of things to ask we’d never think of asking.” 

Given the dynamic of different performers, audience participation, etc., the show is unique. 

“It’s for only one show so we’re harnessing the energy of an opening night while we’re harnessing the energy of a closing night,” DeAngelis said.

They will determine the song lineup shortly before the show.

DeAngelis will also decide if there will be an ensemble piece. He does not guarantee it.

For an ensemble, a song must allow each performer an opportunity to shine, he said, but given the stars’ versatile gifts that song is not easy to pinpoint.

But such a song may well be out there. DeAngelis said people will need to come to “With Love from Broadway” to find out.

SHOWTIME

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Presenter Series hosts “With Love from Broadway.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Where: Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St.

Pre-Show Dinner (optional): 6 p.m. Feb. 14, Mathis City Auditorium.

More information, reservations: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org.