BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — "This is only an intermission," lights up the marquee at Shea's Performing Arts Center, but the show goes on virtually. There will be a livestream concert on December 5th, starring a big fan of Buffalo, Vanessa Williams.
“I’m happy to be able to bring my artistry to people, to maybe be a distraction from the mayhem that has been 2020,” Williams said.
Shea's Performing Arts Center President Michael G. Murphy said the theater's virtual programming keeps the community connected, during what is now an eight month hiatus.
“We’re super excited about Vanessa because of her ties to Buffalo,” Murphy said.
Williams got married in Buffalo, to a Buffalo native, in 2015. Since then she's performed alongside the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and sang at the Seneca Niagara tree lightning ceremony.
“I know how welcoming the Buffalo area is for arts, which is fantastic, and I look forward to having it all return,” Williams said.
While Williams will be in Western New Yorkers living rooms, she'll be performing live from Manhattan's West Side, as the third and final concert of "Live from the West Side: Women of Broadway."
Shea's is one of 24 performing arts centers nationwide taking part in the series. Virtual ticket sales benefit Shea's and other participating theaters.
“This is a significant hit," Murphy said about the pandemic. "We haven’t had any ticket income, or concession income, or rental income since March."
Williams said most of the show will feature Broadway hits, and she plans to conclude her song Save the Best for Last, followed by a holiday classic. There will also be an audience Q&A.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.
