Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Shenandoah University is bringing back a cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) alumni for a special night of performances to benefit the SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund.

“Present for the Future,” scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, in Shenandoah’s Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, will feature an ensemble of SU/SSMT alumni, headlined by J. Robert “Bobby” Spencer ’91, a Tony Award nominee for his performance in Broadway’s “Next to Normal” and original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “Jersey Boys.”

Two ticketing options are available: a $50 ticket for the show only, and a $75 ticket that includes access to a pre-show reception. Tickets can be purchased online at ssmtva.org. There also will be a silent auction for items including tickets to Ford’s Theatre and Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater – both in Washington, D.C. – original artwork, and more.

All proceeds from the event go toward the SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund, which was established to support the longevity of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. SSMT is in its 41st year, and this season includes productions of “Singin’ in the Rain” (June 27-July 13), “Little Women” (July 18-27), and “Million Dollar Quartet” (Aug. 1-10). 

The endowment provided by the Living Legacy Fund has been essential to our success in the past few seasons – and is even more imperative as we look to the future. It allows us to plan boldly, weather the unexpected, and continue nurturing the next generation of theatre artists. Simply put, this fund ensures that Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre not only survives, but thrives for seasons to come.”

Jeremy Scott Blaustein ’06, producing artistic director for SSMT

Spencer, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory, will serve as the show’s host. In addition to playing Nick Massi in the original cast of “Jersey Boys,” which debuted in 2005, Spencer was nominated for a Tony Award in 2009 for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance as Dan Goodman in “Next to Normal.” He’s held numerous other roles in theater, film and television, and has performed in concerts nationwide as a solo artist and internationally as part of the group “The Midtown Men,” which features four original stars of “Jersey Boys.”

Shenandoah University awarded Spencer an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts in 2009 in recognition of his career accomplishments.

Not only is SSMT important to the greater Winchester community and surrounding areas, but the enthusiasm shown by our SSMT alumni performers as they volunteer their time and talents for our benefit performance shows just how valuable their experience here has been to them, as well.”

Elizabeth Albert ’00, managing director of SSMT

The Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre Living Legacy Endowment Fund was established in 2023 following a generous $25,000 donation from Libby Ingham ’13 and Will Ingham. The endowment allows SSMT to pursue educational and outreach programs, provide competitive compensation for artists and administrators, and perform overall enhancements to its productions.

About Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre

Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), founded in 1984, is a professional summer stock theatre located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. SSMT produces theatre that fosters community, nurtures the lives and careers of artists, and provides multi-generational audiences access to arts experiences that are entertaining, meaningful and accessible. For more information, visit ssmtva.org. 

About Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University was established in 1875, and is headquartered at the top of Virginia, in Winchester, Virginia, with additional educational sites in Clarke and Loudoun counties, and online offerings. Shenandoah is a private, nationally recognized university that blends professional career experiences with wide-ranging education. With approximately 4,400 students in more than 200 areas of study in six different schools, Shenandoah promotes a close-knit community rich in creative energy and intellectual challenge. Shenandoah students collaborate with accomplished professors who provide focused, individual attention, all the while leading several programs to be highly nationally ranked. Through innovative partnerships and programs at both the local and global level, there are exceptional opportunities for students to learn in and out of the classroom. Shenandoah empowers its students to improve the human condition and to be principled professionals and leaders wherever they go. For more information, visit su.edu.