By Andrew Gans
16 Jun 2006

The Valley Musical Theatre, which presents it shows at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, has announced its 2006 concert series.

The three-concert series will kick off July 7 with The Leading Ladies, which boasts three actresses who have played the role of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. Karen Culliver, Mary D'Arcy and Teri Bibb will all be part of the 8 PM performance, which features Broadway classics and pop tunes performed as solos and in three-part harmonies.

Valarie Pettiford, a Tony nominee for her performance in Fosse, will offer Hear My Soul July 8 at 8 PM. Featuring musical direction by Ron Abel, the evening will include songs from Pettiford's Broadway career as well as tunes from her new CD, also titled "Hear My Soul."

The concert series will conclude July 9 at 3 PM with Four in the Afternoon. David Engel, Vicki Lewis, Damon Kirsche and Elizabeth Ward Land will perform tunes from Forever Plaid, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Putting It Together, La Cage aux Folles, Side Show, Camelot, My Fair Lady and Kiss Me, Kate.

The theatre season at the El Portal will include Beehive (Sept. 22-Oct. 8) and Nuncrackers (Nov. 17-Dec. 3). The former will be directed by Nick DeGruccio with choreography by Lee Martino, while the latter will co-star Sally Struthers and Adrian Zmed under the direction of Kay Cole.

The El Portal Theatre is located at 5269 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, CA. For ticket information call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.valleymusicaltheatre.com.