A West Virginia University alumna and cabaret star will celebrate the holiday season and the spirit of giving. Sandy Bainum will return to Morgantown for a benefit concert, “This Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at WVU’s Creative Arts Center.

The concert will feature a blend of classic Christmas tunes and modern favorites. Proceeds from the concert will go to support scholarships for students in WVU’s new musical theatre program.

“We’re incredibly excited to have a talent of Sandy’s caliber on stage at the Creative Arts Center, and we’re so grateful for her loyalty to WVU and her willingness to do this for our students,” said Paul Kreider, dean of the College of Creative Arts.

After earning a degree in music at WVU – and even serving as Homecoming Queen – the Carmichaels, Pa., native made the leap to Broadway when she was hired for the chorus of David Merrick’s legendary production of “42nd Street,” first in the National Tour and then on Broadway in the role of Annie.

Since then, she’s established a thriving career appearing in Washington, D.C.’s top theatrical venues in plays and musicals. Her sold out-cabaret shows at the Signature, along with featured roles at the city’s top theatrical venues in shows such as “Gypsy,” “Company,” “Parade,” “Ladies Swing the Blues,” and “The Music Man,” have made her one of the city’s most ubiquitous entertainers.

After raising her family, the triple-threat has been performing in New York, Los Angeles and the DC area for well over a decade. She had a role in a recent episode of the CBS hit series “Criminal Minds,” which aired November 18. Starting on November 27, Bainum will take on a dream role, the fabulously eccentric title role in the Riverside Dinner Theater’s production of “Mame,” with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and a book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.

Bainum will be joined on stage by students from WVU’s School of Music and School of Theatre & Dance, accompanied by musicians from the WVU Symphony Orchestra and jazz ensembles and triple-threats from the new musical theatre program.

“In addition to the scholarship support this concert will create, Sandy is also providing great performing opportunities for our students,” said Kreider. “They’ll have the chance to sharpen their skills with a seasoned musical-theatre professional.”

For tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at 304-293-SHOW.

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dw/11/18/15

CONTACT: David Welsh, WVU College of Creative Arts
304-293-3397; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

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