Broadway Star Performs Benefit Concert at St. David's Church

On March 6, St. David’s Choir will raise its voices to some of Broadway’s most lively hits alongside one of Broadway’s brightest stars.

This inaugural concert, “Putting Faith in Broadway: An Afternoon with Judy McLane” will take place at St. David's Church, 316 N. Easton Road in Willow Grove, at 4 p.m.

The choir, which has existed at the church since 1977, will welcome Judy McLane, who is currently starring as Tanya in Mamma Mia! on Broadway.

Some of the songs on the program include “For Good,” (Wicked), “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” (Carousel) and “Day by Day,” (Godspell).

Barbara Aughtmon, assistant choir director, said that the approximately 45 choir members have been rehearsing twice a week since the beginning of January for the performance.

“Some of our choir members don’t read music. They’ve learned by rote,” said Aughtmon, a choir accompanist. “They are really a great group of people who are all remarkably, wonderfully dedicated. They are very supportive of each other.”

McLane’s only rehearsal will take place the day of the show.

While singing along to many of the Broadway tunes, the audience can expect to hear a talented orchestral backdrop, complete with a rented Grand Steinway piano.

Choir director Stephen Kowalchik orchestrated the afternoon’s performance. One of the tenors will perform a duet with McLane.

“Our choir is really excited to sing with Judy,” Aughtmon said. “She’s very talented. The Sunday performance is her only day off in two weeks. To volunteer her time like that was very nice of her.”

McLane, born and raised in Olyphant, PA, has performed with orchestras all over the world, including a recent performance with the Baltimore Symphony.

McLane also has strong ties to Kowalchik. Their paths first crossed when she was a student at a Catholic school and he was asked to take over the schools’ seventh- and eighth-grade Junior Choir.  

Kowalchik continued to mentor McLane while she earned her bachelor's degree in music from Ithaca College. He taught her piano and remained her mentor throughout her career.

In preparation for the event, Aughtmon said that the choir did a lot of advertising, sold tickets, and mentioned the concert in many Catholic church bulletins and newspapers to generate interest and excitement. 

Aughtmon said that St. David's pastor, Rev. Monsignor Richard Bolger, expects “Putting Faith in Broadway” to be a sold-out event. The church can hold about 400 to 450 people comfortably.

All proceeds from “Putting Faith in Broadway" will go toward raising money for a new organ for the choir.

According to Aughtmon, the church's present pipe organ is 40 years old and was purchased used. A new electric pipe organ would cost $60,000 to $65, 0000.

 “It’s horrible and so old. Everything sounds the same,” she said. “A new one will be such an improvement for us. The stops on the organ can duplicate all different instruments such as a sax, violin and more.”

St. David’s Church Choir will perform at various places and events in Willow Grove and the surrounding areas upon request. Aughtmon added that choir members really just want people to come hear them sing, and the choir is always looking for new members.

Tickets for "Putting Faith in Broadway" are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.saintdavidschoir.com.