Today@Sam Article

Rising To The Occasion On The Big Stage

June 28, 2018
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Prestigious Award for SHSU Musical Theatre Major

From the stages at Sam Houston State University, to the bright lights of a national and international stage, former SHSU musical theatre student Nkrumah Gatling has certainly made an impression in the world of musical theatre.

Gatling recently took home the Marc Blitzstein Award at the 20th annual Lotte Lenya Competition in New York City in April. This prestigious award is presented to the individual who demonstrates the best performance of a musical theatre classic number from the Golden Age (pre-1968) American musical theater repertoire.

“I’m extremely honored to have received the Marc Blitzstein award,” said Gatling. “It was a challenge I set for myself and I am so pleased to have risen to the occasion.”

Every year the Lotte Lenya competition recognizes talented singers and actors of all nationalities, ages 19-32, who are dramatically and musically convincing in repertoire ranging from opera/operetta to contemporary Broadway scores, including the works of Kurt Weill.

Out of the 235 contestants who submitted audition videos this year, only 28 semifinalists were selected to audition live in New York City.

Gatling, who was a musical theatre major while at SHSU was awarded an internship at Theater Under the Stars, where he participated in productions of “Dreamgirls” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He earned his Equity card at the Goodspeed Opera House in a production of “Band Geeks.”

Since attending SHSU he has performed in numerous national tours and has worked in regional theatres. His most recent performances include the Broadway revival of “Miss Saigon” and the national tour of “Hair.” Gatling is one of many students of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication to lead a fulfilling and successful career.

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