Andrew Arrington wins CBS series "My Broadway Debut"

June 2006

Senior Andrew Arrington was named a winner of the CBS series “My Broadway Debut.” The series featured 10 performers from musical theatre programs at universities from around the country competing for a walk-on role in the Broadway smash, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.   The winners, chosen by viewers who voted online on Friday, were announced this morning on CBS’ The Early Show. 

The winners performed a duet from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels live on the air this morning and will be featured in a segment documenting their experiences as they prepare for their Broadway debut.  “Scoundrels’” stars Jonathan Pryce and Lucie Arnaz were on hand for the celebration.

The Early Show, in conjunction with The League of Broadway Theatres and Producers, and Actors Equity, sponsored the competition. Each day during the week of May 29, two aspiring stars auditioned live on the program, singing an excerpt from a current Broadway show.   Performers from each of the shows represented assisted the students in their preparation and appeared on-air as part of the segment.

Watch Andrew make his Broadway Debut on CBS.

Musical Theatre students to participate in CBS series "My Broadway Debut"

May 2006

For many musical theatre students, the road to Broadway is long and paved with many, many auditions.  For two University of Michigan students however, there is a shortcut.  Musical Theatre majors Cortney Wolfson and Andrew Arrington have been selected to participate in “My Broadway Debut” a weeklong series on CBS News' The Early Show.

The series is an on-air theatrical competition featuring 10 performers (5 actors, 5 actresses) who are vying for a limited engagement in the current Broadway hit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

A Broadway casting director visited musical theatre programs at five schools (The University of Michigan, Northwestern, Arizona State University, Florida State University and Wagner College) in April for the auditions.  A male and a female performer were selected to represent each school.

Beginning Monday, May 29, for five days, the finalists will perform live alongside a Broadway actor or actress, currently appearing in a Broadway musical (who will either perform, speak lines, or provide context for the performance).  At the end of the week, viewers will be asked to go online to vote for their favorite male and female finalist.   The segments will most likely run in the final half hour of The Early Show broadcast.

Online voting at The Early Show website runs from 9:00 ET to midnight on Friday, June 2, 2006.

The two winners will be revealed on Monday, June 5th, and showcased in another live performance. The Early Show will then document the Broadway experience of each winning performer with a behind-the-scenes segment detailing their debut.

Senior Cortney Wolfson, is a native of Lafayette, Indiana. She was Indiana Junior Miss in 2003 and 2nd Runner-Up to America's Junior Miss.  She will perform on Monday, May 29 singing “Take Me Out” from Rent.

Senior Andrew Arrington is originally from Chicago.  He can be seen throughout the year as a television personality on Wolv-TV's Entertainment Buzz.  Andrew will appear on Thursday, June 1 performing “Run and Tell That” from Hairspray.

Click here to visit the CBS' The Early Show.