‘Broadway In Vermont’ becomes a summer staple at Moose Meadow Lodge
July 17, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Merritt David Janes (center) performs at Broadway in Vermont at Moose Meadow Lodge in 2021. Photo by Gordon Miller
Now in its fourth year, Broadway In Vermont returns to Duxbury with some of Broadway's leading stars heading to the Green Mountains for a special outdoor concert on Monday, Aug. 5.
Vermonter Merritt David Janes who most recently starred in the original Broadway cast of “Back To The Future” has assembled a cast of Broadaway friends to perform at Moose Meadow Lodge.
The musical event began during the pandemic and the audience response has led Janes and lodge owners Willie Docto and Greg Trulson to make it an annual summer program. With picnic blankets and lawn chairs, the audience spreads out in the meadow to take in the performance featuring tunes from classic and contemporary musicals.
Accompanied by a live band, the singers perform songs intermingled with stories about their professional journeys, making for an intimate look at some of the most legendary musicals and life as a Broadway performer.
Emma Pittmann. Courtesy photo
Jelani Remy. Courtesy photo
Amber Andolino
Nathaniel Hackman. Courtesy photo
Originally from Colchester, Janes is a graduate of the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City and the University of Maine. His career has included roles in Broadway national tours of “The Wedding Singer,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Beauty and the Beast.” He toured internationally as Lord Farquaad in the Broadway tour of “Shrek,” in “Catch Me If You Can” as Carl Hanratty and he landed a role in the 25th anniversary Broadway tour of “Phantom of the Opera.” He portrayed Dewey Finn in “School of Rock” on Broadway and in the first national tour before his latest run in “Back to the Future.”
In addition to Janes, performers for the Moose Meadow event will include Emma Pittman from “The Outsiders” which just won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical; Amber Andolino from “A Beautiful Noise,” “Hamilton” Chicago and Broadway, multiple traveling productions and films including “In the Heights”; and Nathaniel Hackman and Jelani Remy from the current “Back To The Future” cast.
Showtime is 6 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m. for picnicking. Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. Food will be available for purchase from JDK BBQ. Tickets: $40 general admission, $26.50 for students and children, available online at moosemeadowlodge.net. Rain location is the Harwood Union High School auditorium.