On Aug. 7, hear a little ‘Broadway in Vermont’ on a hilltop in Duxbury
July 18, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Merrit David Janes (right) and cast members of the first Broadway in Vermont performance at Moose Meadow Lodge in 2021. Photo by Gordon Miller
What began as a summer performance lark during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a summertime highlight at Moose Meadow Lodge in Duxbury.
On Aug. 7, Vermonter and Broadway actor Merritt David Janes returns with some of Broadway's leading stars to present the Broadway in Vermont one-night outdoor concert for the third consecutive year.
Janes, who is currently performing in the Original Broadway cast of “Back To The Future,” will bring actor and musician friends for the performance featuring songs from classic and contemporary Broadway musicals.
The program is a combination of show tunes from a variety of legendary musicals mingled with stories from the cast members about their careers and experiences as Broadway performers.
The Broadway in Vermont concerts began in summer of 2021 when Broadway theaters were still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Janes was free as were theater colleagues and a connection with Moose Meadow owners Willie Docto and Greg Trulson paved the way for the unique outdoor event beside the pond at the lodge.
Katie Travis. Courtesy photo
Peter Schmeekle. Courtesy photo
Elysia Jordan. 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’ that included a run in Asia and landed a role in the 25th Anniversary Broadway tour of “Phantom of the Opera.” He most recently finished the first national tour and Broadway run of “School of Rock” as Dewey Finn.
Other cast members in the ensemble include: Katie Travis an award-winning singer and actor with more than 700 performances at Christine Daae in “The Phantom of The Opera” tour under her belt; actor, singer, musician and composer Cooper Grodin who also spent time on the “Phantom” and “Les Miserables” national tours; Elysia Jordan, whose credits include cast member in the original national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's “School of Rock, The Musical.” Other musicians in the ensemble work on Broadway and in regional theater and television. Local jazz fans might recognize Peter Schmeeckle who plays with the Vermont Jazz Ensemble, the Vermont Jazz Trio, and in theater productions with Stowe Theater Guild.
Vermont native Merritt David Janes brings fellow Broadway performers to Moose Meadow Lodge. Courtesy photo
Janes said he is happy his travels will bring him to Moose Meadow once again. “As a Vermont native and former resident of the Mad River Valley, I couldn't be more thrilled to bring my dear friends, who represent the very best of Broadway, back home to perform with me at the beautiful Moose Meadow Lodge!” he said.
Showtime on Aug. 7 is 6 p.m. on the grounds at Moose Meadow Lodge on Crossett Hill. Gates open at 5 p.m. for picnicking and parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.
Food will be available for purchase from JDK BBQ food truck and The Udder Guys ice cream tricycle.
Tickets: $40 general admission, $26.50 students and children; available online at moosemeadowlodge.net.