Makin Mo of a Mark with Three Mo Tenors

Much to the delightful surprise of concertgoers, Three Mo Tenors producer, Willette Klausner is a progressive, creative visionaryand shes a sistah!

November 3, 2004 -- Bringing THREE MO TENORS to Chicago audiences, producer Willette Klausner stands majestically with perfect posture, fashionable attire, and an infectious smile. She is immediately noticed, as she glides into the room with her colorful shawl, flowing effortlessly over her shoulder. The neatly cropped black and gray natural, is a funky touch to the sophisticate and past beauty pageant titleholder. Klausner moves with confidence and finesse reaching her hand in a firm handshake to greet lovers of the arts. She then couples the handshake with a kiss, on both cheeks, European style.

One could call Klausner a diva in her own right, as one of the four original producers of Three Mo' Tenors. She has since became the sole Producer of the show, through creativity, commitment, and vision, putting mo spin on the ensemble.

We were delighted you loved the first Three Mo Tenors cast, stated Klausner.

I am blessed to present six more classically trained African American tenors, she continued.

Klausner is delighted, by returning to Chicago, where audiences warmly received the first Three Mo Tenors cast, that arts lovers will give the six new tenors the same welcome that they afforded the other cast.

We would like audiences to take an active role in promoting the talent of African American tenors. This will help ensure that they ascend to the top of the world of Opera. Klausner pointed out.

As creator and director of the show, Marion Caffey has stated, "THREE MO' TENORS is about more than just three men. It's a story about the history and the future of classically trained African American tenors who deserve to be heard."

When audiences were first introduced to THREE MO' TENORS, the cast was virtually unknown. However, Marion Caffey believed that they should be heard. Now he and Klausner are giving six more tenors the same opportunity that was afforded the first cast.

Chicago audiences will be the first to see the premiere of this exciting new version of the show, from Tuesday, November 16 through Sunday, November 21, 2004 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL. The show stars six incredible new artists: Ramone Diggs, Kenneth Gayle, Marvin Scott, alternating with, James Berger, Duane Moody and Victor Robertson. Acclaimed composer and arranger Joseph Joubert serves as Musical Supervisor and Musical Director, Victor Simonson, round out the cast.

Previously associated with Richard Frankel Productions on two musicals, Kat and the Kings on Broadway (co-producer), and Twist, (which she produced at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia and the George Street Playhouse), Klausner also produced To Take Arms (LA) starring Hattie Winston and Sanaa Lathan and co-produced Fully Committed and Hurlyburly (LA) starring Sean Penn and Danny Aiello.

Klausner has been called a visionary with a brilliant mind, coupled with a fair and respectful regard for talent, by people who work with and for her. They share her view that Three Mo Tenors epitomize the fact that there are many classically trained African American singers who deserve to be seen. It is pointed out that Klausners passion for the arts and desire to spread the word is unyielding. She desires to showcase African American talent in any way she can.

Another little known fact came to light about Klausner. She is hailed as one of the first prominent African American women in the arena of Broadway production, having served as the President of Edgework Productions, producers of Broadway shows. Formerly Vice President of Marketing and Marketing Research at MCA Universal Studios, Klausner serves on the Board of Directors of the American Cinema Foundation, and has served on the Boards of Directors of the Los Angeles Music Center, the Women in Film Foundation, the Audrey Skirbal-Kenis Theatre, and the Constitutional Rights Foundation. She is also a member of The Women's Trusteeship for the Betterment of Women and the National Women's Forum.

Klausner became involved with Three Mo Tenors when creator and director Marion J. Caffey, also creator of the new show, Three Mo Divas, approached her with the project. Caffey worked with Joubert as Musical Supervisor and Arranger. The show features eight musical genres including opera, jazz, Broadway, gospel, blues, spirituals, and new school and was designed to provide opportunities for African American tenors by showcasing their versatility.

Married to attorney Manuel S. Klausner for 35 years, the dynamic duo are co-founding members of the American Institute of Wine and Food. They have traveled to over 50 countries, and they have been featured in many articles on food and wine.

Klausner explains to fans regarding the THREE MO TENORS ensemble, We proudly launched the first cast. They have now moved on, and are no longer associated with THREE MO' TENORS. We wish them well in their individual pursuits and hope people will share our pride in the new casts. As long as there are undiscovered African American tenors waiting in the wings, THREE MO' TENORS will be here to tell their amazing story!

Three Mo Tenors will play the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Tuesday, November 16 through Sunday, November 21, 2004 and includes: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $30.00 to $70.00 and are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (22 W. Monroe St., 24 W. Randolph St. and 151 W. Randolph St.), through the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or online at ticketmaster.com. Group discounts of 20 or more contact (312) 977-1710.

Audiences can also enjoy the magic of Klausner's show, Three Mo' Tenors in cities throughout the United States. To obtain a tour schedule, ticket information, and Three Mo' Tenors highlights, fans can access the website.

Producer Willette Klausner is makin mo of a mark on many fronts, destined to leave her own insignia --- the handprints of a talented lady in front of any theatre, with her brightly colored silk shawl, infectious smile, and a kiss on both cheeks --- European style.

###