The OPAS Board is proud to have recruited the talented Broadway singer, actor, and producer, Doug LaBrecque, to its performing arts staff as artistic director. 

“He is the perfect leader in transitioning OPAS from the impact of COVID-19 to returning to becoming fully operational,” stated Carolyn Fears, OPAS Board Chair.

Since July 21, he has been taking his role to new heights by implementing creative programming to bring fine arts to the community. His premier event is the educational arts fundraiser “Broadway Sings for OPAS,” an intimate virtual evening of “fun-raising.” This event will be aired on Sept. 25 promptly at 7 p.m.  View at no cost by visiting www.opas.org. 

OPAS vice-chair Margie Eddy-Forbes, expressed, “I don’t think Doug has ever met a stranger. He is friendly, funny, and a true professional. He is a joy to work with and oh, so talented.” 

LaBrecque brings a refreshing enthusiasm and ingenuity to OPAS. 

He commented, “I am constantly exploring exciting talent to bring to Lake Country. Our 2021 season will include a trio of incredible Broadway singers, the popular group Brass Transit, and our annual holiday concert FA LA LA. In addition, our arts education ‘virtual’ programs will reach thousands of students in Greene, Putnam, Baldwin and Taliaferro counties.” 

He has enjoyed getting to know the community and has these kind words to share.

“Thank you all for such a warm welcome, and I look forward to seeing you at the theater!”

Fears also commented, “Doug has a wealth of concert experience in both the United States and internationally. OPAS is the perfect fit for him, and that works both ways.” Doug LaBrecque has thrilled theatre audiences as The Phantom and Raoul in the Harold Prince production of The Phantom of the Opera. 

LaBrecque starred as Steve Baker in the original cast of the Broadway revival of “Showboat,” also directed by Mr. Prince. He later starred as Gaylord Ravenal in that same show on Broadway and in the Chicago Company. He was featured in “Oscar Hammerstein’s 100th Birthday Celebration” on Broadway at The Gershwin Theatre and toured nationally with “Les Miserables.” 

One of the most prolific concert performers of his generation, LaBrecque has been a soloist with some of the world’s finest symphony orchestras, including The National Symphony, The Israel Philharmonic (Tel Aviv), The Chicago Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony, The San Francisco Symphony, and nearly 125 others around the world.

In a tribute to Richard Rodgers, LaBrecque made his Carnegie Hall debut alongside frequent collaborator Marvin Hamlisch and appeared with Mr. Hamlisch with the Boston Pops and symphonies across America. With Peter Nero, he was featured in “Broadway Showstoppers,” a live recording with Mr. Nero’s Philly Pops. Other special engagements have included singing with Carole Bayer-Sager at Feinsteins’s in Manhattan and the Cinegrill in Los Angeles, performing alongside Broadway legend Jerry Herman with the Naples Philharmonic, and singing with piano legend Lang Lang broadcast live on Chinese Television.

An active concert producer and director, LaBrecque was the former Director of Broadway Pops Programming for Greenberg Artists, creating concert programming and directing musicals in concert for numerous cities across America. 

OPAS welcomes Doug LaBrecque to the lake community.