Ben Vereen to 'reminisce' at SHU showcase

Sacred Heart University will present an interview with actor Ben Vereen as part of its Edgerton Center "Legend Series" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the center, 5151 Park Ave.

Vereen will "candidly reminisce" about his stage, film and television careers in an "Actors Studio-style" presentation hosted by Jerry Goehring, the center's executive director, according to a university news release. The presentation will include selected clips from his film, television and stage productions and a Q&A with members of the audience.

On Broadway, Vereen has appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Wicked, "Fosse," "I'm Not Rappaport," "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." His acting credits also include portraying Chicken George in the television series "Roots" and Louis Armstrong in the movie "Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style." His television guest appearances include "How I Met Your Mother," "Grey's Anatomy," "House of Payne," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent," "OZ," "Touched By An Angel," The Nanny," "Star Trek - The Next Generation" and "The Jamie Fox Show," among others.

His accolades include "Entertainer of the Year," "Rising Star" and "Song and Dance Star" awards from the American Guild of Variety Artists and a spot in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame, the release states. He has also received a number of awards humanitarian contributions, including Israel's Cultural and Humanitarian Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award and a Victory Award.

In 2009, Vereen performed at the Inaugural Ball and entertained at the reopening of the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., which was attended by President Obama. In February 2010, he starred in the world premier of "Fetch Clay, Make Man" directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at the McCarter Theatre.

Reserved tickets, at $25 for the general public, $20 for student, faculty and staff, $15 for senior citizens, may be purchased by calling the box office at 203-371-7908 or visiting the center.