UCO to Present "Pure Imagination: The Words and Music of Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newely"

February 4, 2008

The University of Central Oklahoma's School of Music will present "Pure Imagination: The Music of Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse," at 8 p.m., Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 21-23 at the UCO Jazz Lab.

The title song "Pure Imagination" is the standout song from the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," one of several movies that Newley and Briscusse wrote the scores for.

"Individuals may claim they have never heard of the duo, but then mention to them that Newley and Bricusse wrote the film scores for "Willy Wonka," and "Dr. Dolittle" and watch their faces light up," said Greg White, UCO music theater director. "Humming their tunes becomes almost an addiction."

Bricusse has been nominated for nine Academy Awards, six Grammy Awards and four Tony Awards throughout his 40-year career.

Hit songs from either Bricusse or Newley, or both, include "Once in a Lifetime," "Gonna Build a Mountain," "If I Ruled the World," "The Candy Man," "Feeling Good" and "When I Look in Your Eyes," among many others.

In 1987, Bricusse and Newley were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Tickets for "Pure Imagination" are $12 for adults. Reservations are strongly recommended.

For more information and/or for reservations, call (405) 359-7989.

For a complete schedule of CAMD performances, visit www.camd.ucok.edu.

Page updated 2/06/08