MIAC Live season concludes with Seth Rudetsky’s “Divas by the Decade” on May 8
The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) will bring its 2025–26 MIAC Live season to a dynamic and entertaining close on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m., when acclaimed SiriusXM host, pianist, conductor, writer, and performer Seth Rudetsky returns to Walker Recital Hall with his hit concert event, “Divas by the Decade.”
A celebrated figure in the world of musical theatre, Rudetsky has spent many years on Broadway as both a pianist and conductor, working with some of the industry’s most iconic performers. He also served as a comedy writer for “The Rosie O'Donnell Show,” earning three Emmy Award nominations alongside his co-writers. Today, he is widely known as the afternoon host on SiriusXM’s Broadway channel and as the creator and host of the popular program “Seth Speaks.”
Rudetsky is also an accomplished author and theatrical creator. His Broadway musical “Disaster!”—a New York Times Critics’ Pick—has been licensed by Music Theatre International and is performed by companies across the country. His published works include “Seth’s Broadway Diary” (Volumes 1 and 2), “My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan,” “The Rise and Fall of a Theatre Geek,” and “Musical Theatre for Dummies,” all of which showcase his signature blend of humor, insight, and deep knowledge of the art form.
In “Divas by the Decade,” Rudetsky brings audiences on a fast-paced, hilarious, and illuminating journey through the history of Broadway’s most legendary leading ladies. Drawing from his unparalleled archive and firsthand experience, he shares rare audio and video recordings, behind-the-scenes stories, and insider anecdotes that celebrate the voices and personalities that have defined generations of musical theatre.
Spanning beloved classics such as “West Side Story” and “Gypsy” to contemporary hits like “Hamilton,” the program offers a unique and engaging look at what makes a Broadway diva truly unforgettable. With his trademark wit and infectious enthusiasm, Rudetsky reveals not only how these performers achieved greatness, but why their artistry continues to resonate today.
Tickets priced $40–$50 can be purchased online at miac.universitytickets.com, by phone at 814-824-3000, or in person at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office (Tues.–Thurs., noon–5 p.m.). Each order is subject to a $5 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
This performance is sponsored by Oliver’s Rooftop and Roma’s Italian Kitchen. The 2025–26 MIAC Live season is sponsored by Alan & Patti Schaal and VNET, with additional support from the Greater Erie Alliance for Equality and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.