Former Hofstra lacrosse teammates to have "starring roles" in upcoming theater benefit

Two former Hofstra men's lacrosse teammates from the early 1980’s will have "starring roles" in an upcoming theater benefit performance for student scholarships that will feature some of the most memorable songs ever performed on Broadway.

On Feb. 6 a "Night of Broadway Stars" will be held at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse on Hofstra’s south campus with the evening’s honoree being TheaterMania.com co-founder Joseph Corcoran, who played lacrosse for the “blue and gold’ under head coach Harry Royle from 1979-1982. James C. Metzger, who was Corcoran’s lacrosse teammate at both Hofstra and Half Hollow Hills High School in Dix Hills, N.Y., is a platinum sponsor for the benefit event that will feature songs performed by veteran professional actors and actresses from hit Broadway shows like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll & Hyde, Hair and Mamma Mia!

Both Corcoran and Metzger have excelled in the business world since their playing days at Hofstra. After deciding to leave a lucrative job with Wall Street giant Bear Stearns in 1988, Corcoran and his brother Dan acquired the worldwide rights to produce, license and authorize performances of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, which was originally conceived by 1981 Hofstra drama graduates Mark Nasser and Nancy Cassaro. He has since gone on to be a principal of Joe Corcoran Productions and co-founded TheaterMania.com, which has become a household name in theater news, listings, editorial works and ticketing systems.

“Joe Corcoran is a kind, passionate, creative individual whom I have always admired and respected,” said Metzger, who was an NCAA All American attackman for Hofstra in 1980 when he scored 21 goals and tallied 28 assists in just 10 games. “I have always been impressed with Joe’s willingness to take risks, stay inspired and follow his own path.”

Metzger is chairman and chief executive officer of The Whitmore Group, and has been one of the leading benefactors for Hofstra athletics. One of his most recent contributions to Hofstra athletics helped construct The Royle-Sombrotto Locker Room and The Hallway Traditions Project – which celebrates the history of Hofstra men’s and women’s lacrosse. The former star attackman for the “blue and gold” also recently funded a summer internship within the Center for Civic Engagement in honor of longtime Hofstra History Professor Michael D’Innocenzo.

For reservations and additional information about the Feb. 6 Night of Broadway Stars" call 516-463-5339 or e-mail Kristin.Ehrling@hofstra.edu.