Betty Buckley coming back to Erie's Mercyhurst University in 2023 as artist-in-residence

Singer and actress Betty Buckley, who has appeared on film, television and stages around the world, will return to Erie's Mercyhurst University this fall as an artist-in-residence.

“I am so looking forward to returning to Mercyhurst University,” Buckley, who performed on the campus in 2021 and 2022, said in a news release. “It is one of my greatest joys to share what I have learned from master teachers and watch students use those tools in their own work. I was knocked out by the caliber of students at Mercyhurst, led by the wonderful Brett Johnson. He has created an atmosphere of total support and freedom of expression while instilling the discipline, skill and knowledge of history necessary to pursue a career in the performing arts.”

Who is Betty Buckley?

Buckley's film credits include “Split,” “The Happening,” “Carrie,” “Tender Mercies,” “Frantic,” “Another Woman” and “Wyatt Earp.”

On TV, she starred on “Eight is Enough” and more recently had a recurring role on “Law & Order: SVU” and a guest starring role on “The Cleaning Lady.”

Buckley won a Tony Award for her role as Grizabella in “Cats” and was nominated for “Triumph of Love.” Her other Broadway credits include “1776,” “Pippin,” “Song and Dance” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and she headlined a national tour of “Hello, Dolly!”

She has taught at Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, Boston Conservatory of Music, Syracuse University and other schools.

From 2021: Betty Buckley of Broadway to sing at Erie's Mercyhurst in her 1st concert since pandemic

Buckley twice appeared at Mercyhurst. She headlined The 501 Summer Soirée in 2021, hosted by the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture and, in the fall of 2022, she conducted a weeklong workshop for students and performed a public concert.

Can the public see Buckley at Mercyhurst?

Buckley will be in residence at Mercyhurst Oct. 15-19 and is expected to return annually to teach, direct and perform.

“The depth of knowledge and experience that Ms. Buckley brings to Mercyhurst is awe-inspiring, and her impact on our students and community will resonate for years to come,” MIAC Artistic Director Brett Johnson said in the release.

Star-studded season: Mercyhurst announces MIAC lineup for 2023-2024

She will perform a public concert Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall at the university, 501 E. 38th St. Tickets ― $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $35 for non-Mercyhurst students and ages 12 and younger, all plus a $4 fee ― will go on sale Aug. 15 at noon and can be purchased by calling 814-824-3000 or visiting miac.universitytickets.com.

Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Tony winner Betty Buckley returning to Erie's Mercyhurst University