Everything Old is New Again, and Vice Versa
Congratulations to our board member Ralph Guardiano, Principal and co-founder of Overabove in Essex for this full page profile in Sunday’s New York Times. Overabove are the Strategic Branding and Marketing Partner for the Ivoryton Playhouse!
Original Broadway Elvis joins MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at the Ivoryton Playhouse
Eddie Clendening, who originated the role of Elvis in the Broadway production, and Evan Buckley Harris who portrayed Johnny Cash in the National Tour and Las Vegas companies, will both be joining the Ivoryton Playhouse production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for the final week of the run. Jacqueline Hubbard, Producing Artistic Director stated “We are sorry to see both John Rochette and Jeremy Sevelovitz leave our production. They are both stellar performers and unfortunately had conflicts for this final week. However, we are definitely looking forward to the new additions to the family. Even if you have already seen the show, you may want to come back and see it again with our new cast.”
The jukebox MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock, gospel, R&B and country hits including; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.
The Broadway production premiered at the Nederlander Theatre on April 11, 2010, with a cast featuring Eddie Clendening as Elvis Presley, Lance Guest as Johnny Cash, Levi Kreis as Jerry Lee Lewis, Robert Britton Lyons as Carl Perkins and Hunter Foster as Sam Phillips. The musical transferred to New World Stages in July 2011 and closed on June 24, 2012. A US national tour and International productions followed.
The musical was nominated for three 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. Levi Kreis won the award for Best Featured Actor for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis.
This production is directed by Sherry Lutken, who was last here in 2015 with STAND BY YOUR MAN: THE TAMMY WYNNETTE STORY; Eric Anthony is Musical Director; Set Design is by Martin Scott Marchitto and Lighting by Marcus Abbott. Costume Design is by Rebecca Welles
Our production stars: Luke Darnell* as Carl Perkins, Joe Callahan* as Jerry Lee Lewis, Ben Hope* as Sam Phillips, Jamie Pittle as Fluke, Emily Mattheson as Dyanne and Kroy Presley as Jay Perkins.
Don’t miss the experience of this show live on stage at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse runs through June 25th, 2017. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Tickets are $50 for adults; $45 for seniors; $22 for students and $17 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
*denotes member of Actors Equity
Press ReleaseSomething’s coming, something good!
West Side Story
At the Ivoryton Playhouse
Ivoryton – Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City in the breathtaking musical, WEST SIDE STORY which opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on July 5th. With book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the original 1957 Broadway production ran for over 700 performances before going on tour, and garnered 6 Tony nominations.
The story is set in the Upper West Side of New York City in the mid-1950s and explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. When, Tony, a Jet, falls in love with Maria, a Shark, the young lovers struggle to keep their love alive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre when it was first produced; WEST SIDE STORY remains one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
The film version starring Natalie Wood, Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer and Rita Moreno won 10 Academy Awards and in 2009, Karen Olivo won a Tony for her portrayal of Anita in the Broadway revival.
Stephen Mir* returns to Ivoryton to play the role of Tony and Mia Pinero* makes her Ivoryton debut in the role of Maria.
The production is directed and choreographed by Todd Underwood and musical directed by Mike Morris, with set design by Dan Nischan, lighting design by Marcus Abbott and costume design by Elizabeth Cipollina. Executive Producers are Michael A. Dattilo and Frank Perrotti.
Tonight, Tonight, won’t be just any night! Don’t miss the experience of this show live on stage at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
WEST SIDE STORY opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on July 5th and runs through July 30th, 2017. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Tickets are $50 for adults; $45 for seniors; $22 for students and $17 for children and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
(Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
*denotes member of Actors Equity
Members of the press are welcome at any performance after July 6th. Please call ahead for tickets.
