The Cape Playhouse, America's longest
running professional summer theatre, will celebrate its 79th Anniversary
Season with six main-stage productions running from June 20 through
September 10th.
Under
the artistic direction of Evans Haile, the summer
season will kick off with the new musical "Ambassador
Snatch -- Life and Music of Louis Armstrong," a musical
valentine to the incomparable Satchmo.
"Ambassador Satch" (June 20 - July 2) will star three-time
Tony nominee Andre De Shields and will be choreographed
by Mercedes Ellington with stage direction by Lawrence
Maslon, creator of the hit PBS series, "Broadway
on Broadway." Written by James Mirrione
and Mr. De Shields, "Ambassador Satch" tells Armstrong's
story from backwater jazz clubs to Hollywood sound stages. His
singular gravely voice and legendary trumpet artistry helped send
songs like "Mack the Knife," "What a Wonderful
World," "Baby Its Cold Outside" and "Hello
Dolly" to the top of the charts.
"The Dining Room" by A. R. Gurney
follows July 4 -16. Reflecting the changes in values and morals over
three generations, "The Dining Room" stars Brian
Murray along with "Mad TV's" Michael McDonald
and Stephanie Weir. James Brennan
directs.
"An
Afternoon with Jerry Stiller" (left) is scheduled for
Sunday, July 10 at 4 p.m. A supreme comedian and actor, Mr.
Stiller will share film clips, remembrances and numerous never-before-told
stories and anecdotes.
The summer season continues with the 1920's musical hit "No,
No Nanette" (July 18 - 30) the all dancing and singing
spectacular with music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics
by Irving Caesar. Highlighted with popular standards
such as "I Want To Be Happy" and
"Tea for Two," the production will take audiences
from Manhattan penthouses to the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.
Fred Willard ("Best in Show" and
Waiting for Guffman") stars. Mark Martino
directs with musical direction by Phil Reno ("The
Producers") and choreography by former Rockette Eileen
Grace.
The
Tony Award-winning musical "Ain't Misbehavin,'"
August 1 - 13, pays tribute to the talents of the legendary Fats
Waller. From sassy to sultry, this celebration of song and
dance features such favorites as "The Joint is Jumpin',"
"Honeysuckle Rose," "I Can't Give You Anything But
Love," and "T'Ain't Nobody's Biz-ness If
I Do." Directed by Greg Ganakis.
Based on the Jules Verne classic, "Around
the World in Eighty Days," August 15 - 27, is about
Phylleas Fogg, a Victorian Englishman who bets that he can travel
around the globe in record time. The production is adapted by Mark
Brown for a cast of five. Russ Treyz directs.
The
season concludes from August 29 - September 10 with "Don't
Dress for Dinner," a raucous comedy by Marc
Camoletti blending gourmet cooking with a little affair on
the side. Directed by James Brennan, this naughty
farce feature Dee Hoty (left) ("Mamma
Mia!"), Michael Rupert ("Falsettos"
and "Ragtime") and "Days
of Our Lives'"
Since its 1927 beginnings, the Cape Playhouse has attracted a host
of famous faces including Bette Davis (who first worked as an usher),
Gregory Peck, Gertrude Lawrence, Lana Turner, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey
Bogart, Tallulah Bankhead, Helen Hayes, Julie Harris and Paulette
Goddard, among others. With such a "who's who" of stage
and screen, the Cape Playhouse has earned a reputation as "Birthplace
of the Stars."
The Playhouse also offers a terrific way to introduce young people
to live theatre through its Children's Theatre series, presenting
special performances at 9:30 and 11:30 AM on Thursday and Friday mornings
in July, and Friday mornings in August.
The Cape Playhouse is located at 820 Main Street, Route 6A in Dennis.
The box office opens on May 1 for individual ticket sales. For more
information, call toll-free 877-385-3911 or visit the theatre's website
at www.capeplayhouse.com.
