PR2011 Jul u2

Contact:

Adam Miller, Managing Director

205.391.2925 / amiller@sheltonstate.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THEATRE TUSCALOOSA’S SUMMER MUSICAL COMEDY, “THE DROWSY CHAPERONE,”

BRINGS LAUGHTER AND FUN TO TUSCALOOSA

TUSCALOOSA, AL – Theatre Tuscaloosa presents the smash hit Broadway musical comedy, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Campus July 15-24.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” won the most Tony Awards in 2006 and is a delightfully clever new musical that feels like one of the great “Golden Age” musicals but with a modern twist! It all begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called "The Drowsy Chaperone." The show magically bursts to life in his apartment, and the audience is instantly immersed in the glamorous 1920s and a hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day.

“Although we had chosen this musical over a year ago, we had no idea how much it would be needed in the wake of the April 27th tornado,” said Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer Tina Turley, who is directing “The Drowsy Chaperone.” “After all the hard times that our community has endured, we need an opportunity to let go and have a laugh, and this comedy is guaranteed to have audiences rolling in the aisles!”

A large musical like “The Drowsy Chaperone” requires that every actor in every role be able to act, sing, and dance. Turley and her production team used color blind casting to fill each role, giving primary consideration to the demands of each role and the talent of each actor. The result is an amazing cast with a variety of experience levels, ages, racial backgrounds, etc.

The stellar production team of director Tina Turley, choreographer Stacy Alley, musical director Leslie Poss, scenic designer Andy Fitch, costume designer Jeanette Waterman, lighting designer Erin Hisey, and sound designer Frank Duren, along with an amazing cast, will pull out all the stops. The show has dazzling dance numbers, show-stopping songs, over the top costumes and sets, and some of the funniest lines ever.

The cast of “The Drowsy Chaperone” includes Gary Wise, Drew Baker, Charles Prosser, Lisa Waldrop, Drey Mitchell, Ray Taylor, Glen Johnson, Molly Page, Anthony

Noland, Barrett Guyton, Peyton Conley, Ava Buchanan, Sharon Sealey, Justin Barnett, Corey Smith, Courtney Dover, Annika Kernop, and Bridget Winder.

For this production, Theatre Tuscaloosa is partnering with the West Alabama Food Bank to collect food for those affected by the April 27th tornado. Patrons who bring canned goods when they purchase at the ticket office will get $1 off per ticket per canned good item donated (limit $1.00 discount per ticket).The theatre can only accept unopened, non-perishable food items (please no glass containers or homemade foods). There is particular need for breakfast foods, peanut butter, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meats and soups, crackers, and cookies.

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2010-11 season is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and sponsored by Alabama One Credit Union and the City of Tuscaloosa. “The Drowsy Chaperone” is sponsored by Jamison Money Farmer, Inc. and BFGoodrich. Additional sponsors include Bank of Moundville, Mercedes-Benz, First National Bank of Central Alabama, and D. Harkey Design.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” will be presented July 15-24 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus (9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL). Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Sundays. All proceeds of a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m., will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tickets for the regular performances are $22 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatretusc.com or by phone at 205.391.2277.

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Media Notes:

If you would like to arrange to cover a performance of The Drowsy Chaperone, a limited number of complimentary press passes are available. Contact Adam Miller at 205.391.2277 to make arrangements.

Theatre Tuscaloosa is a not-for-profit community theatre located on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. Theatre Tuscaloosa has been enriching the greater Tuscaloosa community since 1972 through quality theatrical productions and educational outreach.