END OF THE RAINBOW, Starring Tracie Bennett, Begins Previews at Ahmanson Tonight

"End of the Rainbow," begins previews tonight, March 12 at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre at the Los Angeles Music Center. Opening night is March 20 and performances run through April 21, 2013.

"End of the Rainbow," written by Peter Quilter and directed by Terry Johnson, features Tracie Bennett reprising her Tony Award-nominated performance as Judy Garland, Michael Cumpsty (also Tony Award-nominated for his role), Erik Heger and Miles Anderson.

"End of the Rainbow" has set and costume design by William Dudley, lighting design by Christopher Akerlind and sound design by Gareth Owen. The production stage manager is Mark Dobrow.

"End of the Rainbow" is set in December 1968, and Judy Garland is about to make her comeback . . . again. In a London hotel room preparing for a series of concerts, with both her new young fiancé and her adoring accompanist, Garland struggles to get "beyond the rainbow" with her signature cocktail of talent, tenacity and razor-sharp wit. This savagely funny drama offers unique insight into the inner conflict that inspired and consumed one of the most beloved figures in American popular culture. "End of the Rainbow" features some of Garland's most memorable songs, performed with the show-stopping gusto for which she will always be remembered.

Tracie Bennett made her Broadway debut with "End of the Rainbow" and first appeared in the show on London's West End. Other West End productions include "La Cage Aux Folles," "Hairspray," "LES MISERABLES," "Cash on Delivery" and "She Loves Me." She has appeared on numerous tours and in regional theatre in the U.K., and her film and television credits include "Shirley Valentine," "Knights and Emeralds," "Dalziel and Pascoe," "Northern Lights" and many others. Bennett's remarkable performance has made her "the toast of Broadway" (New York Post) and has garnered her the 2012 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play, a 2012 Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance, along with Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League Award nominations.

Peter Quilter's work has been produced in major theatres throughout the world, playing in 38 countries and translated into 27 languages. Three of his shows have been presented on London's West End, and he has twice been nominated for an Olivier Award. His other plays include "Glorious! (the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world)," "The Morning After," "Let it Snow," the two-actor comedy "Duets" and "The Actress."

Tickets for "End of the Rainbow" are available at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, the CTG box office located at the Ahmanson Theatre, or by calling (213) 972-4400.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg