GLEE's Jenna Ushkowitz to Lead Pittsburgh CLO's THE WEDDING SINGER; 2015 Summer Season Casts Set

Pittsburgh CLO's 2015 Summer Season will be highlighted by stand-out performances from Broadway's best and distinguished stars of film and television, including Jenna Ushkowitz from Fox's hit series "Glee" and the dynamic duo of Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman from "Guiding Light."

MARY POPPINS, June 9 - 21
Lindsey Bliven joins Pittsburgh CLO for the first time in the title role of Mary Poppins. Her credits include the National Tours of Mary Poppins, A Chorus Line, Oklahoma! and The Wizard of Oz. In addition, she appeared as Mary Poppins at The Walnut Street Theatre and Music Theatre Wichita. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater Performance from The University of Oklahoma, Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre.

David Elder returns to Pittsburgh CLO as Bert after starring as Don Lockwood in Pittsburgh CLO's 2014 critically-acclaimed production of Singin' in the Rain. Mr. Elder previously appeared in the Broadway productions of Curtains, 42nd Street; Kiss Me, Kate; Titanic; Once Upon a Mattress; Beauty and the Beast; Damn Yankees and Guys and Dolls. He recently starred as Bert at The Walnut Street Theatre and Music Theatre Wichita's productions of Mary Poppins where he showcased "a big, broad smile that draws us into the wonder of this show!" - Kansas.com

Mason Park first burst onto the small screen in Nickelodeon's "iCarly" and has amassed a multitude of impressive credits in his young career spanning television, film and stage. He was introduced to Pittsburgh CLO through the National High School Musical Theater Awards, during which time he was featured on PBS's reality series "Broadway or Bust." Mr. Alexander is making his Pittsburgh CLO debut in the roles of Miss Andrews, Miss Smythe and Queen Victoria. He is currently a student at Point Park University and is the founder of P.A.R.K. Productions.

GYPSY, July 10 - 19
Robert Newman returns to Pittsburgh CLO to play Herbie after appearances in The Full Monty and A Little Night Music. He has guest-starred on several television shows including "Homeland," "N.C.I.S.," "Criminal Minds," "Law & Order: SVU," "Santa Barbara," "General Hospital" and his celebrated role as Josh Lewis on "Guiding Light." Mr. Newman has been nominated for four Soap Opera Digest awards for his role as Josh Lewis. In addition, he was nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Amanda Rose last appeared on the Pittsburgh CLO stage as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard and returns to Pittsburgh in the role of Louise. She previously starred as Nessarose in the Broadway and National Touring production of WICKED in addition to her work on the National Tours of Doctor Dolittle and Oklahoma! Ms. Rose has starred in productions for Walnut Street Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus and Goodspeed Opera House in addition to many others throughout the country.

Kim Zimmer makes her Pittsburgh CLO debut as Mama Rose. She is best known for her role as Reva Shayne on CBS's "Guiding Light," for which she won four Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama. She also appeared on "Seinfeld," "Babylon 5," "University Hospital," "Santa Barbara," "Designing Women" and countless other television shows. Her work in the theater includes the National Tour of WICKED and countless regional roles. She joins her former co-star on "Guiding Light," Robert Newman, in this American musical masterpiece.

THE WEDDING SINGER, July 24 - August 2
Kirsten Scott is a Pittsburgh native and Carnegie Mellon University graduate who counts among her many credits Broadway roles in Jersey Boys, Big Fish, Follies and Hairspray. She returns to Pittsburgh CLO as Holly after appearing in Curtains in 2010.

Matthew Scott charmed audiences last summer as Emmett in Pittsburgh CLO's Legally Blonde The Musical. He now returns as Robbie to join his wife Kirsten Scott, in the cast of The Wedding Singer. Mr. Scott appeared in the Broadway productions of Sondheim on Sondheim, Jersey Boys, A Catered Affair and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas in addition to regional roles in Beaches, Company, The Light in the Piazza, Sunset Boulevard (Pittsburgh CLO, opposite Liz Callaway), West Side Story, My Fair Lady, South Pacific and countless others.

Jenna Ushkowitz is making her Pittsburgh CLO debut as Julia, the role first made famous by Drew Barrymore in the film "The Wedding Singer." Ms. Ushkowitz began her career at a very young age on the set of "Sesame Street." She went on to appear in episodes of "Reading Rainbow," "As the World Turns," and many other television series before making her Broadway debut in The King and I in 1996. Ms. Ushkowitz returned to Broadway in Spring Awakening in 2008 alongside future co-star Lea Michele before they both rocketed to fame as cast members in the hit Fox television show "Glee."

Additional casting news will be released in the weeks ahead, including casting details for MAN OF LA MANCHA!

Tickets are on sale now at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more enjoy exclusive discounts and specialty packages. Call our Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 for more information. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for further information.

Pittsburgh CLO offers family-affordable and flexible Season Ticket packages to fit even the busiest summer schedule. See three shows for under $50 when you buy Season Tickets today!

Full and partial packages are now available. The 6-Show Premium Series allows season ticket buyers to see six award-winning summer musicals. Flexible packages allow buyers to design their own season. Season Ticket Buyers can choose a 3-Show Series or the Pick-3 Series. A complete list of options is available at pittsburghCLO.org. Season Ticket packages may be ordered online or by calling 412-281-2822.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the generosity of PNC for its sponsorship of the PNC Spotlight Series, our Season Sponsors: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and WTAE-TV, and Giant Eagle for its sponsorship of select half-price children's tickets for MARY POPPINS.

Photo by BEImages/Jim Smeal

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