McClure and Pearl to Star in 'Mermaids' Musical in CA

Actress Tane McClure will star as Rachael Flax in Mermaids, The Musical Comedy. The adaptation of the MGM/UA hit film, based on the novel by Patti Dann, and produced in association with MGM Onstage, will have its United States Premiere at Pechanga Resort and Casino, in Temecula, California on May 10, 2007.

McClure is the daughter of famed actor Doug McClure, best remembered as 'Trampas' in the long-running western series "The Virginian." Her daughter, Kayla McClure-Arendts, will make her stage debut in the chorus of the production.

Recent film credits for the two Ms. McClure's include "Revamped," scheduled to air on HBO later this year. The vampire comedy is a sequel to Fatal Kiss.  Other film credits include Legally Blonde (as Elle's mother). Television credits include creating the role of 'Verna' in the Showtime series "Sherman Oaks." As Tane Cain, under contract to RCA Records, her single "Holdin' On" made it into the Billboard Top 40 charts and as a singer/songwriter, she has three cuts on the soundtrack of director James Cameron's hit The Terminator. She has also performed the title song, "Love Me to Tears," from Trance. The motion picture, produced by her company, Trampas Films Productions, was co-written and starred McClure, Bruce Abbot and Martin Kove.  The picture won Best Fantasy Feature at the New York International Film and Video Festival in 2002. Since that time, Trampas Films has gone to produce several television pilots and commercials, and is currently in preproduction for St. Vincent's Asylum, a supernatural thriller.

Set in the 60's, "Mermaids, the musical, is the story of the turbulent relationship between a flamboyant, outrageous mother and her two daughters, who just want a normal and stable life," state press notes. In addition to original music, the show also features classic hits from the 50's and 60's that include "Johnny Angel," "Shamalama Ding Dong" and "The Shoop Song."

The production also stars Barry Pearl as Lou Landsky, Rachael's love interest. Pearl made his Broadway debut in the original production of Bye, Bye Birdie and appeared on Broadway and in the national touring company of The Producers. Local stage credits include The Tale of the Allergist's Wife at The Laguna Playhouse. Film credits include playing the T-Birds' 'Doody' in the film version of Grease.

The musical is being produced by Theatrical Arts International's Joseph Henson, with  book by Anthony Rhine and Joseph Henson, and original music and lyrics by Adrian Henson. Mermaids is directed by Jeffrey B. Moss.

The show opens May 10 and runs through May 20 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino, located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, California. The play runs Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7pm.  For tickets call 909-885-5152 or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.