Andrew Samonsky Replaces Ryan Silverman in Portland Center Stage's SOMEWHERE IN TIME

Portland Center Stage (PCS) is pleased to announce that Broadway's Andrew Samonskywill now star in the upcoming world-premiere production of the new musical Somewhere in Time, based on the novel by renowned authorRichard Matheson (I Am Legend, What Dreams May Come) and the subsequent hit film starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer.

Somewhere in Time begins preview performances on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 with a new official opening night set for Wednesday, June 5. Tickets are on sale now at www.pcs.org/somewhere.

Samonsky, whose Broadway credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Scandalous and South Pacific, takes over the leading role of playwright Richard Collier from Ryan Silverman.

Silverman was forced to depart the production in the midst of rehearsals last weekend, owing to a close family illness.

"We're thrilled to announce that Andrew Samonsky will be joining us for the world premiere of Somewhere in Time next month, " said PCS Artistic Director Chris Coleman. "We look forward to sharing his incredible talent and musical interpretation of Richard Collier with our Portland audiences. And on behalf of the entire team at PCS, we send our thoughts and best wishes out to Ryan Silverman and his family."

In addition to his Broadway credits, last year Samonsky received a Drama Desk Award nomination for the role of Frank Russell in Michael John LaChiusa's Queen of the Mist Off-Broadway. In 2011 he originated roles in James Lapine and William Finn's Little Miss Sunshine as Joshua Rose at La Jolla Playhouse, and in the Scissor Sisters' Tales of the City as Beauchamp Day at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Samonsky also appeared in the role of Tyler in City Center's recent Encores! production of Merrily We Roll Along.

Somewhere in Time also stars Hannah Elless (Godspell, Mamma Mia!) as Elise McKenna, three-time Tony Award nominee Marc Kudisch (9 to 5, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Robinson and David Cryer (Lend Me a Tenor, The Phantom of the Opera) as Arthur.

In Somewhere in Time, young playwright Richard Collier has an encounter with a mysterious old woman on the opening night of his earliest success; she entreats him, to his bewilderment, to "come back to me." Several years later, with his life and career in disarray, he seeks quiet and contemplation and checks in to a storied hotel from his youth. But his stay at the hotel turns into the journey of a lifetime as he unravels history-and time-to discover a powerful but perhaps impossible love.

The 1980 film of Somewhere in Time is a romantic classic, beloved by several generations of moviegoers. This world premiere musical adaptation invites those who love the story, and those discovering it for the first time, to experience its magic with original music by Doug Katsaros, lyrics by Amanda Yesnowitz and book by Ken Davenport.

"Years ago, I fell hopelessly in love with the story of Somewhere in Time, just as our lead character falls hopefully in love with Elise McKenna, and I'm thrilled that we will be premiering the production in Portland this spring," said Davenport. "Yes, the theater is the right size for our show. Yes, traveling to Portland from New York City is easy. But that's not why we're so excited to be going to Portland. Giving birth to a new musical isn't easy. And, well, the people of Portland Center Stage under the incredible direction of Chris Coleman, and the people of Portland itself, are exactly the type of family that you want in that delivery room."

Somewhere in Time will be directed by Scott Schwartz, whose Broadway credits include Golda's Balcony and Jane Eyre. He also directed Bat Boy: The Musical (Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Award, Best Off-Broadway Musical); tick, tick...BOOM!(Outer Critics Circle Award, Best Off-Broadway Musical); Franz Kafka's The Castle(Manhattan Ensemble Theater) and No Way to Treat a Lady (Off-Broadway).

Two-time Tony nominated John Carrafa (Urinetown, Into The Woods) will choreograph.

The creative team for Somewhere in Time also includes set design by Alexander Dodge, costume design by PCS resident designer Jeff Cone, lighting design by Mike Baldassari, sound design by Casi Pacilio, orchestrations by Doug Katsaros andBruce Coughlin and musical direction by Patrick Vaccariello.

For more information, visit www.SomewhereInTime.com.

"I'm proud that Portland Center Stage has earned a reputation as a theater committed to, and excelling in, the production of new work," said Artistic Director Chris Coleman. "We have also cultivated an audience for great musicals, so when the opportunity arose to become part of launching this exciting world premiere musical, we knew it would be a terrific addition to our 25th Anniversary Season."

Portland Center Stage production sponsors for Somewhere in Time are our Season Superstars Umpqua Bank (Lead Corporate Champion), Tim & Mary Boyle; 24 Hour Fitness, Express Employment Professionals and Ketel One, with additional funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, RACC/Work for Art and the Oregon Arts Commission.

Somewhere in Time is produced by special arrangement with Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, Inc. (www.DavenportTheatrical.com).