Andrew Samonsky to Lead SOMEWHERE IN TIME Reading, 12/13

On Thursday, December 13, the upcoming musical stage adaptation of Richard Matheson's acclaimed novel and Universal Pictures film SOMEWHERE IN TIME will be presented at a private industry reading in midtown Manhattan.

Directed by Scott Schwartz, the December 13 reading will feature Broadway veterans Andrew Samonsky (Scandalous, South Pacific) as Richard Collier, Kelli Barrett (Baby It's You) as Elise McKenna, Lenny Wolpe (The Drowsy Chaperone) as Arthur, Hayden Signoretti (Mary Poppins) as Young Arthur and Christopher Innvar (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) as Robinson.

The reading cast also includes Jason Babinsky, Leslie Becker, Etai BenShlomo, Meggie Cansler, Hannah Elless, Chris Hoch, Julia Mattison, Michael Pesce, Don Stephenson, Jessica Vosk and Tad Wilson.

As previously announced, Portland Center Stage (PCS) will present the world premiere of the new musical SOMEWHERE IN TIME, based on the beautifully romantic and classic novel by renowned author Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, What Dreams May Come), which was made into the hit film starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

SOMEWHERE IN TIME begins preview performances on May 28, with opening night set for May 31, 2013. Tickets are on sale now at www.pcs.org/somewhere. Casting for the PCS production will be announced soon.

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 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 (both at Manhattan Ensemble Theater) and No Way to Treat a Lady Off-Broadway. Two-time Tony Award nominee John Carrafa (Urinetown, Into the Woods) will choreograph and musical direction is by Patrick Vaccariello (West Side Story, Gypsy w/ Patti LuPone).

SOMEWHERE IN TIME includes scenic design by Alexander Dodge (Present Laughter), costume design by PCS resident designer Jeff Cone, lighting design by Mike Baldassari (Cabaret) and orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin (Grey Gardens). Additional designers will be announced soon.

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."

The PCS production of SOMEWHERE IN TIME is produced by special arrangement with Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, Inc. (www.DavenportTheatrical.com).