Dodgers Take FAT CAMP to Playhouse Square for Page to Stage Program in July

This July, PlayhouseSquare returns to collaborating with acclaimed New York based producing agency The Dodgers; an association that has spanned nearly 30 years - starting with country pop/rock hit Pump Boys and Dinettes and reaching such lofty heights with the Tony Award® winning mega-sensation Jersey Boys. This time, in continuing its relationship with The Dodgers and their producing partners Carl Levin and Michael Minarik, PlayhouseSquare is proud to present a rare glimpse into the creation of live theater with Fat Camp. Debuting in 2009 at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, Fat Camp tells the tale of a summer spent at Camp Overton where secrets, sex, s'mores and self-image collide in a coming-of-age rock musical comedy.

Fat Camp is the initial offering of PAGE TO STAGE; a unique insiders look into the creation of a Broadway-bound musical; one that presents Northeast Ohio audiences with the unique opportunity to see how a program is launched. The entire event promises to be an experience that theater patrons rarely get to witness; one that encourages post-show interaction with cast members, technical crews, PlayhouseSquare staff and the shows producers. "PlayhouseSquare audiences are very sophisticated and know their theater," said Gina Vernaci, Vice President of Theatricals at PlayhouseSquare. "Audience feedback is not only encouraged, it is crucial to the success of both PAGE TO STAGE and Fat Camp. Audiences will have twelve opportunities to be a part of a musical metamorphosis and get an insiders look into the process of what it takes to create a fascinating new theatrical works, right here at PlayhouseSquare."

Producer Michael David added, "We are most excited to be back in Cleveland at PlayhouseSquare, participating in their inaugural Page to Stage Program with FAT CAMP. The Dodgers have had a long history developing shows at PlayhouseSquare and we are most appreciative for the opportunity to nurture this young, new production; to get it up on stage and to experiment, to refine, to try to find our feet with the support of the Playhouse staff, and the audiences of Cleveland."

Fat Camp features a book by Randy Blair and Timothy Michael Drucker and features music by Matthew roi Berger. Lyrics are provided by Randy Blair. Fat Camp is directed by Casey Hushion.

Group discounts for 15 or more are available by calling call (216) 664-6050 x1.

Fat Camp is affordably priced as low as $10 and will perform twelve shows at PlayhouseSquare's Hanna Theatre from July 13-24, 2011. For a full listing of performance dates and times please visit www.playhousesquare.org/pagetostage Tickets are available at the PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office, online at PlayhouseSquare.org or via phone at (216) 241-6000. Fat Camp is a part of the Smart Seats program at PlayhouseSquare that offers smart entertainment at a smart price. For more information on Smart Seats, visit playhousesquare.org/smartseats.

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes