Kennedy Directs Musical at Kennedy Theatre; Campbell is AP

According to Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy Spokesperson Hilary Russo, Broadway couple Alan Campbell and Lauren Kennedy will return to the Kennedy Theatre, with Campbell taking on the role of Artistic Producer and Kennedy signing on to make her directorial debut with a production of Romance/Romance at the Raleigh, NC venue.

As described in a press release, Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy "is a professional theatre company whose mission is to serve the citizens of Raleigh, Wake County and Eastern Carolina by 'keeping the lights on' and producing professional theatrical performances in the Kennedy Theater at the Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh (the former BTI Center for the Performing) during the months of June, July and August. Hot Summer Nights' goal is to produce great shows that are varied in type, attitude and scope and employ actor, stage crew and staff of all ages, races and creed from North Carolina and Broadway. Hot Summer Nights will use our resources to nourish, celebrate and employ many theatrical groups, colleges, charities and citizens and support and assist the City of Raleigh with entertainment needs."

Among last year's productions were Songs for a New World, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Meet Me on the Corner of Broadway and Swing, and Oleanna, starring Campbell.

Kennedy recently played The Lady of the Lake in Broadway's Spamalot.  Other Broadway credits include Side Show, Sunset Boulevard and Les Miserables.  Campbell is a Tony-nominee for his performance in Sunset Boulevard and recently appeared in the Off-Broadway musical Adrift in Macao.  He has also been seen on Broadway in Contact.

This year's season will include:

Blithe Spirit (June 6-17)
Dinner with Friends (June 20-July 1)
Romance/Romance (Directed by Lauren Kennedy) (July 5-15)
Wait Until Dark (July 24-Aug 5)
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Aug 8-19)
Ain't Misbehavin' (Aug 22-Sept 2)

Visit www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org for more information.

Photo of Alan Campbell and Lauren Kennedy by Linda Lenzi