Lone Star Love Announces Full Cast, to begin at John Houseman Theater 11/21

Lone Star Love a new musical (also known as The Merry Wives of Windsor, Texas), has announced its full company to begin performances at Off-Broadway's John Houseman Theater (450 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenues) on Sunday, November 21, with the official opening night set for Wednesday, December 8.

Directed by Michael Bogdanov (Olivier Award-winner for The War of the Roses), Lone Star Love is inspired by the play The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare, conceived and adapted by John L. Haber, with music and lyrics by Jack Herrick, and contributions from Michael Bogdanov, Bland Simpson and Tommy Thompson. Randy Skinner (2001 Tony® nominee, 42nd Street) is choreographer.

Lone Star Love, an original musical, transports Shakespeare's immortal John Falstaff to post-Civil War America, where he wreaks havoc on the town of Windsor, Texas, and in so doing--thanks to a pair of wily women--gets his own comeuppance in spades.

Lone Star Love is presented by Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Producing Director, Rosetta LeNoire/Founder).

THE CAST

Jay O. Sanders (Taming of the Shrew, NYSF) as Big John Falstaff, highlights the cast including: Stacia Fernandez (Swing!) as Margaret Anne Page. Beth Leavel (42nd Street) as Aggie Ford, Gary Sandy (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, "WKRP in Cincinnati") as Frank Ford, Dan Sharkey (The Music Man) as George Page, Clarke Thorell (Hairspray) as Fenton; and the Red Clay Ramblers - Clay Buckner as Nym, Chris Frank as Bardolph, Jack Herrick as Pistol- will appear as Falstaff's ragtag band of men.

Lone Star Love will also feature (in alphabetical order): Kevin Bernard (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Lucas; Shane Braddock (42nd Street) as Rugby; Peter ConnellY as Chester; Harriett Foy (Mamma Mia!) as Miss Quickly; Stacey Harris (Bells Are Ringing) as Consuela; Drew McVety (Big River) as Doctor Caius; Nick Sullivan (Footloose) as Sheriff Bob Shallow; Julie Tolivar as MissAnne Page; BRANDon Williams (Game Show) as Abraham Slender; and Dana Zihlman (42nd Street) as Ruby.

THE BAND

The Lone Star Love band will feature the Red Clay Ramblers (the North Carolina-based band comprised of Clay Buckner, Chris Frank, Jack Herrick and Bland Simpson. In 1999 they were special Tony® Award co-winners for their work on Fool Moon). The Lone Star Love band will also include guest artists Gary Bristol (Aida) on bass and David LongWORTH (Beehive) on drums and Emily Mikesell (Radio Gals) on fiddle.

DESIGN TEAM

In addition to Bogdanov, the Lone Star Love creative team includes designers Derek McLane (sets), Jane Greenwood (costumes), Jeff Croiter (lighting) and Tom Morse (sound). Malcolm Ranson serves as fight director.

PRODUCTION HISTORY

Lone Star Love was originally performed at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Theatre Festival (Cleveland, Ohio) in the fall of 2001.

VENUE/TICKET INFORMATION

Lone Star Love will perform at Off-Broadway's John Houseman Theater (450 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenues.)

Tickets are $40.00 during previews, and $50.00, post-opening. A limited number of $25 student tickets will be available, day of show only at the John Houseman Theatre box office, with valid student I.D. Tickets go on sale beginning October 25 and are available by calling Telecharge (212) 239-6200 or online at www.telecharge.com.