Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre Opens SUNSET BOULEVARD, 7/20

As part of its 40^th Anniversary celebration, Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre performs Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Sunset Boulevard."  The play, based on Billy Wilder's classic noir masterpiece, captures all of the passion and drama of the aging Norma Desmond's ill-fated attempt to return to the glamour of her Hollywood career. The play, which runs July 20 through Aug. 5, will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays in the B Building Theatre at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for children. Tickets are available through the CCBC Box Office at 443-840-ARTS (2787) or online at https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=4318.

Desmond, a famous silent film actress who never made the transition to talkies, is convinced that she is still a commanding presence in Hollywood.  Currently, she resides in a gloomy old mansion and is writing a play.  She plans to star in the play and have Cecil B. DeMille direct.  A chance meeting with a desperate and out of work young screen writer evading car repossession agents, begins with the famous: "You used to be in pictures – you used to be big," to which Desmond retorts "I am big… it's the pictures that got small."  See what happens as a result of this encounter.

Director Eric Potter of Baltimore, Md. has cast veteran local actress Nadine Wellington of Forest Hill, Md. in the demanding starring role of Norma Desmond.  Tom Burns of Baltimore, Md. has the equally challenging lead role of Joe Gillis, a struggling young screenwriter.  Actors in other featured roles are:  John Amato of Perry Hall, Md. as Max Von Mayerling, Norma's first husband and current butler; Kelsey Lake of Rosedale, Md. as Betty Schaefer, a budding writer and Joe's love interest; Gerald Gietkaof Jarrettsville, Md. as the famous director Cecil B. DeMille; Darren McDonnell of Baltimore, Md. as Artie Green, Betty's fiancé; Al Boeren of Rosedale, Md. as Sheldrake, a movie producer on the lot and Thomas Gardner of Joppa, Md. as Manfred, an expensive tailor.

The female ensemble cast includes: Mary Czar, Amy Greco, Emily Morgan, Sara Ritmiller and Dana Romeo of Baltimore, Md.;Emily Jewett of Bel Air, Md.; Courtney Yates of Parkville, Md.; Neena Boyle of Pasadena, Md. and Jaimie Yates of Phoenix, Md.  The male ensemble casts: Shawn Rockel of Baltimore, Md.; Ralph Welsh of Lutherville, Md.; Dave Guy of Nottingham, Md. andBill Pheil of Timonium, Md.

The music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber with Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton and is based on the Billy Wilder film.

Cockpit's production and technical staff for "Sunset Boulevard" includes:  Terri Mathews of Bel Air, Md.  - Musical director; Julie Foley of Nottingham, Md. - Choreographer; Ed Lake of Rosedale, Md. - Lighting Design; Terry Edwards of Baltimore, Md. – Sound Design; Will Crowther of Baltimore, Md. – Costume Design; Moe Conn of Catonsville, Md. – Set Design and Technical Direction;Debbie Jennys of Baltimore, Md. – Prop Master; Margie Lake of Rosedale, Md.  – Stage Manager.

James Hunnicutt of Perry Hall, Md. serves as the Artistic Director and Lisa Boeren of Rosedale, Md. as the Administrative Manager for Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre.

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