America's longest running professional summer theatre, The Cape Playhouse will celebrate its 82nd Anniversary Season starting June 23rd and will feature six main-stage productions with performances slated through September 13th. "With a summer soon to be filled with national electioneering, pogo-stick gas prices and economic roller-coaster rides, the 2008 season is about two things: 1) giving theatre audiences a break from all the craziness and 2) lifting spirits with pure entertainment and great fun!" notes Artistic Director Evans Haile. Again for this summer, Haile has arranged for some of the most exciting talent from Broadway to grace the Cape Playhouse stage—prompting what the New York Times acknowledged, "Where Broadway stars go to summer." With stunning architectural elements, the theatre is considered by many as one of the nation's most significant summer playhouses and is located in historic Dennis on Massachusetts's famous Cape Cod.
Kicking off the summer season, the dazzling and mind-blowing, Marc Salem will bring his "Mind Games" to captivate Cape Cod audiences. A critical and audience super-hit on Broadway and on London's West End, "Marc Salem's Mind Games" takes the audience on fantastic tours inside the mind. Through a series of astounding and mystifying games, using psychological techniques and visual information, the possibilities of the human mind – its judgment, emotions and perceptions are humorously explored! (June 23rd – July 5th)
Next up is the 1980 Tony Award-winning "A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine." Originally directed and choreographed by
Tommy Tune, this musical comedy's 'double feature' takes place in two separate times and locations. Act I takes place in the lobby of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the 1930s where the ushers pay tribute to the songs and stars of that magical Hollywood era. Act II takes place in the Pavlenko mansion in the Ukraine, where madcap lunacy and Marx Brothers reign supreme. "Ain't We Got Fun," "On the Good Ship Lollipop" and "Thanks for the Memory" are just some of the memorable musical numbers from this hilarious, rarely seen show. (July 7th – July 19th)
On July 21st, The Cape Playhouse will be the first regional theatre in America to produce the recent Broadway musical hit "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." Based on the 1988 film of the same name, this side-splitting comedy about two con artists living on the French Riviera will have audiences in stitches. The action circles the suave Lawrence Jameson, who makes his living by sweet-talking wealthy women out of their fortunes and the small-town crook Freddy Benson, who swindles the ladies by lavishly fabricating a story about his ailing grandmother. After the two meet, they soon realize the French Riviera is not big enough for the two of them – and the first to obtain $50,000 from the young heiress may remain on the island, the other must leave. May the smoothest swindler win! (July 21st – August 2nd)
With songs like "Be My Baby," "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Chapel of Love" and "Then He Kissed Me" "Leader of the Pack" will take audiences on a musical journey back to the 50's and 60's. The Ellie Greenwich musical revolves around Ellie, a member of the 'Jivettes' with big dreams of stardom, but her mother is insistent on her getting an education. While attending college, Ellie starts working in the music industry and meets fellow aspiring songwriter, Jeff Barry. The two form a personal/professional partnership and start creating the hit songs of the decade. Featuring the hits of the Ronettes, the Shangri-Las and Connie Francis, "Leader of the Pack" is a must-see for all ages. (August 4th – August 16th)
Following on August 18th is one of the funniest comedies from the American theater canon, Garson Kanin's "Born Yesterday," the 1940's comedy about a crude tycoon who brings his showgirl-mistress to Washington D.C. where he hopes to 'buy' a few congressmen with her charms. Unfortunately, her social and intellectual ignorance becomes a hindrance to his business prospects, so he hires a journalist to give her a crash course in history, politics and literature. Properly educated and presentable, she recognizes the crook for what he is worth and falls in love with her tutor. (August 18th – August 30th)
The season concludes with the Regional Premier of "The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith," written by award-winning playwright Angelo Parra. Set in an after hours "buffet flat" in Memphis, "The Devil's Music" traces Bessie's life from her childhood in Tennessee where she was one of seven children, to her vaudeville shows with Ma Rainey that lead to her rapid success in the Roaring 20's. Highlighting 14 songs from Smith's sensational career, this tribute to the "Empress of the Blues" is an experience not to be missed! (September 1st – September 13th)
For eighty-two years, the legendary Cape Playhouse has been bringing Broadway actors and creative talent to Cape Cod. Often referred to as the "Birthplace of the Stars", the Cape Playhouse has attracted a long litany of famous actors since its inception in 1927. The list reads like a veritable 'who's who' of stage and screen. Over the years, the Cape Playhouse has gained a reputation for producing quality, professional entertainment and each year thousands continue to enjoy superb shows at "America's Oldest Professional Summer Theatre."
On summer mornings, the Cape Cod Center for the Arts presents Theater for Children on the stage of the Cape Playhouse and is a terrific way to introduce young people to joys of live theatre. From July 3 through August 22, 2008 the CCCA's Theater for Children will present performances on Thursday and Friday mornings in July and August. Performances are 9:30 and 11:30 AM with different performers each week. Tickets are $9 and $8; group discounts (10+ persons) are available.
For more information and box office phone toll free—877 385-3911; locally 508-385-3911 or visit the theatre's website at www.capeplayhouse.com. The Cape Playhouse 820 Main Street, Route 6A, Dennis, Massachusetts. Gift certificates and subscriptions are always available. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 8PM with matinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets are $50 to $25; group discounts (10+ persons) are available.
Comments
To post a comment, you must
register and
login.
