Klea Blackhurst and More Round Out MADEMOISELLE COLOMBE Cast at Feinstein's/54 Below

As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below is will present the "full-bodied" Mademoiselle Colombe, by Michael Valenti (Oh, Brother), Edwin Dulchin and Albert Harris, starring Samantha Massell (Fiddler on the Roof, La Boheme) as the beautiful and talented young Colombe. Joining Massell are KLea Blackhurst (Merman's Apprentice, The Nutty Professor, Bingo) as Madame Alexandra (a role originated by Tammy Grimes), Ben McHugh (Mamma Mia, Sleep No More, Tokio Confidential) and Jason Pintar (Oh, Brother!) as Deschamps. Also joining the ensemble is Shawn Verrier (Charlie and Algernon).

Jean Anouilh's classic play, in which the world of the theater is filled with dreams and possibilities and real life is stultifying, was musicalized by the trio in 1987 and starred the legendary Tammy Grimes. Set in turn-of-the-century Paris, Mademoiselle Colombe is a triumphant blend of comedy and drama, nominated for five Outer Critics Circle Awards. The musical charts the journey and romantic entanglement of a young flower shop employee through her rise to stardom on the stages of Paris. Now, an all-star cast will gather to bring Michael Valenti and Edwin Dulchin's musical back to life.

In addition to Blackhurst, the concert will feature Roe Hartrampf (Eating Raoul, Nobody Loves You, Unnatural Acts) as Edouard, Daniel Walstad (Onward Victoria, Charlie and Algernon) as Gourette, Christine Knitel as Georgie, Samantha Massell as Colombe, Ben McHugh as Julien, Topher Nuccio as Robinet, Jason Pintar as Deschamps and Ron Spivak as Gaulois. Also featured in the concert are Arianna Armon (Buxton Opera House, International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival), Suzanne Dressler, Kristen Gehling, Eric Knitel and Shawn Verrier.

Michael Valenti composed, arranged, and conducted the music for the Emmy Award winning television series; A Walk Through the 20th Century. For CBS radio he shared the Peabody Award for Newsmark. In 1995 Mr. Valenti composed Processional for a Pontiff, a large orchestral work which was written for the entrance of Pope John Paul II into Central Park, New York, on the occasion of his celebration of the Eucharist. The piece was performed again on April 19, 2008 for Pope Benedict XVI entrance into St. Patrick's Cathedral. His Broadway credits include Oh, Brother!, Clothes for a Summer Hotel (Tennessee Williams' last play which starred Geraldine Page), Honky Tonk Nights, Blackstone! and Blood Red Roses. Off-Broadway, Valenti composed the scores for more than fifteen plays and musicals including Love Song, In The Summer House, (for the Manhattan Theatre Club), Just For Love, Song By Song (a review based on his theatre songs) and Mademoiselle Colombe which starred Tammy Grimes and was awarded five Outer Critic Circle Award nominations, of which Mr. Valenti received two for best book, and best music for a musical.

Mademoiselle Colombe is presented as part of the Second Act Series, produced by Steven Carl McCasland and James Horan. McCasland directs the concert, with Musical Direction by Horan. Each evening revisits a short-lived musical, highlighting its neglected score and inviting audiences to rediscover a forgotten gem. Previous evenings include: Onward Victoria, Charlie and Algernon and Eating Raoul.

Upcoming concerts in the series include: 70, Girls, 70, Nick and Nora and Henry, Sweet Henry. For tickets to Mademoiselle Colombe on Monday, April 24th at 7:00pm, (beginning at $35), visit 54below.com/events/mademoiselle-colombe-concert.

Michael Feinstein, one of the world's great musical artists, and 54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, have united to give New York an unparalleled destination for entertainment and dining. Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, is the performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein's/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein's/54 Below presents iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music. The venue provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. Located at 254 West 54th Street, Feinstein's/54 Below features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $15-$105.

To post a comment, you must register and login.