Theatre at the Center Stages World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, Now thru 8/10

After 200 episodes and nine seasons as America's beloved 1960s sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies is making strides on stage as a musical for the first time ever. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, running from today, July 10 through August 10 with a press opening on Sunday, July 13.

Directed by Jeff Award nominee David Perkovich with a musical score by award-winning Chicago composer Gregg Opelka, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, was written by David Rogers and Amanda Rogers, and follows the nouveau-riche Clampett family as they move to the privileged society of Beverly Hills after discovering an oil reserve on their land. From Jed Clampett to Granny, Elly May and Jethro all the favorites from the '60s TV comedy are back and shaking things up as they adjust to their new, fast-paced life while maintaining their hayseed ways.

The Clampett's trials and tribulations start to unravel when two crafty con artists cook up a scheme to fool overnight millionaire Jed Clampett (Jeff Award-Winner James Harms) out of his not-so-hard-earned millions. The chaos continues as nephew Jethro faces relationship problems, daughter Elly May (Jeff Award-Winner Summer Smart) has growing-up pains, and Granny (Kelly Anne Clark) just wants to go back to the simple, butter-churnin' life she knows and loves. Despite watching his "black gold" turn into blackmail, Jed remains calm because, in the end, he knows that a country boy is always quicker than a city slicker. The Clampetts stay true to their roots as they face out-of-place encounters and hilarious antics, showcasing their genuine charm.

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL delivers an unforgettable twist on the 1960s TV classic and features the classic theme song "The Ballad of Jed Clampett," written by producer and songwriter Paul Henning. Bluegrass artists Flatt and Scruggs originally performed the musical score and cut their own version for Columbia Records, which reached #44 on Billboard's Hot 100 pop music chart and #1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart.

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES cast includes Jeff Award-winner James Harms as "Jed," Jeff Award-winner Summer Smart as "Elly May," John Stemberg as "Jethro," Norm Boucher as "Mr. Drysdale", Holly Stauder as "Mrs. Drysdale," Kelly Anne Clark as "Granny", Tina Gluschenko as "Jane Hathaway", Bernie Yvon as "Col Foxhall", Rebecca Bradford as "Ashley", Mary Nigohosian as "Mrs. Pennyweather", Jake Mahler as "Brewster", Patrick Tierney as "Percy", David Sajewich as "Lt. Richards" and Colette Todd as "Rita". The ensemble includes Missy Aguilar, Victoria Blade, Julie Baird, Jill Sesso and Patrick Martin.

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES production team, led by Director David Perkovich, includes Musical Director Bill Underwood, Choreographer Nicole Miller, Stage Manager Matt McMullen, Production Manager Ann Davis, Lighting Designer Denise Karczewski, Costume Designer Brenda Winstead, Sound Designer Barry G. Funderburg, and Props Designer Jessie Howe.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is Located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and has free parking.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.; and select Thursday evening and Saturday matinees. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. Special Subscription Series Events include: the Wine & Theatre Series, the Dinner Theatre Series and the Opening Night Series. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

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