Connecticut Repertory Theatre Sets Cast of XANADU

Connecticut Repertory Theatre has announced the complete cast for Xanadu, the third and final production of the 2015 Nutmeg Summer Series. Directed by CRT's Artistic Director, Vincent J. Cardinal, Xanadu will feature Amandina Altomare in the lead role of Clio/Kira. Altomare was previously seen on the CRT stage as Lousie in Gypsy, Judy in A Chorus Line, and Philia in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. She is a proud member of the USO Show Troupe which provides entertainment for veterans and active military all over the world. Performances of Xanadu begin on July 9, 2015 and run through July 19, 2015 at Connecticut Repertory Theatre's Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113.

Appearing opposite Altomare will be Luke Hamilton in the lead male role of Sonny. Hamilton, a recent graduate of the University of Miami, will be returning to CRT after playing Don in A Chorus Line and Tulsa in Gypsy during the 2014 Nutmeg Summer Series. Other recent credits include Curly in Oklahoma!, Homer in Floyd Collins, Kodaly in She Loves Me, and Harry/Martin in Cloud 9.

Xanadu tells the story of a muse named Clio who travels to 1980's Venice Beach, California disguised as a mortal to inspire chalk artist and beach boy Sonny Malone. Clio faces the jealousy of her two sisters, Melpomene and Calliope, the wrath of her father Zeus, and the struggles of fitting in as a mortal as she and Danny fight for their dream to open a roller disco with awesome mirror balls.

The role of real-estate mogul Danny Maguire will be played by Dirk Lumbard. A Broadway veteran, Lumbard's NYC credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Harold Hill in The Music Man, Imaginary Friends, On Your Toes, Barnum, and Sugar Babies. Off-Broadway credits include Flora The Red Menace, Dames at Sea, Grand Hotel, Crazy For You, and the National Tour of The Wizard of Oz (Joseph Jefferson Award). Canadian credits include The Music Man (Stage Door Award), Kiss Me Kate, Titus Andronicus, and Comedy of Errors. Television credits include Deadline (NBC), Home Improvement (ABC) and Alice in Wonderland (PBS).

The rest of the cast includes: Steve Hayes (Calliope/Aphrodite), Ariana Shore (Melpomene/Medusa), Taylor Stutz (Muse #1), Johnny Brantley III (Muse #2), Jayne Ng (Muse #3), Annie Wallace (Muse #4) and Conor Connally (Muse #5).

Artistic Director Cardinal says, "This Company is the ideal combination of veteran artists, mid-career professionals and recent graduates from top-flight theater programs around the nation. Their talent, this hilarious story, and the classic pop songs from the 70s and 80's guarantee an entertaining alchemy for a magical summer night."

The creative team includes: Vincent J. Cardinal (Director), Cassie Abate (Choreographer), NDavid Williams (Music Director), Daniel Moctezuma (Conductor), Lisa Loen (Costume Designer), Tim Brown (Scenic and Projection Designer), Chuan-Chi Chan (Lighting Designer), Michael Vincent Skinner (Sound Designer), John W. Parmalee (Technical Director), Alyssa K. Howard (Production Stage Manager), and McCorkle Casting (New York Casting).

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Single ticket prices range from $10 to $55.

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend CRT productions. For additional ticket information or to charge tickets by phone, call 860-486-2113. All sales are final; no refunds. Play selections and performance dates are subject to change.

Please call 860-486-2113 for tickets and additional information. Please call the box office or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.

The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs and offers air-conditioned comfort and convenient free parking.

CRT's Community Partners for the Nutmeg Summer Series include SI Financial Advisors, UTC Aerospace Systems, XL Color and the UConn Dairy Bar.

CRT is the professional producing artistic arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. CRT productions ware directed, designed by, and cast with visiting professional artists, including Equity actors, faculty members, and the department's most advanced student artists. The synergy between professional and advanced student artists creates extraordinary theatre and a unique learning environment.

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