Photo Flash: First Look at Human Race Theatre Company's MAME, Beginning Tonight

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its winning streak of re-imaging large-scale musicals with the Broadway hit Mame. Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore takes on directing duties and looks to catch the same magic that made recent small-scale productions of Oliver! and Fiddler on the Roof such outstanding successes in the 212-seat Loft Theatre. The show centers around Mame Dennis, a well-to-do eccentric without a care until she becomes the guardian of her ten-year-old nephew, Patrick. Now it's up to her to open new windows and show the boy worlds he never knew existed. Through the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, Mame teaches Patrick how to "live, live, live"-whether he's willing or not. It's the dazzling musical that proves life's a banquet, featuring the classic songs "We Need a Little Christmas," "It's Today," "Bosom Buddies" and, of course, "Mame."

The preview performance of Mame is Thursday, October 30. Opening night is Friday, October 31.

Mame, with a book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee (Inherit the Wind, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail) and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!; La Cage Aux Folles) is the musical version of Lawrence and Lee's Auntie Mame, their play based on Patrick Dennis's novel by the same name. The musical opened on Broadway in 1966 and starred Angela Lansbury as "Mame" and Bea Arthur as her friend "Vera Charles." The hit production spawned a film version in 1974 starring Lucille Ball.

For The Human Race's production, director Kevin Moore has envisioned Mame as a "memory play" from Patrick Dennis's point of view as he recalls the early years of his life spent with Mame. "The Human Race has always focused on telling a good story, no matter the size," says Moore. "With a touch of theatre magic, The Loft Theatre becomes the perfect place for grown-up Patrick Dennis to remember this madcap and heartwarming tale that covers three decades."

For his inventive staging of the typically large-scale production, Moore has gathered 19 talented actors to cover the roles typically performed by a cast of over 40. The acting company features Pittsburgh-based actress/director Lisa Ann Goldsmith as "Mame," with Cincinnati actresses Torie Wiggins as "Vera Charles" and Leslie Goddard as "Agnes Gooch," Resident Artists Jamie Cordes as "Beauregard J.P. Burnside," Marya Spring as "Sally Cato" and Scott Stoney as "Dwight Babcock," Wright State University instructor Sherri L. Sutter as "Madame Branislowski/Mother Burnside/Mrs. Upson,", WSU graduates Zack Steele as "Patrick," Annie Pesch as "Ito," Sarah Agar as "Cousin Fan" and Shavey Brown as "Ralph DeVine/Leading Man," Cooper Taggard as "Messenger/Gregor," and current WSU student Layan Elwazani as "Pegeen Ryan," Peanut Edmonson as "Young Patrick/Peter," Michael McCrary as "Junior Babcock," Darrin Murrell as "Doorman/Stage Manager/Uncle Jeff/Mr. Upson," Sarah Naughton as "Gloria Upson," Adam Soniak as "Elevator Boy/Tango Dancer" and Robb Willoughby as "M. Lindsay Woolsey." Sam McLain is the understudy for "Young Patrick/Peter."

Tickets for the preview performance of Mame on October 30 start at $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $17.50 for students. For all performances October 31 - November 23, single ticket prices start at $40 for adults, $37 for seniors and $20 for students. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and seating location. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. The Human Race is offering a pair of discount ticket opportunities. Side-area seats are available at most performances for $25 each, on sale two weeks prior to performance. The Sunday, November 2 7:00 p.m. performance is "Sawbuck Sunday", when any available seat can be purchased in person for just $10 at The Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

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