Delaware All-State Theatre's TITANIC THE MUSICAL Begins Today

Delaware All State Theatre (DAST) will present the five-time Tony Award-winning TITANIC THE MUSICAL in the Laird Performing Arts Center at the Tatnall School for two weekends from June 18-26. Tickets range from $12-$20 and can be purchased at DASTonline.org. Group rates available.

Among the 1997 Tony Awards earned by TITANIC THE MUSICAL were Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Scenic Design. The DAST production will feature the same Tony award winning set that was used in the Broadway and touring productions of the show.

DAST, a not-for-profit organization, is currently celebrating its ninth year of producing engaging theatrical productions. DAST offers students the unique opportunity to showcase and hone their theatrical talents while learning from a professional staff of directors, producers, and designers. Though challenging and demanding, the program is commonly considered a pivotal and life-changing experience by participants. It is also widely held as among the best community theater productions of the year by audiences.

TITANIC THE MUSICAL is a historically accurate depiction of the maiden voyage of the ocean liner RMS Titanic, in all its spectacle and grandeur. The ship is packed from bow-to-stern with an array of fascinating and memorable characters, each with a unique story and set of dreams. The ship's captain, crew, and architect revere the ship as an engineering marvel. First class passengers dine and dance while those in third class share their excitement for the better life they anticipate in America. TITANIC THE MUSICAL is also a thought-provoking social commentary as its passenger list closely mirrors the class structure of Europe and the United States in 1912.

According to Jeffrey Santoro, Founder/Director of Delaware All-State Theatre, "TITANIC THE MUSICAL is both heart-breaking and inspiring. In the midst of this tragic story there are countless moments that are joyful and re-affirming. Each cast member researched his or her role thoroughly and the resulting authenticity is truly moving."

Among the principal roles are TITANIC designer Thomas Andrews (Keelin Reilly, Archmere), Captain E.J. Smith (Benjamin von Duyke, Tatnall), First Officer William Murdoch (Felipe Rocha, Cab Calloway), Frederick Barrett, a Stoker (Jameson May, Cab Calloway), Ship owner Bruce Ismay (Duncan Smith, Kennett), Lookout Frederick Fleet (Will Rotsch, Salesianum), Senior First-class steward Henry Etches (Benjamin Strong Newark Charter School), Radioman Harold Bride (Jake Collins Salesianum), Bandmaster Hartley (Ryan Washington Sanford), Second Officer Charles Lightoller (Connor Carp, Charter School of Wilmington), Second-class passenger Alice Beane (Katie Collins, Cab Calloway), her husband Edgar Beane (Aidan McDermott, Concord High School), Mr. Isidor Straus (Mark Worth Keystone High School), Mrs. Ida Straus (Anna Langrehr Mt. Pleasant), and third class passengers Kate McGowan (Jordan McMillan, Sanford), Kate Murphy (Lily Allingham, Sanford), and Kate Mullins (Samantha Isom, Sanford).

Other cast members include Timmy Bradford (Cab Calloway), Grant Bailey (Fred S. Engle Middle School), CJ Derecskey (Tatnall), Bryan Dougherty (Brandywine), Ted Doyle (Middletown), Aaron Fresolone (Delaware Military Academy), Thomas Gluodenis (Sanford), Benjamin Gonoczi (Concord), Kyle Heiss (Salesianum), Michael Hemphill (Cab Calloway), Jake Kline (Cab Calloway), Charlie Newswanger (Christ the Teacher), Luke Plunkett (St. Mary Magdalen), Philip Wetzel (Cab Calloway), Katherine Alberta (Archmere), Alyssa Alfano (Alfred G. Waters Middle School), Kylie Boggs (Middletown), Megan Carp (Brandywine Springs), Reenie Carroll (Immaculate Heart of Mary), Fiona Connell (Cab Calloway), Toni DiLuzio (Mount Pleasant), Cateris Doran (Archmere), Ellie Lacey (Heritage Elementary), Gia Mariano (Archmere), Molly Partner (Charter School of Wilmington), Emily Rossi (Wilmington Friends School), Sarah Rossi (Cab Calloway), Becky Rusch (Cab Calloway), Brittaney Tillman (St. Mark's High School), Elise Williford (Cab Calloway), and Carmen Jalane Wynn-Santana (Las Americase ASPIRA Academy).

For more information or tickets visit DASTonline.org.

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