Librettist N. Richard Nash's Romantic, Comedy-Drama 'The Rainmaker' is Basis for 110 IN THE SHADE, 5/2-5/12

110 in the Shade is a 1963 musical based on the award-winning 1954 play The Rainmaker with a book by N. Richard Nash, lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt. It followed the team's success creating The Fantasticks- the world's longest running musical. A one-time professional boxer who later went on to teach at Princeton and Yale, playwright Nash has written for theatre, television and film as well as works of fiction and poetry, however, The Rainmaker is his most widely known work which also was made into a film starring Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster.

According to director Mark Danni, 110 in the Shade is a warm play about self-esteem, beauty and love, all symbolized by a drought and the promise of rain. This rarely performed show features upbeat music, great singing, intense drama, and a great special effect, which made for a solid performance, he promises.

Nash's story - imbued with Jones' and Schmidt's moving score - resonates because of the timeless theme that the perceptions that we have of ourselves and others belies true beauty and by overcoming our fears and perceptions, we become truly fulfilled. In our contemporary era, the Internet and web sites like Facebook can make up entire personas in an instant.

The simple message of 110 in the Shade is to see your self and others real.

"On stage, we seek to realize that what you initially perceive may not be its actual appearance," explains Danni. So, 110 in the Shade may help you discover that your true self can do us our whole life long.

"It's a wonderful show with such a beautiful, simple message that goes straight to people's hearts," Danni continues. "Most plays are about people who need each other but aren't able to connect despite their best intentions. But in this musical, the characters are able to connect with each other despite their imperfections. I think that's a rare message."

Jones and Schmidt were nominated for a Tony award for their composition of the score for 110 in the Shade. The original production of 110 in the Shade was nominated for four Tony awards, and subsequent revivals also have been nominated for Tony awards. In an opening night review of the show, "Variety" called it "an entertaining, very touching and undeniably moving show."

"Through the years, I've seen several productions of 110 in the Shade and it never fails to touch me deeply," says Danni. "The story is captivating, and the music is absolutely beautiful. I think Southwest Florida audiences will love this show as much as I already do."

110 in the Shade performs May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 @ 8 pm and Sundays, May 5 and 12 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. The production is title sponsored by The Village on Venetian Bay Shopping Center.

Tickets are $43 and $48 plus a $2 ticket fee and can be purchased calling the TheatreZone box office, (888) 966-3352, online at www.theatrezone-florida.com or visit the on-site box office open Wednesdays 10 am until 12 pm.

In 2005, non-profit TheatreZone was born with the intent to bring live professional theatre to Southwest Florida in an intimate setting. Co-founders, Artistic Director Mark Danni, and his wife, actress/choreographer Karen Molnar, shared a vision and a passion to employ professional Equity actors and produce innovative productions of classic "lost treasures of Broadway."

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