The show, with music by Jim Wise and book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, is a homage to the gaudy musicals of the 1930s and tells the story of a struggling Broadway production and understudy rising to stardom.
"Dames is a musical that offers show stopping, toe-tapping numbers, a boatload of laughs and memorable music - everything you need for an unforgettable night at the theatre," says Ms. Molnar, TheatreZone's resident choreographer who is making her directorial debut with Dames at Sea.
"Since the show doesn't have a chorus, the dance demands for the six principals were a key factor in casting. The six people that we have selected are all amazing talents. It makes my job very easy and fun when I have performers with this level of technique not only as singers and actors, but also as dancers," she explains. "It gives me the freedom to use my imagination and give them whatever type of material is on my mind," she adds.
The original 1966 rendition included a young and largely unknown Ms. Peters, who went on to be a Broadway regular and multiple Tony award winner. The musical had successful runs off Broadway with Ms. Peters, and, later, in London's West End.
TheatreZone's Dames at Sea cast of characters include the role of Ruby, which could be simulated to the real star singer/dancer Ruby Keeler - known for her intricate tap rhythms. Ruby (Lindsay Bethea) is the up and coming bright-eyed Broadway star who has packed all she needs, just her tap shoes. Mona Kent (Cherie Price) is the temperamental Broadway diva star, then there's the tough-talking, wisecracking, big-hearted chorus girl named Joan (Dawn Labrecht), Joan's former boyfriend and tap dancing sailor - Lucky (David Tanciar), the handsome sailor who happens to be an aspiring songwriter Dick (Eric Rivas), and the harried stage director Hennsley and the ship's Captain roles will be played by actor Tom Wallace.
Dames at Seas will be music directed by Charles Fornara conducting a live 7-piece orchestra. The musical drops anchor at TheatreZone April 30 through May 8, 2016, so get your tickets before it set sails. Tickets cost $48 and $53 each plus a $2 per ticket fee.
About TheatreZone
In 2005, non-profit TheatreZone was born on two concepts: an affinity and nostalgia for the stage, and for the intimacy of live audiences. Co-founders artistic director Mark Danni and his wife, actress/choreographer Karen Molnar shared a vision and a passion to bring equity professional actors, and produce talented and innovative productions of classic "lost treasures of Broadway."
Operating under the guidelines of the Actors' Equity Association and small professional theatres contracts, TheatreZone is in residence and performs in the intimate 250-seat G&L Theatre at 13275 Livingston Road in Naples.
Call TheatreZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or online www.theatrezone-florida.com, or visit the on site Box Office, open Tuesdays from 10 am until 1pm until June 14, 2016.
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