SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Opens At Olathe Civic Theatre Association

Olathe Civic Theatre Association gears up for the theater's first production of 2019, the musical SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Directed by Tiffany Coville-Schweigert and music direction by Betsy Bledsoe, the show runs February 8-24, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim and the book is by James Lapine.

Director Tiffany Coville-Schweigert is thrilled to bring Sondheim to Olathe. Previously, she has directed OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at OCTA. However, this show gives audiences almost two different musicals in one. She explains: "Act One characters are completely different than Act Two. There is a 100-year difference between the two acts. Costume design is a challenge. We are designing for 1884 and 1984."

She appreciates the poignant and personal touches, notably from the two main characters, George Seurat and Dot played by Joel Morrison and Victoria Strafuss. One of her favorite moments happens near the end of the show when 'Act II George' has an interaction with Dot from Act I in the song 'Move On'. "The lyrics speak to me not only as an artist/director, but as a person living in the world today."

Tiffany adds, "This cast is ridiculously talented. There are a few actors that OCTA patrons have never seen before, so they are in for a real treat!" For patrons who know artist Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, but not this musical, Tiffany exudes how much they are going love the show because, "Sondheim and Lapine did Seurat proud. They have created a wonderful story and it gives insight about the characters in the painting." Audiences will also admire the staging and effort taken to draw them in to the world of the music: "We are keeping it simple. Drawing focus to the characters and the music. I believe the audience will be blown away by the costumes and the beautiful voices on stage."

Next up for Tiffany is directing THE WIZARD OF OZ for Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park's 50th season. For now, she is happy to come home to OCTA, "It's such a pleasure and I cannot wait for the community to see SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE!"

The cast includes: Joel Morrison (George Seurat), Victoria Strafuss (Dot / Marie), Debbie Blinn (Old Lady / Blair Daniels), Julie Fox (Nurse / Mrs. / Harriet Pawling), Scott Kruse (Jules / Bob Greenberg), Joy Richardson (Yvonne / Naomi Eisen), Spencer Thompson (Boatman / Billy Webster), Michael Golliher (Franz / Dennis), Kristen Alley (Frieda / Betty) Alec Bridges (Soldier / Alex), Chris Gleeson (Mr. / Charles Redmond), Matt Runnells (Louis /Lee Randolph), Christina Casey (Celeste #1 / Elaine), Nancy Seeman (Celeste #2 / A Photographer), and Abby Morrison (Louise).

The orchestra includes:

Reed 1 - Ron Mundt
Reed - Jim Vinkenberg
Keyboard 1 - Matthew Fischer
Keyboard 2/Synthesizer - Deana Wagner
Percussion - John Gilmore
Violin 1 - Michael Turnbo
Violin 2 - Emily Gooden, Kim Ico
Cello - Kieran Ojakangas

The production team includes:
Director - Tiffany Coville-Schweigert
Music Director - Betsy Bledsoe
Stage Manager - Nicole Brewer
Asst. Stage Manager - Amanda Tufano and Ran Anderson
Set designer - Doug Schroeder
Costumes Designer - Brenna McConaughey and Alison Nickel
Lighting Designer - Phil Leonard
Sound Designer - Josh Finch
Props Designer - Em Loper
Projections - Tom Eagle

Tickets may be purchased online at http://olathetheatre.org/sunday-in-the-park-with-george/ or at the theatre 45 minutes before the show with credit card, check, or cash. Free parking is available in the OCTA lot and on the street. Concessions are available for cash or credit donation and may be taken into the theater.

SPECIAL DATE: Opening night, February 8, 2019: Guests will be treated to a post-show celebration with the cast and crew!

For further information, please visit OCTA's website at: www.olathetheatre.org.

Reservations can be made by calling the reservation hotline at 913-782-2990 or by writing tickets@olathetheatre.org

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