CSUF's CRY BABY Preps for Rockin' Opening

Tony nominated "Cry Baby, the Musical" with music by Adam Schlesinger, lyrics by David Javerbaum and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan opens at CSUF on October 27th. The production features direction by CSUF alum Sarah Ripper, musical direction by Mitchell Hanlon and choreography by William F. Lett, and runs October 27-November 12, 2017 in the Little Theatre on campus. Based on the cult classic 1990 John Waters film, "Cry Baby, the Musical" features a delightfully demented book from the writers of Hairspray, a rockabilly score from the co-founder of Fountains of Wayne, and the executive producer of The Daily Show. It's 1954. Everyone likes Ike, nobody likes communism and Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker is the coolest boy in Baltimore.

Composer Adam Schlesinger is best known for the songs he wrote for rock group Fountains of Wayne, most notably their biggest hit "Stacy's Mom." Lyricist David Javerbaum is an award-winning comedy writer who has worked for The Onion and The Daily Show. Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan have worked together several times and shared the 2003 Tony for Best Book of a Musical for their work on "Hairspray," for which they also wrote the 2007 film adaptation.

Director Sarah Ripper most recently earned her MFA in Directing from CSUF and previously earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU. She performed in Broadway Asia's production of "Cinderella," and, after appearing in "Looking For Billy Haines," became a member of Actors Equity Association. Ripper has worked at the Orange County School of the Arts as a Musical Theatre Acting instructor and assisted Jessica Kubzansky's direction of "Hold These Truths" at Pasadena Playhouse. Other directing credits include: "The Drowsy Chaperone," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Dancing at Lughnasa," and "Really Really."

The cast of "Cry Baby, the Musical" includes Sarah Bloom, Evan Borboa, Brianna Clark, Kayla Contreras, Aaron Cruz, Yadira Del Rincon, Sarah Ellsworth, Timothy H. Lee, Colby Hamann, Megan Hill, Kiana King, Jeff Garrido, Megan McCarthy, Carly McLaurin, Anthony Michael Vacio, Chris Mosely, Matthew Ollson, Olivia Pence, Kelly Rosales, Beth Roy, Nathan Shube, Joe Stein, Robyn Stephenson, Jacob Wayne, and Samantha Wojtaszek.

Scenic design is by Kristin Campbell, lighting design is by Stacy McKenney, costume design is by Jane Baek, sound design is by Meghan Patrick and hair/makeup design is by Nicolette Woodard.

"Cry Baby, the Musical" plays at 8pm on Oct 27, 28, November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and at 2pm on October 29,November 4, 5, 11, 12. General admission tickets are $24 ($22 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $24 at the door. Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday and online.

Soon to follow in the CSUF season is "Bell, Book and Candle" by John Van Druten. The production is directed by guest artist Elina De Santos and runs November 17-December 10, 2017 in the Young Theatre on campus. Gillian Holroyd casts spells and performs feats of supernaturalism. She even casts a spell over an unattached publisher who falls head over heels in love with her. Unfortunately, as it turns out, witches can't fall in love, which presents a clear and crazy conundrum for dear Gillian.

PHOTO CAPTIONS: (Left to Right) Matthew Olson, Kelly Rosales, and Jeff Garido in Cal State Fullerton's "Cry Baby, the Musical," directed by Sarah Ripper, playing October 27-November 12, 2017 in the Little Theatre on the CSU, Fullerton campus. Photo by Jordan Kubat. For additional information, a season brochure or tickets, call (657) 278-3371,Monday through Friday, 11am-5pm.

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