Grove Theatre Presents SAVIN UP FOR SATURDAY NIGHT, 10/22

Authentic, romantic and loads of fun!" "Exuberant and fresh!" "Clever and tuneful!" Those are just a few of the raves that reviewers gave last year's World Premiere "honky-tonk" musical  "Savin' Up for Saturday Night," which opens a new run at the Grove Theatre in Upland on October 22nd.

In Jeff Goode and Richard Levinson's new musical comedy, the action takes place at the "Honky-Tonk Bar 'n' Fill" under the watchful eye of "Doc," the bartender.  A bunch of terrific dancers hit the floor to the music of a topnotch country band led by his old high school buddy Eldridge Preston, who seems to think he is the star of the place. But that title really should go to his ex-wife Lucinda, who used to be in Eldridge's show and can dance and sing (and party) anyone under the table.  On this particular night, Eldridge is going to introduce the regulars to his newest singer and latest flame, Patsy. But nobody can predict the consequences -- least of all Doc, who by night's end might get what, or who, he's always wanted.  And through it all, the music, dancing and laughs never stop.

The show, directed by Jeremy Aldridge (the multi-award winning director of the recent smash Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara!) stars original cast members Brendan Hunt, an LA comedy legend fresh from his recent appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show, and Courtney DeCosky, who Backstage magazine described as "remarkably charismatic ...with a rarified ability to rivet an audience's attention." Joining them is Wendi Hammock, who recently starred in the hit Orange County production of The Who's Tommy, busy voice-over actor Doug Gochman, and Rancho Cucamonga's own Rachel Howe -- returning to the Grove for the first time since her own premiere there as a child actor. 

Local theatergoers will also recognize some other familiar faces, when local favorites Christen Dugger (Church Basement Ladies, RENT), and Vil Towers (Rocky Horror, Seussical and many others) take the leads at several of the performances 

The boot-scootin' ensemble is rounded out with championship competitive partner dancers like Robert Jackson  (who makes his home in LaVerne) and musical theater mainstays like Cat Yurkovich, who has performed frequently at the Candlelight Pavilion, when not in New York City high-kicking as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette!  See y'all at the ol' "Bar 'n' Fill!"

All of it is choreographed by top choreographer Allison Bibicoff (Asst. Choreographer on Four-time Tony nominated Broadway production of Xanadu), with one hot band led by John McDuffie - taking time off from his duties as musical director for Rita Coolidge, and featuring pickers whose touring and album credits which include Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McLinton, and Bette Midler.

The title song has a few credits of its own, having been heard recently on several episodes of the HBO series "True Blood."

"Savin Up for Saturday Night" opens Oct. 22 and runs on weekends through November 21st. Tickets are $25 and $20, with senior, student and group discounts, and can be purchased by calling 909-920-4343 or visiting the Grove's website at www.grovetheatre.com. There is no performance on November 6^th.  See y'all at the ol' "Bar 'n' Fill!"

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