Large and Murray Head Cast For MTW’S 57TH Season Opener MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

Musical Theatre West kicks off its 2009-2010 Season with the stage version of the classic 1944 MGM film Meet Me in St. Louis. Featuring the timeless songs "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Trolley Song," and "The Boy Next Door," Meet Me in St. Louis is the heartwarming tale of love and family against the backdrop of the 1904 World's Fair. Meet Me in St. Louis runs October 30-November 15 at the beautiful Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach.

Starring as Esther Smith is Cassie Silva. Ms. Silva was featured as one of the finalists on the MTV Series "Legally Blonde: The Musical - The Search for the Next Elle Woods" and also appeared in the movie version of "Hairspray." Ms. Silva has since been starring onstage in musicals throughout Southern California, most recently as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street.

Featured as Anna Smith is Tony Award nominee Mary Gordon Murray. Ms. Murray last appeared with MTW as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance. Ms Murray was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress for her work in Little Me and also appeared on Broadway in Into the Woods, I Love My Wife and Footloose. Ms. Murray's television credits include "CSI," "Numb3rs," "Nip/Tuck" and "Bones."

Norman Large returns to the MTW stage to portray Alonso, the patriarch of the Smith household. Mr. Large's Broadway credits include The Woman in White, Les Misérables and A Doll's Life, and appeared as Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance and as Georges in La Cage aux Folles. He has an active career as a concert singer; his television credits include "Seinfeld," "NYPD Blue" and "Veronica Mars."

Southern California stage veteran Sarah Bermudez will portray Esther's older sister Rose. Ms. Bermudez's regional credits include Christine in Phantom, Laurey in Oklahoma!, Cosette in Les Misérables and Marsinah in Kismet.

Also featured are Cathy Newman as Katie the maid, Jason Evans as "the boy next door" John Truitt, Robert Pieranunzi as Lon Smith, Kevin Cooney as Grandpa, Grace Kaufman as Tootie, Alexa Freeman as Agnes and Jeremy Bernard as Warren Sheffield.

Helming the production is noted Southern California director Richard Israel. Mr. Israel recently directed the Southern California professional premiere of Big: The Musical as well as Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins, and is the Artistic Director of Hollywood's West Coast Ensemble.

Lee Martino returns to MTW to choreograph Meet Me in St. Louis. A multiple Ovation Award and Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle Award nominee and winner, Ms. Martino's MTW credits include All Shook Up, The Full Monty, Never Gonna Dance and La Cage aux Folles; she is the resident choreographer for Reprise Theater Company and was featured as a choreographer on television's "Step It Up and Dance."

Musical Direction for Meet Me in St. Louis will be handled by Daniel Thomas. Mr. Thomas' MTW credits include The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, The Pajama Game and The Pirates of Penzance; other credits include the Southern California premieres of A Year with Frog and Toad, Big: The Musical and Pardon My English.

Now in its 57th season, Musical Theatre West is one of Southern California's largest and most-respected theater companies. Under the leadership of Executive Director/Producer Paul Garman, the company has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its work while presenting the entire spectrum of musical comedy. Following Meet Me in St. Louis in the 2009-2010 Season is Rent, Sweeney Todd, The Marvelous Wonderettes and 1776.

Ticket prices for Meet Me in St. Louis at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center range in price from $30 and $60 with special premium seating available ranging in price from $60 to $80 (first twelve rows center, subject to availability). Group discounts for parties of 15 or more are available by calling Michael in the Group Sales Department. All tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 562-856-1999 x 224, or in person at the Box Office at 4350 E 7th Street, Long Beach (corner of Ximeno Avenue). Tickets are available online now at the MTW website, www.musical.org.

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