ME AND MY GIRL to Dazzle Maltz Jupiter Theatre This Fall

What happens when you discover you are royalty? Find out at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre November 29 through December 18 as the hilarious romantic comedy Me and My Girl hits the stage.

In the show-stopping musical, an unrefined charmer named Bill learns he is heir to the Earl of Hareford. His aristocratic family believes he can become a gentleman and earn his inheritance - but only if he gives up his true love. Will love or money win?

Filled with show-stopping hits such as "Love Makes the World Go Round" and "The Lambeth Walk," this heart-warming dance sensation is a feel-good hit! The Guardian raves that Me and My Girl is "stunning!" and Stage Scene L.A. brandishes it "terrific!" while the New York Times writes that the musical has "uncorked the innocence of the old-fashioned musical comedy so ingenuously that for once, a theatregoer is actually sucked directly into that sunny past."

Me and My Girl will mark the debut of a powerhouse creative team at the Theatre: director James Brennan (who starred as Bill in the original Broadway production of the musical) and choreographer Dan Knechtges (a Tony-nominated choreographer and director whose Broadway credits include direction and choreography for Lysistrata Jones, choreography for the Tony and Drama Desk-nominated Xanadu).

Two Carbonell Award winners and audience favorites will also hold the production's starring roles: Broadway performer Matt Loehr (who starred in the Theatre's recent productions of The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue, Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man and Crazy for You) and prominent South Florida performer Julie Kleiner (seen in the Theatre's production of Doubt: A Parable).

"I'm ecstatic to have this group of artists collaborate for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's production of Me and My Girl," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director and chief executive. "They are each incredibly talented individually, and I can't wait to see what they create when they work together on this lovable, infectious musical. Our audiences are in for an enchanting adventure!"

With music by Noel Gay and original book and lyrics by Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose, Me and My Girl had a successful original run in the West End in 1937, then was turned into a film in 1939, titled The Lambeth Walk. After returning to the West End briefly in 1952, the musical's book received a revision by Stephen Fry and Mike Ockrent in the 1980s, then revised again and revived in the West End in 1984, where it received two Laurence Olivier Awards and ran for eight years. It was then revived on Broadway in 1986, where it won three of 11 Tony Award nominations.

"Me And My Girl is a musical with a huge heart. It's the story of a lower class ne're-do-well who is delivered into the hands of his newly-discovered family who want nothing more than to 'civilize' him so that he may accept the title to which he is entitled. In the process, everyone gets civilized in several directions," Brennan said. "It's a play populated with characters who have become widely adored in England and who will endear themselves in your heart, as well. The music is infectious, the humor is nonstop and the emotion is deeply touching. What more could you want from a theatre experience?"

Featuring a cast of 24, an 11-piece orchestra and magnificent costumes, the musical will showcase the scenic design of Carbonell nominee Paul Tate DePoo III (known for his work at the Theatre for LES MISERABLES, The Wiz and others), lighting design by Cory Pattak (whose New York design credits include Stalking the Bogeyman, Handle with Care and Witnessed by the World), costume design by Carbonell nominee Gail Baldoni (known for her work across the country and for the Theatre's productions that include Fiddler on the Roof, LES MISERABLES and Annie), music direction by Carbonell winner Helen Gregory (known for her work at the Theatre with shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, Annie and more) and sound design by multiple Carbonell nominee Marty Mets.

Looking for family entertainment this holiday season? Students 18 and under are invited to the Theatre's annual School Spirit Night on Friday, December 2, featuring a performance of Me and My Girl. Whether attending with a drama club (all groups of 10 or more) or with a friend, mezzanine tickets are only $25, including a post-show dessert meet-and-greet with the cast! Families are also invited to Family Show Time, featuring a special 6 p.m. family performance of Me and My Girl on Friday, December 16. Groups of 10 or more may purchase $25 tickets (subject to availability).

Other holiday options include Deaf Night Out on Tuesday, December 13, featuring sign language interpretation during a performance of Me and My Girl; and the Theatre's Eighth Annual Gay Pride Night on Saturday, December 17, featuring pre-show hors d'oeuvres, a performance of Me and My Girl and a post-show dessert meet-and-greet. Pride Night is supported by Craft Bar Kitchen, Compass, South Florida Gay News, Get Out! South Florida and Kilwins of Jupiter.

Me and My Girl is sponsored by Kathy and Joe Savarese, Homecare America and Patty and Bob Hendrickson; tickets start at $56. For tickets, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org. For more information on bringing your group to the Theatre, contact group concierge Shannon Murphy at (561) 972-6117.

The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,732 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

Photo Credit: Alicia Donelan

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