Stage Door Theatre to Premiere Kevin Black's TICKLING THE IVORIES

Stage Door Theatre will present the world premiere of award-winning director/choreographer Kevin Black's newest production, Tickling the Ivories, beginning October 13th. The production will run in the venue's Theatre 2 through November 19th.

Tickling the Ivories celebrates and showcases the instrument that inspired artists ranging from Mozart to Liberace.*

"One of my biggest regrets in life is quitting piano lessons when I was 12," Black says. "Instead I decided to move into dance class. However, to this day, I wish I could play the piano. Thankfully, I have Ben Bagby and Michael Friedman to translate my concepts into arrangements for pianists and vocalists.

"Ivories highlights the piano, first and foremost," Black continues. Featuring songs by famous pianists and songwriters from several centuries, Tickling the Ivories combines classical pieces with 20th Century pop classics by the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, Carole King, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow and many others.

"We are taking a new approach to this revue - we are letting the songs, talent and creativity of the rehearsal process dictate the structure of the show," Black explains. "For the first time in my career, I'm allowing the process to flow without a vast amount of structure in the beginning. We are just rounding up week one of our process and so far, I'm completely blown away by the talent of the pianists and the incredible vocalists."

Pianists Michael Friedman and Sarah Statler will 'tickle the ivories' for the production. They will be accompanied by percussionist Roy Fantel and bassist Rupert Ziawinski. Vocalists Sandra Marante, Devon Norris, Candice Shedd-Thompson, and Ryan Stutz round out the ensemble.

Musical arrangements for Tickling the Ivories are by Ben Bagby, Kevin, Statler, and Michael Friedman, and vocal arrangements are by Ben Bagby and Kevin Black. The show's Musical Director is Ben Bagby; Michael Friedman is the Assistant Musical Director. The set has been designed by Michael McClain, the lighting design is by Ardean Landhuis, and costume design is by Jerry Sturdefant. Paul O'Donnell is the show's Production Manager.

Kevin Black is the owner of Kevin Black Productions, a global company providing entertainment to cruise lines, corporate events, resorts, musical theater productions and tours. Kevin's extensive cruise line work includes costume design, choreography, production, and direction on Norwegian, Saga, Royal Caribbean and Asuka Cruise Lines. Corporate clients include HP, Motorola, Muvico, and Giorgio Armani; tours include original works - Cirque style shows, as well as musical theater productions including La Cage Aux Folles, The Jazz Singer, Smokey Joe's Café, Funny Girl, Victor/Victoria, Cabaret, and Dreamgirls. Kevin's work can currently be seen at the Villa de Palmar Resorts in Cabo, Mexico. His most recent work includes Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts; 8 Track, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and Rags at The Plaza Theatre in Manalapan, Florida; What's New Pussycat?, On The Radio, A Chorus Line, Promises, Promises, Pompadour, and Evita, and Carbonell recommend Swing, Swing, Swing and Soul of Motor City at The Stage Door Theatre in Margate, Florida. He also recently directed and choreographed Spamalot, Tommy, The Rocky Horror Show, and Into The Woods for Entr'Acte Theatrix performing at The Crest Theatre in Delray Beach, Florida. Kevin is also the producer, director and choreographer of an original children's show, The Adventures of Bella & Harry, and the Artistic Director for CAST (Career in the Arts, School of Talent) located in Cooper City, Florida.

Tickling the Ivories will run from October 13th - November 19th at Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Margate. Tickets for Tickling the Ivories are $48. (Student prices are also available with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or online at www.stagedoorfl.org.

IF YOU GO:

TICKLING THE IVORIES
Conceived and Directed by Kevin Black

October 13 - November 19
Showtimes: Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm; Friday & Saturday at 8 pm

At Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W Sample Rd, Margate, Fl 33065

Tickets: $48
Box Office: 954-344-7765 / www.stagedoorfl.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stagedoorfla

*The modern piano was invented sometime between 1698-1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy. Bartolomeo named his invention un cimbalo di cipresso di piano e forte ("a keyboard of cypress with soft and loud"), which eventually was abbreviated into "Piano". Since its invention, the piano has have been used to create some of the most beautiful classical music known to man.

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