Irving Berlin's I LOVE A PIANO Brings Classic American Music to the Meadow Brook Theatre Stage

Meadow Brook Theatre is filled with the beloved music of Irving Berlin in its spring performance of "I Love a Piano." As one of the premiere composers of American Music, Berlin's classics include, "Blue Skies," "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Always," and "White Christmas," all featured in "I Love a Piano." This magnificent musical tells the story of a special piano as it travels through a hundred years of American lives.

"I Love a Piano," with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin was originally conceived by Ray Roderick and Michael Berkeley. The musical runs April 19 through May 14, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.

"I love Irving Berlin and this show has more than 60 of his songs-or parts of his songs-in it," said Travis Walter, MBT artistic director and director of "I Love a Piano." "On top of a great show, we've got a fantastic cast. They're the perfect ones to tell this piano's musical story."

MBT is welcoming back several favorites from musicals from this and past seasons in the cast of "I Love a Piano." Ricky Gee (George) and Lucas Wells (Jim) were both in "ALTAR BOYZ" earlier this year. In addition, Ron Williams (Alex) and Stephanie Wahl (Sadie) return after last season's successful run of "ATOMIC!" Sarah Parnicky (Eileen) was in "Cole Porter's You Never Know" and Leslie Ann Handelman (Ginger) was last seen in "Reunion: An Epic Musical in Miniature."

"This cast of triple threats will sing and dance their way through over 72 costume changes," said costume shop coordinator Liz Goodall. "Since December costume designer Corey Collins and assistant costume designer Maureen Thomas have been working with the costume department to deliver a stunning array of pieces (84 costumes in total) to take audiences through a visual journey spanning 5 decades."

"I Love a Piano" is directed by Meadow Brook Theatre Artistic Director Travis W. Walter. Ryan Domres is the choreographer and Mathew Croft is the musical director. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Jen Price Fick, costumes by Corey Collins assisted by Maureen Thomas, lighting by Matthew J. Fick and sound by Mike Duncan.

Matthew Croft also directs the band and plays piano. The remainder of the band includes Allison Rhoades (violin), Sig Hepler (guitar), Ryan Crum (bass and tuba), Chris Napier (trumpet), Don Platter (trombone), Alex Blue V (reeds) and Nick Matthews (percussion).

Tickets range from $27 to $42 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

"I Love a Piano" is made possible through the generous support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com or call 248-377-3300. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 50 years.

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