EATING RAOUL Opens Minneapolis Musical Theatre's 2014-15 Season, Now thru 10/26

Minneapolis Musical Theatre's (MMT) Eating Raoul, based on Paul Bartel's 1982 black comedy film about a couple who go to extreme lengths to make money to open a restaurant, makes its area premiere today, October 3-26, 2014 at Hennepin Theatre Trust's New Century Theatre (Street Level of City Center in downtown Minneapolis). Under the guidance of MMT's new artistic director Christian Unser, Eating Raoul is directed by Ryan McGuire Grimes and kicks off the 2014-15 MMT season which also includes Calvin Berger and Happy Days-A New Musical. Tickets and three-show subscription packages are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 612.451.9501.

Eating Raoul is a twisted tale of the American dream. Set in the 1960s, Mary and Paul Bland want to open a restaurant and discover they are willing to use any measure they can to make their dream a reality. In a desperate and brutal effort to obtain cash, the Blands lure Hollywood swingers into their apartment, snatch their money and kill them. As the cash pile grows, so does the pile of dead bodies. However, the devious building superintendent Raoul offers a solution for a cut of profit. All goes according to plan until Mary and Paul begin to wonder how long this partnership can last.

Eating Raoul was adapted as an off-Broadway stage musical in 1992 from the cult classic film which starred Andy Warhol protégé Mary Woronov and Bartel. With a book by Bartel, who wrote the film's screenplay, Eating Raoul features music and lyrics by Jed Feuer and Boyd Graham (The Big Bang). The show opened at Union Square Theatre in 1992, ran for several months and received numerous regional productions.

As MMT's new artistic director, Unser is excited to step behind the scenes after appearing onstage in 11 shows with MMT and lead the organization's mission. A theatre arts graduate of the University of Minnesota, McGuire Grimes has brought many characters to life throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota including eight roles with MMT. He is excited to direct for the company he has considered home for the last six seasons.

Local actress Jessica Holtan Breed stars as Mary Bland who has previously appeared in the MMT production of Reefer Madness. Anthony Sofie, who most recently starred in MMT's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson plays the nervous Paul Bland. Making his Twin Cities stage debut is Gregory Adam as the villain Raoul. Adam recently graduated from St. Olaf College with B.A. in Theater and Mathematics.

Also featured are Karissa Lade as Donna, Lamar Jefferson as GR, Andrew Boe as Gladys, Alex Kotlarek as Inez, Ryan Halliday as Howard and Matthew Englund as James. Directed by McGuire Grimes, Eating Raoul features vocal direction by Unser, musical direction by Matthew Bear, choreography by Loretta Miller, set design by Darren Hensel, lighting design by Grant E. Merges, sound design by Allen Weeks, costume design by Clara Cavins Wolford and prop design by Jane Ryan. Amanda Specktor is the stage manager.

Tickets for Eating Raoul are on sale now and range from $25 to $30 depending on performance dates. Three-show subscription packages are also on sale for $66. Tickets and packages may be purchased in person (no service fees) at the New Century Theatre Box Office, online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org or by calling 612.451.9501. Prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Groups of 10 or more should call 612.455.9525 for information and reservations.

Performance dates are Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 at Hennepin Theatre Trust's New Century Theatre. Performance times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. There is an additional "pay what you can" performance on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

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