East Lynne Theater Company Presents ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

"Hey, Big Spender," "I Feel a Song Coming On," and "Pick Yourself Up," are just three of many popular songs with lyrics written by the incomparable Dorothy Fields.The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company is proud to present the world premiere musical revue "On the Sunny Side of the Street," the title taken from another Field's hit.

Shortly after Charles Gilbert performed brilliantly as musical director, arranger, and accompanist for "Rodgers' Romance" (ELTC in 2016), he suggested to artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth, that the company produce an evening of Dorothy Fields. Familiar with Fields, Stahlhuth thought it a terrific idea, and agreed to produce and direct it in 2018.

Gilbert has spent nearly forty years making provocative original work for the musical stage and training young artists for professional careers in musical theater. He headed the Musical Theater Program at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia from its inception in 1990 until 2008 and served from 2008 to 2013 as Director of the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at UArts. His vast body of work includes Musical Theater Coordinator for Kevin Smith's 2002 film "Jersey Girl," and he is a two-time Barrymore Award nominee for his music direction at the Arden Theater.

Another Barrymore Award nominee, Karen Cleighton, is the choreographer. She taught dance at University of the Arts and Temple University and is currently teaching at Chartertech High School for The Performing Arts in Somers Point, NJ.

The exceptional cast-of four includes Joilet F. Harris, Scott Harrison, Annemarie Rosano, and Melissa Zimmerman. Harris had the recurring role of Detective Massey in "The Wire" and received a Barrymore Award for playing the title character in "Caroline or Change" at The Arden Theatre. Harrison has performed in a variety of regional theaters in shows including "The Rocky Horror Show" and "Cabaret."

Rosano is a founding member of "America's Sweethearts," an ensemble specializing in musical vintage entertainment, and she's performed with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks in NYC. Zimmerman performed in "The Bobbed-Haired Bandit" at The NY International Fringe Festival and her television appearances include "Royal Pains."

During her almost 50-year career, Dorothy Fields wrote lyrics for more than 400 songs, worked on 15 Broadway musicals, and almost 30 films. Her film music with Jerome Kern included them winning the Academy Award for Best Song in 1936 for "The Way You Look Tonight" from "Swingtime." Cy Coleman, twenty-years her junior, asked Fields to write the lyrics for his music for the Broadway shows "Sweet Charity" (1965) and "Seesaw" (1973). Other collaborators with whom she worked include: Sigmund Romberg, Morton Gould, Arthur Schwartz, Harold Arlen, Albert Hague, Fritz Kreisler, Max Steiner, Oscar Levant, Harry Warren, and Burton Lane.

"On the Sunny Side of the Street" runs from June 13 - July 21, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 PM, except there is no show on Wednesday, July 4, and a show on Sunday, July 8. On opening night, June 13, there is an after-show party at The Washington Inn, 801 Washington Street, in which complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served. On Friday, June 22, there will be an after-show Q&A with the cast.

Location is The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, where ELTC is in residence. For more information and to make a reservation, call 609-884-5898, e-mail eastlynneco@aol.com or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.

Photo Credit: Gayle Stahlhuth

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