Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at CITY OF ANGELS at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre

Welcome to the CITY OF ANGELS, a musical that mixes the glamorously seductive world of 1940s Hollywood with a fish out of water romantic comedy. Add great songs and Jazz music and it all adds up to a rare theater experience. Join Maurer Productions OnStage as they present CITY OF ANGELS at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre Fridays, May 6 and 13 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, May 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, May 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

With a book by Larry Gelbart, music by Cy Colman and lyrics by David Zippel, the show chronicles the misadventures of Stine, a young novelist writing his first screenplay for movie producer/director Buddy Fidler. While Buddy professes to be a fan of Stine's work, the young screenwriter soon finds himself mired in rewrites to accommodate the egomaniacal Fidler.

Stine's script stars a Raymond Chandler-esque private investigator named Stone. In this show within a show, every movie scene that Stine writes is acted out on stage in a black and white "film noir" world with a musical score reminiscent of a 1940s private eye film. Weaving the two worlds together on stage, Stine risks his integrity and his marriage while Stone is busy risking his life to solve a mystery. It's a double tale of decadence, deceit and homicide - with a liberal sprinkling of fun.

This technically challenging production features most of the cast in dual roles - in the real world of Hollywood and in the movie world of Detective Stone. Cast members include: Sean St. Louis-Farrelly of New Hope, Pa., as Stone; John Zimmerman of Hamilton as Stine; Alexandra Rush of Philadelphia, Pa., as Gabby/Bobbi; Kim Cupo of Fairless Hills, Pa., as Donna/Oolie; Peter Sauer of Yardley, Pa., as Buddy Fidler/Irwin S. Irving; Stephanie Zimmerman of Hamilton as Alaura /Carla; Jeffery Millstein of East Brunswick as Luther /Werner; Matt Blazejewski of Trenton as Peter/Gerald; Macy Jae Davis of Philadelphia, Pa., as Mallory/Avril; Jonathan Polanco of Hamilton as Lieutenant Muñoz/Pancho; Jim Petro of Hamilton as Jimmy Powers; Mattie Cassidy of Morrisville, Pa., as Dr Mandril/Gilbert; James Zimmerman of Hamilton as Officer Pasco/Gene; Stan Karuzis of Lawrence as Big Six/Commissioner Gaines; Nick Pecht of Hamilton as Sonny/ Coroner; Michael Sherman of Philadelphia, Pa., as Del Dacosta/Mahoney; and introducing the "Angel City 4," a quartet made up of Laura Young of Levittown, Pa. (soprano), Shannon Ferrara of West Windsor (alto), Matt Dawson of Flemington (tenor), and Bill Weir of Chalfont, Pa. (bass).

The production team is led by Director John M. Maurer, whose Kelsey credits include large scale musicals like Singin' in the Rain, Man of La Mancha, Avenue Q and Monty Python's Spamalot, and Stage Manager Beverly Kuo-Hamilton, Music Director Peter de Mets, and Choreographer Jane Coult. Costumes are by Anthony Remer.

A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night show on Friday, May 6. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens, and $16 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCC's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. More information about this production of CITY OF ANGELS is available at www.mponstage.com.

Photo Credit: John M. Maurer

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