Richmond Triangle Players to Conclude 23rd Season with THE BOY FROM OZ, 6/15-7/16

Richmond Triangle Players' 23rd Season will come to a close with its production of the musical smash hit THE BOY FROM OZ, which will play from June 15 - July 16, 2016 at RTP's theater in Scott's Addition. The play opens Thursday, June 16 at 8 pm, following a low-priced preview on Wednesday, June 15 at 8 pm. The production is sponsored by Candace L. Osdene and David Peake.

Born in a small town in the Australian outback, Peter Allen (the boy from "Oz" himself) made his entertainment debut at the age of 5, was later was discovered by the legendary Judy Garland, and married her daughter Liza Minnelli. As his career skyrocketed, Allen wrote dozens of hit songs (one of which won an Oscar), and performed to adoring, sell-out crowds at Radio City Music Hall. But he also struggled with his sexuality, lost a lover to AIDS (which would later claim him as well), and gambled his career on what would be a notable Broadway flop.

Allen's extraordinary life eventually became a major musical, first in Australia and later on Broadway and around the world. RTP's production will mark its mid-Atlantic debut.

Playing the central role of Peter Allen (performed on Broadway by Hugh Jackman) is Chris Hester, who last appeared at RTP as the Emcee in the smash-hit production of Cabaret. Other roles at RTP include [title of show], Sordid Lives, The Busy World is Hushed, It's a Fabulous Life and Thrill Me. The iconic roles of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli are being reprised by actresses who have impersonated these legends before - Grey Garrett in Judy Garland: Beyond the Rainbow at Carnegie Hall at Swift Creek Mill Theatre and Anna Grey Hogan in We Three Lizas at RTP. Garrett most recently appeared in Croaker: The Frog Prince Musical at Virginia Rep and Hogan in In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play at TheatreVCU.

Rounding out the principal cast are Jeanie Rule (RTCC Best Supporting Actress for Cabaret) and Barry Pruitt (RTP's Next Fall) as Peter's parents, Dante Piro as Peter's early performing partner Chris Bell, Luke Newsome as Peter's lover Greg Connell, with Brandon McKinney and Dylan Stukenberg alternating in the role of Young Peter.

The rest of the cast includes Joshua James Crawford, Andrew Etheredge, Alex Farnsworth, Tarneé Kendall Hudson, and Katherine Wright.

THE BOY FROM OZ was written by Martin Sherman, based on the original by Nick Enright, and features songs by Peter Allen and others, including hits such as "I Honestly Love You," "Don't Cry Out Loud," "I Go to Rio," and the Oscar-winning "The Best That You Can Do (Is Fall in Love)."

The production is directed and choreographed by Justin Amellio, who has helmed some of RTP's biggest hits including bare: a pop opera and [title of show], both of which won the Richmond Theater Critics Circle prize as Best Musical in their respective seasons. He was awarded Best Director for his work on bare: a pop opera as well. Additional shows at RTP include directing Dirty Little Showtunes and Design for Living and appearing as an actor in The Beebo Brinker Chronicles.

Set design for THE BOY FROM OZ is by Frank Foster, costume design is by D. Mark Souza, sound design is by Joey Luck, and lighting design is by Michael Jarett. Production Stage Manager is Sharon Gregory and Production Manager is Lucian Restivo. Musical Director Kim Fox will lead a five-piece band.

THE BOY FROM OZ will open Thursday June 16, and run Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8 pm through July 16, with Sunday matinees June 26 and July 10 at 4 pm. There will be a low-priced preview on Wednesday June 15, and a special "Industry Night" performance on Tuesday, July 12.

All performances will take place at Richmond Triangle Players' theater at 1300 Altamont Avenue, just northwest of the intersection of the Boulevard and West Broad Street. Reserved seat tickets ($35 for Fridays and Saturdays, $32 for Thursday and Sundays, with discounts for groups and students; and $18 on the preview) can be purchased online at RTP's web site at www.rtriangle.org, on RTP's facebook page, or by leaving a message on the RTP Ticket hotline at 804-346-8113.

RTP's theater at 1300 Altamont Avenue is a 4000-square foot performing arts facility accommodating flexible seating arrangements for up to 90 patrons. The building features fully ADA-compliant access and comfortable restrooms, as well as a generous bar, and catering capability, and is also available for cabaret performances and private events.

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