Jeffrey Kuhn and Todd Cerveris Join CAP21 Theatre's SOUTHERN COMFORT

CAP 21 Theatre Company presents SOUTHERN COMFORT, a new musical by Dan Collins (book and lyrics) and Julianne Wick Davis (music), based on Kate Davis' 2001 Sundance award-winning documentary about transgender friends in rural Georgia. Jeffrey Kuhn and Todd Cerveris join
previously announced Annette O'Toole and Jeff McCarthy, with previews to begin October 5, prior to its official press opening October 6 at the CAP21 Black Box Theater (18 West 18th Street) in Manhattan. Thomas Caruso (ZOMBIE, MIMI LE DUCK) directs.

SOUTHERN COMFORT is a uniquely American musical with a folk/bluegrass score. The musical is based on the true story of transgender friends living life openly, honestly, and courageously in rural Georgia.

SOUTHERN COMFORT's co-stars Annette O'Toole, Jeff McCarthy, Jeffrey Kuhn, and Todd Cerveris. Completing the cast are Allison Briner (MAMMA MIA), Lizzie Hagsteadt (SWEENEY TODD national tour), Natalie Joy Johnson (LEGALLY BLONDE), David Lutken (RING OF FIRE, THE Will Rogers
FOLLIES), Robin Skye (PARADE), and Joel Waggoner. Stage Manager is Joan H. Cappello.

The production has costume design by Patricia Doherty; lighting design by Ed McCarthy; scenic design by James Fenton and musical direction by Emily Otto.

Annette O'Toole, set to portray Robert Eads, received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress for her performance in the ABC miniseries "The Kennedys of Massachusetts." She is best known for her role in the hit CW series "Smallville," and has had recurring roles on "Nash Bridges" and "The Huntress," in addition to numerous TV guest appearances. With Michael McKean, she garnered an Oscar nomination for co-writing the song "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow," featured in "A Mighty Wind." Off-Broadway credits include KINDNESS (Playwrights Horizons) and THE SEAGULL (CSC).

Jeff McCarthy, set to portray Lola, originated the role of Officer Lockstock in URINETOWN on Broadway, for which he earned a Drama Desk nomination. Other Broadway credits include THE PIRATE QUEEN, SIDE SHOW, CHICAGO, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SMILE, and ZORBA with Anthony
Quinn. Off-Broadway credits include DREAM TRUE (Vineyard) and SYMPATHETIC MAGIC (Second Stage.)

Jeffrey Kuhn originated the role of Giuseppe Zangara in the 2004 Broadway premiere of ASSASSINS. He most recently appeared on Broadway in THE 39 STEPS, having previously performed in SPAMALOT, WICKED and RAGTIME.

Todd Cerveris appeared in the recent Broadway revivals of SOUTH PACIFIC and TWENTIETH CENTURY and national tours of TWELVE ANGRY MEN and SPRING AWAKENING. His notable Off-Broadway credits include ALMOST, MAINE; THE BUTCHERHOUSE CHRONICLES; and THE BOOTH VARIATIONS.

Dan Collins (book and lyrics) and Julianne Wick Davis (music) collaborated on the musical WOOD, presented as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's Next Link Series in 2008, directed by Tom Caruso and starring Cady Huffman. Their other collaborations include OUR LADY OF THE VIADUCT and TIME TO KILL for York Theatre's 4@15 series; and WHEN WE MET, co-created with Sally Wilfert and Michael Winther.

Thomas Caruso's Off-Broadway credits include MIMI LE DUCK, starring Eartha Kitt; ZOMBIE; BINGO; TWO BOYS IN BED ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT; the American premiere of Clive Barker's SUBTLE BODIES. He directed the national tour of Terrence McNally's MASTER CLASS, starring Charlotte Cornwell of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was the resident director of MAMMA MIA! in Las Vegas; and has assisted on numerous Broadway productions including LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!; MASTER CLASS; and LES MISERABLES.

Kate Davis' 2001 documentary "Southern Comfort," upon which the musical is based, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Subsequent awards include First Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival and Special Audience Award at the Berlin Film Festival.

CAP21 Theatre Company was founded by Frank Ventura and Eliza Ventura in 1993. For nearly twenty years, The CAP21 Theatre Company has produced new musicals and new plays by emerging and established theatre writers.

SOUTHERN COMFORT is an Equity Approved Showcase. This presentation of SOUTHERN COMFORT is supported in part by the National Fund for New Musicals, a program of National Alliance for Musical Theatre, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Performances of SOUTHERN COMFORT run October 5-29 at The CAP21 Black Box Theatre (18 West 18th Street, 5th floor): Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:00pm. Tickets are $18 and are available through OvationTix or online at www.cap21.org.

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