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Oliver Townsend

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BIO

As a musical director/conductor:
-The Color Purple
-Musical of Musicals: The Musical
-Rent
-The Music Man
-Miss Saigon
-Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
-Lil Abner
-Annie
-Anything Goes
-West Side Story
-Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana.
-"Defying Inequality" with casts of Wicked, Jersey Boys, Grease, and Xanadu.

As a pianist:
-Wicked (Chicago and Tour 2)
-Marvin Hamlisch
-Il Divo
-The Foundations
-Lorna Luft
-West Side Story
-Beauty and the Beast
-High School Musical
-My Fair Lady
-Company
-All Shook Up

News


Photos: Inside Rehearsal For SMALL ISLAND at the Olivier Theatre

Rehearsal images for the critically acclaimed production of Small Island are released today. Adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s prize-winning novel and directed by Rufus Norris, the production will open on 24 February in the Olivier theatre.  
Cast Announced For SMALL ISLAND As Rehearsals Begin

Casting for the revival of the critically acclaimed production Small Island is announced today as the company begin rehearsals. Adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy's prize-winning novel and directed by Rufus Norris, the production will open on 24 February in the Olivier theatre.  
Cast and Creatives Announced For Polka Theatre's Christmas Production, CINDERELLA: THE AWESOME TRUTH

Polka Theatre are bringing wonder to Wimbledon this winter, with the world premiere of madcap musical adventure Cinderella: the AWESOME truth. This feel-good festive show, with music and lyrics by the award-winning Felix Hagan (Operation Mincemeat, New Diorama Theatre), celebrates the power of friendship and self-worth.
City Lit's TWO DAYS IN COURT Announces Full Cast

City Lit Theater Artistic Director Terry McCabe today announced his 17-person cast for the company's 2018-2019 season closer - a double-bill of one-acts, dubbed TWO DAYS IN COURT,  offering first a fantastic and then a silly and satiric look at the legal system. McCabe will direct the bill, which will open with THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER -  the play by Stephen Vincent Benet based on his 1936 short story.
Photo Flash: First Look at Black Button Eyes Productions' EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL

Black Button Eyes Productions concludes its 2018-19 season with the Chicago storefront premiere of EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, a parody of Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead horror films, with book and lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt.
Black Button Eyes Productions' EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL Comes to Pride Arts Center

Black Button Eyes Productions concludes its 2018-19 season with the Chicago storefront premiere of EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, a parody of Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead horror films, with book and lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt.
Photo Flash: Inside Black Button Eyes Productions' EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL

Black Button Eyes Productions concludes its 2018-19 season with the Chicago storefront premiere of EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, a parody of Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead horror films, with book and lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt.
Black Button Eyes Productions' Presents EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL

Black Button Eyes Productions concludes its 2018-19 season with the Chicago storefront premiere of EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, a parody of Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead horror films, with book and lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford with music direction by Oliver Townsend and choreography by Derek Van Barham, the spooky send-up will play January 11 - February 16, 2019 at Pride Arts Center (The Broadway), 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago.
Casting Announced For Black Button Eyes Productions' EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL At Pride Arts Center

Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to announce casting for the Chicago storefront premiere of EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, a parody of Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead horror films, with book and lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt.
Photo Flash: Greenhouse Theater Center Hosts 4th annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Underscore Theatre Company is pleased to present its 4th annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL, created to showcase and support the growing field of musical theatre creators from Chicago and beyond. This year's Festival, featuring full productions of seven new musicals plus two staged readings, will play February 5 - 25, 2018 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Each full production will receive at least four performances during the Festival. Single tickets are currently available at www.cmtf.org. The press "Sneak Preview," featuring a sampling of songs from the 2018 Festival, is Monday, February 5 at 8 pm.
4th Annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Arrives at Greenhouse Theater Center

Underscore Theatre Company is pleased to present its 4th annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL, created to showcase and support the growing field of musical theatre creators from Chicago and beyond. This year's Festival, featuring full productions of seven new musicals plus two staged readings, will play February 6 16, 2018 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Each full production will receive at least four performances during the Festival. Single tickets are currently available at www.cmtf.org. The press Sneak Preview, featuring a sampling of songs from the 2018 Festival, is Monday, February 5 at 8 pm.
BWW Review: THE CARETAKER, Bristol Old Vic

Crafting The Caretaker (or indeed any Pinter) off the page takes a great deal of nuance and skill. Thankfully, in this new co-production from the Bristol Old Vic and Royal & Derngate Northampton, Christopher Haydon directs with the right amount of faithfulness to the text alongside flexibility for his cast.
Full Cast Announced for New Production of THE CARETAKER at Bristol Old Vic this Autumn

Bristol Old Vic and Royal & Derngate, Northampton have announced the full cast for The Caretaker which will begin rehearsals today.
Patrice Naiambana Announced as 'Davies' in Revival of THE CARETAKER

Bristol Old Vic and Royal & Derngate, Northampton today announced Patrice Naiambana will take on the iconic role of 'Davies' in Pinter's blistering classic The Caretaker, celebrated as one of 20th century theatre's most significant plays.
Gate Theatre Announces Extension For GROUNDED

The Gate Theatre today announces an extension for its critically acclaimed, smash-hit production of George Brant's Grounded which is returning to the Gate following two previous sell-out runs.  The production, starring Lucy Ellinson, now runs for an extra week until 25 March. 
BWW Review: GROUNDED, Gate Theatre

Previously performed at The Gate in 2013 after a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival, Grounded returns to Notting Hill by popular demand. It is immediately apparent why.
Photo Flash: Take a Look Inside Rehearsals for ALADDIN at Lyric Hammersmith

The Lyric's annual panto returns when Aladdin flies into Hammersmith on his magic carpet for some festive fun in true Lyric style. Fresh for 2016, the show will be full of colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and of course the magical Genie.
Christopher Haydon Announces Final Season as Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre

Artistic Director Christopher Haydon today announces the Gate Theatre's new season entitled Resist!, his final season as Artistic Director. 
The Lyric Hammersmith's ALADDIN Announces Its Full Cast

The Lyric Hammersmith today announces full casting for its Christmas show, Aladdin. The Lyric's annual panto returns when Aladdin flies into Hammersmith on his magic carpet for some festive fun in true Lyric style. Fresh for 2016, the show will be full of colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and of course the magical Genie.
CINDERELLA and Raynond Briggs' FATHER CHRISTMAS Slated for 2015 Holiday Season at the Lyric Hammersmith

This winter the Lyric Hammersmith will stage two delightful productions that are sure to add some sparkle to the festive season. This year's Lyric pantomime, CINDERELLA, will dazzle audiences in the Main House while the charming and lovable Raymond Briggs' FATHER CHRISTMAS returns to enchant under 6s in the Lyric Studio.

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