Totem Pole Presents RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL 8/10-22

With our culture saturated with American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and dozens of youngsters clamoring to be the next Disney Channel teen sensation, Totem Pole Playhouse's final regular season production, Ruthless! The Musical could not be more timely. Directed by playhouse artistic director, Ray Ficca, this campy show biz musical satire, gives a wink and a nod to such classics as The Bad Seed, Gypsy, and All About Eve. Patriot Federal Credit Union serves as guest sponsor of Ruthless! The Musical which runs from August 10 - 22.

The play centers around eight - year old Tina Demark who will stop at nothing to get the lead in her third grade play. Taking on the role of Tina, the singing, acting and dancing triple threat, is 10 year-old Mallory Bechtel. Miss Bechtel hails from Houston, TX, and is making her debut at The Playhouse. She has performed professionally in her home state of Texas, with most of her work seen at Theatre Under The Stars in Houston. Miss Bechtel takes her place on a long list of stars that have played the role of Tina. Broadway actress, Laura Bell Bundy, originated the role and both Natalie Portman and Brittany Spears were performing understudies in the original production.
Making her Totem Pole debut is Donna Migliaccio in the role of Sylvia St. Croix. Ms. Migliaccio received Helen Hayes awards in 1992 and 2007. She toured nationally with Guys & Dolls - 50th Anniversary Tour.

Totem Pole favorite and Mont Alto native, Katrina Yaukey, who recently appeared in Sisters of Swing earlier this season, will join some Totem Pole favorites and newcomers for the production. Ms. Yaukey will then depart in September for the Broadway national tour of Billy Elliott.

Rounding out the cast are Jenna Sokolowski, Jennifer Timberlake and Marsha Waterbury.

This show promises great songs, an outrageous story and hilarious characters, but Ficca is most excited about the show's structure. "Many theatres, including Totem Pole have enjoyed great success with newer "jukebox" type musicals. Ruthless! The Musical is more traditional in its form. It has longer scenes, major scenery changes, and a

full pit orchestra. It's a bit more like a traditional musical." Steven Zumbrun of Gettysburg serves as the Musical Director with Darren Server, Clay Arthur and Vaughn Irving as members of the orchestra.
David Hemsley Caldwell who is best known to Totem Pole audiences for his portrayal of the preacher in Smoke On The Mountain and directing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!, The Taffetas, Homecoming, Forever Plaid, Frank Sinatra: My Way, Oil City Symphony, Sanders Family Christmas, Radio Gals and Smoke on the Mountain oversees the stage movement/choreography for Ruthless!
James Fouchard, Resident Scenic Designer once again creates a spectacular set for this production. Lisa Streett-Liebetrau of Carlisle serves as the Costume Designer. Jen Rock designs the lights.

The post show discussion for Ruthless! The Musical will be Thursday evening, August 19th.
Continuing through August 8th is Unnecessary Farce sponsored by The Orchards.

August 10 - August 22: Ruthless! The Musical sponsored by Patriot Federal Credit Union
August 25 - 29: Late Nite Catechism sponsored by M & T Bank

For all Totem Pole events and information call 888-805-7056 or visit us online www.TotemPolePlayhouse.org

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