Hot Summer Nights Ends Extended TRAILER PARK Run, 7/14

The thermometer isn't the only thing on the rise in North Carolina. As the summer heats up, so have Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy and their production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. The 10-show run sold out so fast, that the theatre company had a waiting list for almost every show. After seeing the demand Trailer Park was receiving, the producers made a decision to add three additional 8PM performances July 14-16.

Producing Artistic Director and Broadway star Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Vanities, Les Miserables) couldn't be happier. "We are so proud of the hard work of this cast, crew, band and creative team. The phones have been ringing off the hook for tickets, so we felt it was important to make sure that everyone who wants to see this incredible group of artists performing this hilarious show gets to," says Kennedy.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical opened to rave reviews. Roy C. Dicks from the News and Observer says Trailer Park's "...ever-increasing hilarity finishes off a fine summer night of fun." Robert McDowell who writes his Triangle Theater Review for Triangle Arts and Entertainment says the show "...comes with a bladder control advisory!"

With music and lyrics by David Nehls and book by Betsy Kelso, The Great American Trailer Park Musical is a hilarious tale that tells the story of Norbert and Jeannie who have been married for 20 years. With little electricity left in their relationship due to Jeannie's agoraphobia that keeps her cooped up in her trailer, Norbert's attentions turn to Pippi the Stripper, who comes to town. A colorful and comedic chorus of trailer park neighbors comments on his moral conundrum.

Trailer Park includes an talented cast of actors including Broadway actress Lisa Jolley (Jeannie), Gina Stewart (Betty), Michael Jones (Norbert), Jesse Gephart (Duke), Canady Thomas (Pippi), Lauren Barone (Pickles) and Sandi Sullivan (Lin).
This hilarious musical brings director/choreographer Tito Hernandez back to Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy for a third strait year and he's excited to take Hot Summer Nights audience members to "this side of the tracks." "HSN has been such a fantastic ‘playground' for me to stretch myself artistically," says Hernandez who continued, "I actually didn't know I wanted to direct The Great American Trailer Park Musical until I read the hilarious script. The combination of camp, comedy and great music made me realize instantly that I had to be a part of it."

Musical Director/Pianist Jay Wright and his band also accompany Hernandez. The band Includes

Drew Lile (Guitar), John Simonetti (Bass) and Todd Proctor (Drums). The production team consists of Christine Rapp (Production Stage Manager), Chris Bernier (Set/Lighting Designer), Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer) and Casey Watkins (Costumes & Props).
After theatre goers leave "The Park" they will be treated to he chilling moral thriller Death and the Maiden (July 28-August 8) and the season closes with Kennedy starring in Tell Me on a Sunday (August 18-Sept 5).

All shows take place at the Kennedy Theatre inside the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC. A special engagement of Tell Me on a Sunday will run Sept 1-5 at the Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College in Wilson, NC. Tickets are $22.00 for general admission and $18 for senior adults and students. Calling 866-811-4111 or online through the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy can purchase tickets website: www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.

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