TRAILER PARK Closes 7/11 In Raleigh

Get ready for trailer trash talkin', astroturf lovin' and spray cheese eatin' fun when Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy takes us down south and across the tracks for The Great American Trailer Park Musical (June 30-July 11) at The Kennedy Theatre in Raleigh. And a show like this needs some hilarious talent to bring it to life. Enter: Broadway funny girl, Lisa Jolley (Hairspray).

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 (Jolley) 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.
"It's always fun working with friends, and I had so much fun playing "Sylvia" last year that the chance Trailer Park this year with Tito was too good to pass up," says Jolley.

Trailer Park may be short on class, but not on talent. In addition to Jolley, who returns to the Kennedy Stage after her hilarious portrayal of a smart talking dog named "Sylvia" in A. R. Gurney's play last season, the cast is a lively bunch of seasoned actors. Gina Stewart (Betty) recently shared the Off-Broadway stage with Hot Summer Nights' Artistic Director Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Les Miserables, Vanities) in Good Ol' Girls. The talented cast also includes HSN alums Michael Jones (Norbert) and Jesse Gephart (Duke) plus Hot Summer Nights' newcomers 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 Broadway Star and Raleigh native Lauren Kennedy starring in Tell Me on a Sunday (August 18-Sept 5).

All performances run Wednesday-Saturday at 8PM. Sunday matinees are at 3PM. 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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