Douglas Morrisson to Present 110 IN THE SHADE, 11/14-12/8

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season of mystery and romance with "110 in the Shade" by N. Richard Nash, music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones. Directed by Nancy McCullough Engle, the former Artistic Director of DMT, "110 in the Shade" features Melissa Reinertson as Lizzie Curry, Reg Clay as Starbuck, David Bauer as File, Avi Jacobson as H.C. Curry, Danny Martin as Noah Curry, James Koponen as Jimmie Curry and Emma Mercier as Snookie. Filled with achingly beautiful melodies and dynamic dance numbers, "110 in the Shade" is a heartfelt musical romance about one woman's learning to believe in herself. The show runs Nov. 14- Dec. 8, 2013.

Adapted by Nash from his classic play "The Rainmaker," "110 in the Shade" tells the story of Lizzie Curry, a love-starved woman living on a rain-starved Texas ranch during the Depression. Lizzie likes to speak her mind, and she's plenty headstrong, but also lonely. Her father and brothers would like to see her hitched and happy, maybe to Sheriff File, who's become a brooding loner since his wife left him. Bursting with charisma, con-man Starbuck swaggers into town, promising rain to the drought-parched town, and a chance of romance for Lizzie.

"110 in the Shade" opened on Broadway 50 years ago on October 24, 1963, at the Broadhurst Theatre. Starring Inga Swenson as Lizzie and Will Geer as H.C. Curry and featuring the choreography of Agnes De Mille, the original production was nominated for four Tony Awards. The Roundabout Theater Company's 2007 revival starred Audra McDonald as Lizzie, Steve Kazee as Starbuck and John Cullum as H.C. Curry; it received five Tony nominations and won two Drama Desk awards for outstanding revival of a musical and for best actress in a musical.

"110 in the Shade" is old-fashioned in the very best sense - an all-American musical with simple, direct lyrics and wistful melodies celebrating honest emotions with a non-flashy and homey charm. DMT's Artistic Director Susan E. Evans has been trying to find a show to lure her predecessor Nancy McCullough Engle out of retirement since she started the job. When she found out that "110 in the Shade" had long been on Nancy's "bucket list," it made for an easy choice for the current season.

Photo by Terry Sullivan

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