HONKY TONK ANGELS Begins at Sierra Rep This Month

Catch a glimpse of the lives of three women who dream of becoming country-music divas in The Honky Tonk Angels, playing at Sierra Repertory's Fallon House Theatre in April and May. First staged by Sierra Rep in 2004, this musical comedy features three heroines: a dirt-poor farm girl, an exasperated housewife and a fed-up secretary. They don't have much in common at first, until each finds the nerve to leave home and take a chance on making it big in country music in Nashville.

The Angels meet on a bus to Music City, form a group and perform classic country songs at a nightclub called Hillbilly Heaven.

"You really get to know these women," said Scott Viets, SRT's artistic director. "You're on their journey with them, care about them and want them to succeed."

Audiences might also want to tap their toes, as country music is the star of the show. From the classics of Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and Kitty Wells to the contemporary hits of Dolly Parton, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Reba McEntire, the show delivers non-stop country favorites. Songs "Stand By Your Man," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Delta Dawn" and "Harper Valley PTA" are just a few of the famous tunes.

The show is by Ted Swinley, the creator of Always...Patsy Cline, which Sierra Rep will also stage later this year. When SRT staged Angels 10 years ago it was a hit, Viets said, adding that both the music and the characters resonated with audiences.

The production was so popular that SRT went on to stage Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular, also a winner with local audiences.

Viets, who directed both shows, is excited about bringing The Honky Tonk Angels back to the Fallon House stage.

"It's time to revisit the ladies, they hold a special place in my heart," he said. "It's very funny and the music is just great."

Becky Saunders (Church Basement Ladies), who starred in Sierra Rep's previous production of Angels, returns to play Angela, while Cathy Shankelberg (Les Miserables) and Michelle Foletta (Gypsy) play Sue Ellen and Darlene. Guest costume designer Ryan Moller (Sound of Music, Les Miserables) also returns for the production, joining Rand Enlow as Scenic Designer, Peter Leibold as Light Designer and Mark Seiver as Musical Director.

The Honky Tonk Angels plays April 24 through May 31 at SRT's Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Historic Park with performances Wednesdays, some Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., and some Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $35, with senior, student and child rates available.

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