Woodminster Summer Musicals 2011 Celebrates Its 45th Season

Producers Associates, Inc. presents the 45th season of the Woodminster Summer Musicals, which includes "Oliver!" "My Fair Lady," and "Finian's Rainbow." Since 1967, the organization has produced three or more musicals each year at Woodminster Amphitheater, attracting around 25,000 attendees each summer to Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland.

Woodminster's 2011 season opened with a live performance of "Oliver!" on July 8-17. This musical retelling of Dickens' famous novel, Oliver Twist, was well received and kicked off the summer season in style.

The second show will be "My Fair Lady," from August 5-14. The featured songs of the show include "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," and "Get Me To the Church On Time." The preview will take place on Thursday, August 4, followed by Opening Night the following night, Friday, August 5. Subsequent performances will be held on August 6-7 and 11-14, all beginning at 8.p.m.

The 45th season of the Woodminster Summer Musicals concludes with the classic "Finian's Rainbow," a combination of fantasy, political satire, and eclectic music that includes well-known standards "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" and "Old Devil Moon." The story features Finian McLonergan, an immigrant from Ireland, who settles in the fictional state of Missitucky with his daughter, Sharon, and a leprechaun. Complications arise when a bigoted and corrupt U.S. Senator gets involved with the trio.
Tickets for theatre performances range from $26 to $42 with a $2 discount for children and seniors. Groups of 25 or more can purchase blocks of seats for half price. Children and teens, 16 or younger, who attend with a paying adult will receive free tickets on performance nights. Last year, along with several sponsors, the organization was able to give away more than 3,000 free tickets to children and teenagers.

Woodminster is also opening the final dress rehearsal of each show to the public. All those interested can attend for just $10. Seating is open, so it is first-come, first-serve. No promotions apply for this performance.

"We are proud of how many of our audience members saw their first live theater at Woodminster and how they keep coming back year after year. With that in mind, we look for ways to keep ticket prices affordable. Our $10 previews, along with our Kids Come Free program and half-price group tickets, bring American musical theater performances to people who otherwise might not get to enjoy it," said Harriet Schlader, Woodminster's Managing Director.

For tickets and inquiries, contact Kathy Kahn at (510) 531-9597 or visit them on the web at http://www.woodminster.com. Woodminster Summer Musicals is located at 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Oakland, CA 94602.

About Woodminster Summer Musicals
The Woodminster Summer Musicals have been presented since 1967 by Oakland nonprofit Producers Associates, Inc. Each summer, the organization presents three Broadway-style musicals under the stars in historic Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. This popular musical theater series attracts large audiences for its shows, and many theatergoers enjoy pre-show walks and picnics along the trails and cascades surrounding the amphitheater.

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