Dee Hoty is 'Mame' at The 5th Ave Theatre

Mame rings in the New Year at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong directs this Broadway musical, starring three-time Tony nominee Dee Hoty (Footloose, Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, Will Rogers Follies) in the iconic title role and 5th Avenue favorite Richard White (Kopit and Yeston's Phantom, The Desert Song, voice of Gaston in the Disney film Beauty and the Beast) as her suitor, Beauregard. They lead a vast ensemble of 39 who "coax the blues right out of the horn" in more than 275 extravagant costumes, designed by 2006 Tony Award-winner Gregg Barnes.

Performances begin February 9 (previews Feb.9-13) through March 2, 2008.  Show times are Tuesdays, Thursday & Fridays at 8PM; Wednesdays at 7:30PM; Saturdays at 2PM & 8PM; and Sundays at 1:30PM & 7PM.

"Mame tells the hilarious story of an eccentric socialite who finds her madcap Manhattan lifestyle turned upside down when she is appointed guardian of her orphaned nephew. Auntie Mame takes him on one whirlwind adventure after another, proving that "life is a banquet." With a rogue's gallery of memorable characters, Mame has touched the hearts and tickled the funnybones of audiences everywhere. The irresistible score by Jerry Herman includes the title song, "If He Walked Into My Life" and "We Need A Little Christmas,"" explain press notes.

The 5th Avenue Theatre's cast features another of Broadway's great leading ladies, Dee Hoty, as Mame Dennis alongside Richard White as her Southern gentleman Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside. Carol Swarbrick (5th Ave: Sweeney Todd, White Christmas) stars as Mame's theatrical sidekick, Vera Charles. Twelve-year-old Nick Robinson (Intiman's To Kill A Mockingbird) has been cast as young Patrick Dennis. Also featured are Kat Ramsburg as Agnes Gooch, Ben Gonio as Ito, Seán G. Griffin as Dwight Babcock, Laura Kenny as Mother Burnside, Michael Winters as Mr. Upson,  Taryn Darr as Gloria Upson, Matt Owen as older Patrick Dennis, Timothy McCuen Piggee as Lindsay Woolsey and Karen Skrinde as Sally Cato. The ensemble includes David Alewine, Jeffrey Alewine, Greg McCormick Allen, Nicholas Beach, Gabe Corey, Michael Ericson, Meaghan Foy, Kristin Gaetz, Krista Gibbon, Timothy Gleason, Bryce Henry, Diana Huey, Brittany Jamieson, Anders Ledell, Nikki Long, Lauralyn McClelland, Cheryl Massey-Peters, Trina Mills, Kasey Nusbickel, Lindsay Powers, Heather Roberts, John David Scott, Jenny Singer, Pamela Turpen, Luke Vroman and Thaddeus Wilson.

Mame is directed by David Armstrong (Sweeney Todd, Company) and choreographed by Dannul Dailey. The conductor/musical director is David Holcenberg (B'way: Mamma Mia, Seussical). The set design is by Walt Spangler and lighting design by Tom Sturge. Ken Travis (B'way: The Three Penny Opera, Barefoot in the Park) is the sound designer, Gregg Barnes (B'way: Legally Blonde, The Drowsy Chaperone) is the costume designer and Lynda Salsbury is the associate costume designer. Mary Pyanowski is the hair/make-up designer and Jeffrey K. Hanson is the production stage manager.

Tickets to Mame are priced from $20 - $77. Tickets are available over the phone by calling 206-625-1900 (toll free 888-5TH-4TIX), online at www.5thavenue.org or in person at the box office in downtown Seattle. There is no service charge when purchasing tickets in person at The 5th Avenue Theatre Box Office.

Dee Hoty (photo by Walter McBride / Retna Ltd)

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