The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents [title of show]

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) continues its 2009'Äì2010 Studio Theatre series with an unabashedly self-aware and totally unique creation with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and book by Hunter Bell. And yes, for the last time, [title of show] really is the title.

Performances of [title of show] will be given in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, January 13 'Äì 31, 2010.

Curtain times are Tuesday at 7 pm; Wednesday'ÄìFriday at 8 pm; Saturday evenings at 5 pm; selected Saturday nights at 9 pm; Sunday matinees at 2 pm and Sunday evenings at 7 pm.

What are two hyper-talented young songwriters in New York to do? Bored with their series of odd jobs and bursting with creativity and a bit of cynicism, they endeavor to write about what they know best: two hyper-talented songwriters in New York. With two actress friends in tow, they embark on a true Cinderella journey from the unemployment line to the Great White Way.

As inspiration for their efforts, these two writers give themselves a challenge: they'Äôll have a submission ready for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. With a deadline only three weeks away, the team gets busy writing and singing about everything that is happening along the way. Over a dozen original songs are featured including Untitled Opening Number; Two Nobodies in New York; Die, Vampire, Die! and Nine People'Äôs Favorite Thing.

The New York Times called [title of show] "DELECTABLE ENTERTAINMENT! A postmodern homage to the grand tradition of backstage musicals like Babes in Arms; Kiss Me, Kate and A Chorus Line." Bell likes to call it an 'Äúautobiofictionography'Äù because, in his words, 'Äúit really does represent our lives, our creation.'Äù And about the title'Ķit was the first question on the Festival application, so that'Äôs really where it all begins.

As the show was accepted at the Festival, then an Off-Broadway run at the Vineyard Theatre in 2006 and an eventual Broadway run at the Lyceum Theatre in 2008, it was updated to include the excitement, frustrations and experiences the team encountered. Gathering honors and accolades every step of the way, [title of show] was honored with a 2006 Obie Award Special Citation and a Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Ensemble Cast in 2009. Additionally, Hunter Bell was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

In addition to [title of show], Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell have collaborated on many projects including Villians Tonight! for Disney, the web series 'Äúthe [title of show] show'Äù and a pilot for ABC currently in development. Additionally, Bowen has written music and lyrics for several shows at PS 122, as well as numerous galas, events and awards shows. As a performer, he originated the role of Jeff in [title of show] and has been seen at The O'Neill Center, Manhattan Theatre Source, Ars Nova and the Vineyard Theatre, among others. Bowen is also the co-founder of Late August Design, an internet design and marketing company that represented Wicked, Spelling Bee, Urinetown and The Full Monty.

Hunter Bell'Äôs additional credits include the book for Silence! The Musical, the book for the 137th edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, Bellobration!, as well as many benefits and events. Performing credits include originating the role of Hunter in [title of show] and appearances both on and off Broadway, right here at The Rep, The Muny, Cleveland Play House, Vineyard Theatre, Stages St. Louis and Carnegie Hall among many others. In 2003, he won the Connecticut Outer Critics Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Bell is also a distinguished alumnus of Webster University'Äôs Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

The cast of [title of show] at The Rep is Stephanie D'ÄôAbruzzo as Susan; Benjamin Howes as Jeff; Amy Justman as Heidi; and Ben Nordstrom as Hunter.

[title of show] is directed and choreographed by Victoria Bussert, who makes her Studio Theatre directing debut after directing many favorite shows on the Mainstage.

The creative staff also includes David Horstman, music director (and Larry); Scott C. Neale, scenic designer; Betsy Krausnick, costume designer; John Wylie, lighting designer; Rusty Wandall, sound designer; and Champe Leary, stage manager.

This show contains the creative use of adult language and is recommended for those 16 years of age and older.

For more information about The Rep'Äôs production of [title of show], including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play, photos and video related to the production, and more, visit The Rep'Äôs comprehensive public website at http://www.repstl.org.

Ticket prices start at just $35. To purchase, visit The Rep Box Office, located inside the Loretto-Hilton Center, charge by phone by calling (314) 968-4925, or visit The Rep'Äôs online Box Office at www.repstl.org.

 

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