Talk Is Free Theatre Announces DARLING OF THE DAY Cast

Talk Is Free Theatre has announced today the cast for the final production of the season, the musical Darling of the Day.

With this production, TIFT is continuing its tradition of rarely produced musicals. Darling of the Day seemed destined to be lost to the ages after one of the most problematic original Broadway productions back in 1968 . That production starred Vincent Price and Patricia Routledge (most famous later for playing Hyacinth Bucket in the British comedy Keeping Up Appearances). And, although Routledge won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the production was plagued with problems and closed after only 31 performances.

The score of Darling of the Day includes music by famed composer Jule Styne (Gypsy and Funny Girl) and lyrics by the legendary E.Y. Harburg who was the lyricst for The Wizard of Oz (including the classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow") and penned the words to hits like "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?," "April in Paris" and "It's Only a Paper Moon." Based on a novel by Arnold Bennett Buried Alive, the Book is by Nunnally Johnson. The revised version is by Erik Haagensen.

Darling of the Day is directed by former Toronto Star Theatre Critic, and frequent TIFT director, Richard Ouzounian. It will star Thom Allison (Priscilla- the Queen of the Desert on Broadway and a veteran of Stratford and Shaw Festivals) as Priam Farll and Winnipeg actor Jennifer Lyon (TIFT`s productions of Guys and Dolls and The Wakowski Brothers) as Alice Chalice.

The supporting cast includes the return of two favourite performers who have already graced TIFT stage this season. Audiences will remember Jakob Ehman from his riveting performance as The Kid in TIFT's production of Gotcha! this fall. He will make his musical theatre debut as Oxford. Judy Marshak returns as Lady Vale after appearing in Sunday in the Park with George. The rest of the cast includes musical theatre veteran Eddie Glen, Amir Haidar, Andrew McAllister, Sarah Rorabeck, Claire Rouleau and Iain Stewart.
Other members of the creative team include Musical Director James Smith (Chasse-Galerie), Choreographer Amanda Nuttall, Set and Lighting Designer Joe Pagnan, Costumes and Props Designer Laura Gardner, Stage Manager Barry Cook and Producer Keith Baker.

Darling of the Day is the story of Priam Farll, a brilliant unconventional artist who offended Queen Victoria and was exiled to the South Pacific. Now it's 1905 and Victoria has been succeeded by Edward VII. Farll returns to London to receive a knighthood, but is appalled by society's expectations of him as a flash in the pan celebrity, a "darling of the day." When Farll's faithful butler suddenly dies and their identities are confused by an official, Farll seizes the chance to "get out of this world alive."

Darling of the Day will be performed at the Park Place Theatre at the Mady, 1 Dunlop Street West in Barrie, Ontario. It previews on May 5, 2016, opens on May 6, 2016 and runs to May 14, 2016. The production is generously sponsored by Half Bath. Season Partner is Terry Coughlin. Operating government funding is generously provided by the City of Barrie and the Ontario Arts Council.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.tift.ca or (705) 792-1949.

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