DISNEY ON ICEsm PRESENTS MICKEY AND MINNIE’S MAGICAL JOURNEY Smuin Ballet's Fall Program Includes Two World Premieres Broadway By the Bay Presents "Miss Saigon" American Musical Theatre of San Jose Presents Molly Ringwald in "Sweet Charity"
DISNEY ON ICEsm PRESENTS
MICKEY AND MINNIE’S MAGICAL JOURNEY
IN OAKLAND OCTOBER 18-21 AND SAN JOSE OCTOBER 25-29
San Francisco, CA (August 24, 2006) - Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Icesm presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey will take audiences on an action-packed tour of the imagination when this spectacular production comes to the Oakland Arena October 18-21 and the HP Pavilion at San Jose October 25-29. With Mickey and Minnie as tour guides, audiences traverse the globe, joining Disney’s Lilo and Stitch as they embrace 'ohana, the family spirit of Hawaii; fly away to Never Land with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell; escape with Ariel and Sebastian from Disney’s The Little Mermaid and go under the sea; and make tracks to London with 101 Dalmatians. Tickets go on sale Sunday, September 10th for both Bay Area engagements.
“It’s an extraordinary show, an adventure through imagination and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey, Minnie and their friends. At the end, without ever leaving your seat, you feel like you’ve toured London, taken a dip in the sea and enjoyed a Hawaiian luau.”
To develop this production, Feld assembled the talents of an elite creative team, overseen by Creative Director Jerry Bilik, consisting of: Director Patty Vincent, who herself skated for Disney On Ice for nine years, and serves as character development director for all touring Disney On Ice productions; Costume Designer Arthur Boccia, whose experience in the field spans from 14 seasons as top assistant to Don Foote, the costume designer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey®, to work on Broadway, in film, and television; Production Designer Robert Smith, whose extensive experience in the design field began with live theatrical productions, evolving into television, and film; Choreographer Cindy Stuart, who has choreographed for Figure Skating Olympic Silver Medalist Rosalyn Sumners, two-time National Pairs Champions Jenni Meno and Todd Sand, World Champion Chen Lu, and several Disney On Ice productions; and Lighting Designer Patrick Dierson, whose expertise has been called upon for numerous high-level productions, including the world tour of Latin pop sensation Shakira, the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV’s “Fashionably Loud” and various appearances for artists on VH1, in addition to his previous work with Feld Entertainment.
Each destination on this magical journey has its own mood and lighting created by Patrick Dierson. The foggy London skyline that can be seen from the Darling children’s window soon changes to the mysterious forest where Peter Pan and the Lost Boys live in their treehouse, while Lilo and Stitch cavort surfside surrounded by tropical sunlight and foliage. “This particular show is very water-oriented,” says Dierson. “Never Land is an island, Ariel’s story takes place under the sea, and Lilo lives in Hawaii.” Water-based special effects include making the ice look like the surface of the ocean for Captain Hook's scenes, and then making it look like the bottom of the ocean for Disney's The Little Mermaid. Dierson says, “Each story has a different feel, and we project that with the lighting as much as possible. For example, Disney's Lilo & Stitch has a much brighter, lighter feel than the Lost Boys’ home in Walt Disney's Peter Pan.”
The many moods of the show are enhanced by the late Robert Smith’s scenic design both on and off the ice. Lilo’s Hawaiian home is on the ice, while Stitch’s alien planet is depicted above it, creating a multidimensional feel for the show. Captain Hook’s crew sails across the ice on an enormous pirate ship measuring more than 35 feet long and nearly 18½ feet wide, and King Triton’s daughters emerge for their music lessons from oversized shells. In picking colors and textures, Smith tried to stay close to the original stories, pulling imagery from film backgrounds and carefully considering which details are essential to the stories. “What is fun about this project being Mickey’s magical journey is that while we want to create four distinct looks, they’re tied together. Walt Disney’s Peter Pan is the oldest story, and Disney’s Lilo & Stitch the newest, so we have a nice broad set of styles, from ultra-classic to very modern Disney ‘looks.’”
Costume Designer Arthur Boccia has assembled specific and appealing looks for all the Disney locales. Creatures and characters along the way sport everything from nightgowns to grass skirts to fur coats. Dozens and dozens of black-and-white spotted dalmatians give way to Triton’s fin-clad daughters. Boccia has packed everything necessary for trips to London and Never Land, Hawaii and the bottom of the sea. From pirate gear in Walt Disney’s Peter Pan to surfer gear in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, there are lively looks all around.
Musically, Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey combines familiar tunes from Disney’s Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and 101 Dalmatians along with new favorites from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and classic rock-and-roll songs that the whole family will recognize. The unconventional mix of music inspired choreographer Cindy Stuart to incorporate original moves, like the boisterous pirate line dance and the fanned-out precision number for Pongo and Perdita’s gigantic dalmatian litter. Stuart has also included more classic skating, like David and Nani’s touching surf duet, Cruella De Vil’s slithery solo, and Prince Eric and Ariel’s tender pas de deux.
Feld Entertainment, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 25 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in 50 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®. For more information about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com. Members of the media are encouraged to visit the Press Room at www.feldentertainment.com.
The Academy Award® is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Icesm presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey will take audiences on an action-packed tour of the imagination when this spectacular production comes to the Oakland Arena and the HP Pavilion at San Jose. With Mickey and Minnie as tour guides, audiences traverse the globe, joining Disney’s Lilo and Stitch as they embrace 'ohana, the family spirit of Hawaii; fly away to Never Land with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell; escape with Ariel and Sebastian from Disney’s The Little Mermaid and go under the sea; and make tracks to London with 101 Dalmatians.
OAKLAND
WHEN: Wed., October 18 – Sat. October 21, 2006
Wed., Oct 18 at 7:30pm
Thurs., Oct 19 at 7:30pm
Fri., Oct 20 at 10:30pm and 7:30 pm
Sat., Oct 21 at 11:30am, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
WHERE: Oakland Arena, I-880 at 66th Ave, Oakland
TICKETS:Tickets go on sale September 10. Tickets ($50.00 / $37.00 / $25.00 / $15.00) can be obtained by calling 510-625-TIXS, 415-421-TIXS, 408-998-TIXS, or 707-528-TIXS or may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups of 20 or more can be purchased by phoning 510-383-4581. Tickets are also available at Tower Records, Wherehouse Music, and Ritmo Latino. Prices do not include Oakland Arena 5% facility fee or $3 club seat charge.
SAN JOSE
WHEN:Wed., October 25 – Sun., October 29, 2006
Wed., Oct 25 at 7:30 pm
Thurs., Oct 26 at 7:30 pm
Fri., Oct 27 at 7:30 pm
Sat., Oct 28 at 11:30am, 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Sun., Oct 29 at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm
WHERE: HP Pavilion at San Jose, 525 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose
TICKETS:Tickets go on sale September 10. Tickets ($50.00 / $37.00 / $25.00 / $15.00)
can be obtained by calling 408-998-TIXS, 415-421-TIXS; or 510-625-TIXS, or may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Groups of 20 or more can purchase by phoning 408-999-5746or via groupsales@hppavilion.com. Tickets are also available at Tower Records, Wherehouse Music, and Ritmo Latino. SMUIN BALLET KICKS OFF 2006-07 SEASON
WITH TWO WORLD PREMIERES AND A REVIVAL OF SHINJŪ
OCTOBER 6TH -15TH AT SAN FRANCISCO’S PALACE OF FINE ARTS THEATRE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 1, 2006) – The Bay Area’s own internationally acclaimed dance company, Smuin Ballet begins its 2006-07 season with the world premiere of Michael Smuin’s Obrigado, Brazil; a new piece by Protégé Program artist Amy Seiwert, entitled Revealing the Bridge; and the reprise of Smuin favorite Shinjū. The Obrigado, Brazil program premieres at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts Theatre October 6-15, 2006. For single tickets ($40-$55), the public may call (415) 978-2787. For subscriptions, group sales, or more information, the public may call (415) 495-2234 or visit www.smuinballet.org.
This program will be repeated at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, (February 9-10, 2007); at the Sunset Center, Carmel, (February 16-17, 2007); and at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, (February 21-25, 2007).
Rhythm reigns supreme in Michael Smuin’s first world premiere ballet of the season Obrigado, Brazil. This joyous and exotic journey utilizes classical, samba, and bossa nova dance vocabulary, set to a recording of vibrant South American music performed by Yo-Yo Ma and an all-star ensemble of Brazilian musicians. The one-act ballet, set on the entire Smuin Ballet company, will feature costumes by Ann Beck and lighting design by Mike Oesch.
The bossa nova, a less percussive, more melodically complex derivation of samba, was created by João Gilberto in Brazil in the late 1950s. This music style originated within the small clubs, cafes, and upper-middle class neighborhoods along the beachfront districts of Rio de Janeiro. Indeed, bossa nova compositions portray a carefree way of life, most often speaking of love, the beach, and beautiful women. Michael Smuin’s thrilling take on this sultry dance form brings relationships to the fore, offering audiences a feel for the swaying rhythms of a steamy night in Ipanema.
On the same program, Amy Seiwert will introduce the world premiere of Revealing the Bridge, set to a Balenscu Quartet recording of Michael Nyman's String Quartet No. 2. A leading dancer in Smuin Ballet, Seiwert is also a rising choreographic star who has premiered acclaimed works such as The Melting, Ruhig, and Short Ride with the company as part of Smuin Ballet’s Protégé Program. This summer, she was also honored with an invitation to participate in the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute.
Seiwert’s inspiration for her new work comes from Claude Monet’s “The Japanese Bridge.” Painted in 1922, Monet’s work depicts a bridge, located in his garden at Giverny, which he painted several times. In this particular work, however, the bridge is strikingly abstract, painted in reds, yellows, and blues. Lighting designer Mike Oeash, derived the color scheme from the painting, creating a vibrant canvas for Seiwert to set her work. Demonstrating “an increasing structural mastery” (Contra Costa Times) the award winning Seiwert consistently offers musically challenging works with intense energy.
Frequently drawing comparisons to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Michael Smuin’s Shinjū. is based on an 18th century Japanese play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. The play itself was derived from a centuries-old legend of two star-crossed lovers whose passion is maliciously thwarted by mysterious forces. Paul Seiko Chihara’s eerie score and Willa Kim’s exquisite décor and costumes combine with Smuin’s clever mix of kabuki and ballet to create an ethereal tale.
Michael Smuin is at once an established name and a vital force in dance today. He made the San Francisco Bay Area his home when he was a Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet (which is also when he began choreographing). He has danced and choreographed for Broadway (Anything Goes, Choreographer: Tony, Drama Desk and Fred Astaire Awards; Sophisticated Ladies, Director/Choreographer: two Tony nominations; Canciones de mi Padre Director/Choreographer); toured internationally with Paula Tracy; appeared on television (Ira Gershwin at 100: a Celebration at Carnegie Hall); contributed to the films Rumble Fish, Cotton Club, Dracula, Fletch, Wolf, Angie, The Joy Luck Club, Golden Gate, A Walk in the Clouds, and Return of the Jedi, Special Edition; and served as Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer for American Ballet Theatre. He returned to San Francisco in 1973 as Co-Director of San Francisco Ballet until 1985, and was instrumental in raising that company’s profile in the international arts community, including staging a performance at the White House and many “Dance in America” programs on PBS. Mr. Smuin’s ballets are currently in the repertories of major dance companies around the country.
Debuting in San Francisco in 1994, Smuin Ballet quickly established itself not only as one of the Bay Area’s most fervently watched performing arts companies, but also as “one of this country’s most entertaining, original ballet troupes” (Dance Magazine). The New York Times recently lauded the company’s Joyce Theatre program, proclaiming “Michael Smuin sends people out of the theater humming tunes and filled with images of pretty young women and handsome young men spinning and leaping up a storm. A veteran Broadway and ballet choreographer with a strong sense of craft, he has no qualms about entertaining audiences.” International audiences have responded with equal ardor, welcoming Smuin Ballet in multiple summer engagements with sold-out performances throughout Italy. Michael Smuin’s singular philosophy to create pieces which merge the diverse vocabularies of classical ballet and contemporary dance has served as the company’s touchstone since the beginning. “Smuin Ballet…blends classic ballet and modern dance forms more successfully than any other company on the national dance scene,” proclaimed a recent UPI review. “Michael Smuin is not only an important influence on dance in America today but is also an important factor in shaping dance of the future.”
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: The Bay Area’s own internationally acclaimed dance company, Smuin Ballet begins its 2006-07 season with the world premiere of Michael Smuin’s Obrigado, Brazil; Revealing the Bridge, a new piece by Protégé Program artist Amy Seiwert; and the reprise of Smuin favorite Shinjū.
WHERE: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre (at Bay and Lyon Streets), San Francisco
WHEN: October 6-15, 2006
Friday, October 6 & Saturday, October 7 at 8pm
(Friday, October 6 is also press opening)
Sunday, October 8 at 7pm
Tuesday, October 10 - Friday, October 13 at 8pm
Saturday, October 14 at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, October 15 at 2pm
TICKETS: For single tickets ($40 - $55), the public may call (415) 978-2787. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups of 15 or more. Pay-What-You-Can performance: October 8 at 7pm and October 11 at 8pm. For information the public may call (415) 495-2234 or visit www.smuinballet.org.
BROADWAY BY THE BAY PRESENTS
Miss Saigon
SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 8, 2006
SAN MATEO (Aug. 29, 2006) – Broadway By the Bay (BBBay), the Peninsula institution now in its 41st season, presents the three-time Tony Award-winning musical MISS SAIGON. A modern retelling of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, MISS SAIGON was created by the illustrious musical team that brought the world Les Misérables - Alain Boubil (lyrics) and Claude-Michel Schönberg (music), with additional lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Since its premiere in 1989, MISS SAIGON has performed around the world and is one of only six productions in Broadway history to reach 4000 performances. Its dramatic onstage landing of an evacuation helicopter will be faithfully recreated on the San Mateo Performing Arts Center stage, Thursdays though Sundays, September 22 (press night September 23) - October 8, 2006. This BBBay production is directed by Alex Perez. For tickets ($15-$38) and additional information, the public may call (650) 579-5565 or visit www.bbbay.org.
Set during the final stages of the Vietnam War, in post-war Vietnam and Thailand, the story of MISS SAIGON was inspired by a magazine photograph found by composer Claude-Michel Schönberg. The picture depicted a Vietnamese mother leaving her child at a departure gate at Tan Son Nhat Airport to board a plane for the U.S. where her ex-GI father would be able to provide a better life.
Expanded from this glimpse of real-life, the plot of MISS SAIGON tells the story of Chris, an American Marine in Saigon on the eve of the city’s fall to Communist forces in May 1975. He meets Kim, a young Vietnamese woman orphaned by the war and forced to work in a Saigon night club/brothel. Initially apprehensive, the two end up falling in love. Separated from Kim in the chaos of the American evacuation, Chris returns to the United States and during the next three years the pair struggle with the emotional aftermath of their affair.
The plot simultaneously follows the adventures of Tran, a Vietnamese pimp known as “The Engineer” who schemes to move to the United States and live the American dream. When the war ends, his ambitions are crushed under Vietnam’s new Communist government. He, Kim, and her child (by Chris) eventually escape as “boat people” to Thailand where they survive by resuming their former pimp/prostitute roles.
Chris, now married to an American woman, learns of Kim's survival. Reunited briefly in Bangkok, Kim finds that her lover now has another wife and (like Madam Butterfly in similar circumstances) she makes the ultimate sacrifice to ensure a new life for her young son.
Bay Area performance veterans Catherine Gloria (Kim), Noel Anthony (Chris), and Paul Araquistain (the Engineer) lead the 40+ person ensemble, including Corrie Lenn Borris (Ellen), Tony Rodriguez III (Thuy), David Sattler (John), and four year old Mark Shibata (Tam).
Additional cast members include “Bar Girls” - Amielynn D. Abellera, Tiffany-Marie Austin (Gigi), Arlene Bugayong, Jennifer Cuevas (Mimi), Michelle Freschi, Mema Mataban (Yvonne), Laura Matsumoto-Kim, Shanna Marie Pineda (Yvette), Dana Soliman, and Deedra L. Wong; the “Vietnamese Ensemble” - Jonathan Aclan, Ying Chew, James Gee, Lianito Isales, Edmond Kwong, Aladdin Marquez, Ron Munekawa, Don Olayvar, Earl John Pardo, Eric Ribeiro, and James Trinidad; the “GI Ensemble”– Cyril Cooper, Tony Gonzales, Daniel J. Harper, Manfred B. Hayes, Victor Ivanoff, Stewart Kramar, Danny Martin, Larry Quinto, Chris Romasanta, and Zach Trimmer; complemented by Pit Singers – Francesca Camus, Jamie Cunanan, Edward Maravilla, Jennifer Martinelli, and Christie Puiello.
Director Alex Perez has both performed (Will in Will Rogers Follies; Billy in No, No Nannette; Nick in Funny Girl) and directed (Joseph…Dreamcoat; Peter Pan; Oliver!; Music Man; Wizard of Oz; Hello Dolly!; Crazy for You) for Broadway by the Bay to great acclaim. He has directed, choreographed, and assisted in both capacities regionally for Beach Blanket Babylon, American Musical Theatre of San Jose, San Jose Stage Company, TheatreWorks, Peninsula Center Stage, and for the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.
Berle Davis is in his 30th season choreographing for Broadway By the Bay. In past years his work has been nominated many times for Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Choreography, winning for Singin’ In the Rain, Me and My Girl, Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street and A Chorus Line. As a performer, Berle has performed the choreography of Gower Champion, Jerome Robbins, Onna White, and Carol Haney.
Considered by many the Bay Area’s best-kept theatrical secret, for 41 years Broadway By the Bay has provided full scale musical theatre productions of professional quality at family prices. Now in its 41st season, Broadway By the Bay continues to grow, currently serving 6,000 season subscribers and over 3,000 single show ticket sales per production. Lauded for its efforts in education, Broadway By the Bay’s Youth Theatre Conservatory, for youths 8-18, gives younger students solid foundations in acting, singing, and dancing for the musical theatre, with an exciting and friendly introduction to the joys of performing. For those over 18, the company’s Musical Theatre Conservatory offers professional classes to adults of all ages.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: Broadway By the Bay presents the Broadway blockbuster MISS SAIGON. Unfolding during the final days leading up to the American evacuation of Saigon in 1975, MISS SAIGON is a tender and tragic story of love and self-sacrifice involving a young Vietnamese girl and an American soldier. A modern retelling of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, MISS SAIGON was created by the illustrious musical team that brought the world Les Misérables - Alain Boubil (lyrics) and Claude- Michel Schönberg (music), with additional lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Since its premiere in 1989, MISS SAIGON has performed around the world and is one of only six productions in Broadway history to reach 4000 performances. Its dramatic onstage landing of an evacuation helicopter will be faithfully recreated on the San Mateo Performing Arts Center stage. The production will be directed by Alex Perez.
Long considered the Bay Area’s best-kept theatrical secret, award-winning Broadway By the Bay provides full scale musical theatre productions of professional quality at bargain family prices. Now in its 41st season, BBBay presents each performance in the 1600 seat San Mateo Performing Arts Center.
WHEN: Opens: Friday, September 22, 2006 (press night Saturday, September 23)
Closes: Sunday, October 8, 2006
TIMES: Thursday-Saturday at 8:00pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
Plus: Special Family Matinee Saturday, September 30 at 2pm
WHERE: Broadway By the Bay at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center
600 N. Delaware, San Mateo
TICKETS: For tickets ($15.00-$38.00) and information, the public may call
(650) 579-5565, or visit www.broadwaybythebay.org. Savings available for
youths, seniors, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more. FUN, LAUGHS, GOOD TIMES….
BROADWAY HIT SWEET CHARITY
IN ITS EXCLUSIVE BAY AREA ENGAGEMENT
STARRING MOLLY RINGWALD
SEPTEMBER 19 - OCTOBER 1, 2006
PRESENTED BY AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE OF SAN JOSE
AT THE SAN JOSE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2006) – As the show’s signature song asks, “Do you want to have fun?” American Musical Theatre of San Jose invites audiences to dance on over to SWEET CHARITY, the Broadway musical that offers fun, laughs, and good times, playing the San Jose Center for Performing Arts September 19 (also press night) – October 1, 2006. The sensational Molly Ringwald, star of Broadway's Cabaret and such memorable films as “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Sixteen Candles,” takes center stage as Charity Hope Valentine—a true original, eternal optimist, and the unluckiest romantic in New York City. SWEET CHARITY’S “first-rate score by Cy Coleman with charming lyrics by Dorothy Fields” (The New York Times) includes the show-stopping numbers “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “Where Am I Going?” and “Big Spender.” Directed by Scott Faris (South Pacific, starring Robert Goulet), the show features knockout choreography by Wayne Cilento, winner of the Tony® award for The Who's Tommy, and Tony® nominated for such hits as Wicked and How To Succeed....
SWEET CHARITY will play Tuesday through Friday evening at 8pm, with two shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 6:30pm. For tickets ($13.75 -$73) and information, the public may call 1-888-455-SHOW (7469) or visit www.amtsj.org. Groups of 10 or more may call
408-453-1523.
MOLLY RINGWALD’s big screen success began with the romantic comedy, “Pretty In Pink.” Other notable films include “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” “The Pick-Up Artist” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and “Betsy’s Wedding.” A diverse talent, Ms. Ringwald turned her sights to television and received critical acclaim for her portrayal of real life AIDS victim Alison Gertz in “Something To Live For: The Alison Gertz Story.” She has returned to the stage in recent years and was seen in tick, tick boom’ Enchanted April and received rave reviews as ‘Sally Bowles’ in another Bob Fosse masterpiece, Cabaret.
With a book by NEIL SIMON based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano, SWEET CHARITY is a funny, poignant and tender look at the misadventures of Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess who always gives her heart and earnings to the wrong man.
SWEET CHARITY received three Tony® award nominations – Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography and Best Actress. This new production was hailed by USA Today as “exhilarating” and “a real kick.” The Wall Street Journal called SWEET CHARITY “a blast!” The 2005 Broadway Revival was directed by Walter Bobbie (CHICAGO).
Over the past seven decades, American Musical Theatre of San Jose has transformed from a local community civic light opera into a major regional arts institution, currently presenting touring Broadway shows, as well as self-produced musicals. Equally committed to community outreach, AMTSJ has pioneered innovative programs dedicated to supporting the community, while fostering an environment of diverse cultural opportunities. Specifically, the company’s extensive programs for the deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and low-vision audiences have served as groundbreaking models for arts organizations nationwide. American Musical Theatre of San Jose thankfully acknowledges the following companies: Taylor Woodrow Homes; The Mercury News – Exclusive Newspaper Sponsor; JetBlue Airways, the official airline of AMTSJ; Larkspur Landing, the official hotel of AMTSJ casts & crew; and Equity Offices.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: As the show’s signature song asks, “Do you want to have fun?” Audiences are invited to dance on over to SWEET CHARITY, the Broadway musical that offers fun, laughs, and good times, starring the sensational Molly Ringwald. The star of Broadway's Cabaret and such memorable films as “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Sixteen Candles,” Ms. Ringwald takes center stage as Charity Hope Valentine, a true original, eternal optimist, and the unluckiest romantic in New York City. SWEET CHARITY'S tuneful score features such hits as “Hey, Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” Featuring a hilarious book by the incomparable Neil Simon, this new production was hailed by USA Today as “exhilarating” and “a real kick.” The Wall Street Journal called SWEET CHARITY “a blast!” SWEET CHARITY is directed by Scott Faris, whose recent directing credits include international companies of Chicago in Australia, Austria, Sweden, and South Africa. The show features knockout choreography by Wayne Cilento who won a Tony® award for The Who's Tommy and has earned four Tony® nominations for such hits as Wicked and How To Succeed....
WHEN: Opens: September 19, 2006 (also press night)
Closes: October 1, 2006
TIMES:
Wednesday-Friday at 8:00pm
Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday at 1:00pm and 6:30pm
WHERE:
American Musical Theatre of San Jose
All performances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95110
TICKETS:
For tickets ($13.75 - $73) and information, the public may call
1-888-455-SHOW (-7469), or call 408-453-7108, or visit
www.amtsj.org. Group discounts are available by calling Lavene
Washington at 408-453-1523. Savings available for youths, seniors, and
subscribers.
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