Legally Blonde The Musical

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Legally Blonde: The Musical
Sure to Tickle Audiences Pink June 13
We’re “Positive” this Show is “What you Want!”

Pittsburgh, PA ∙ June 11, 2014 – Do blondes really have more fun? Audiences will soon find out at Pittsburgh CLO’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical, June 13-22 at the Benedum Center. This mega movie hit will be brought to life by a cast of Broadway’s best and Pittsburgh CLO veterans. Watch as Elle Woods takes over the stage with her vivacious personality and a score sure to please.

It's here, and it's "AN ELLE OF A SHOW" (TIME Magazine). Based on the hilarious MGM film, Legally

Blonde: The Musical follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This musical juggernaut features such instant classics as “Omigod You Guys,” “Bend and Snap, “Take It Like a Man” and more!

ABOUT THE CAST
Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone (Elle Woods) most recently played Heather Stovall in Broadway's Hands on a Hardbody, a role she originated in the musical's premiere at La JollaPlayhouse. Other credits include Dede Halcyon-Day in Tales of the City (American Conservatory Theater), the national tour of Legally Blonde: The Musical (Elle Woods); Sophie in Departure Lounge (SPF) and Amber in Hairspray (Paper Mill Playhouse). Screen credits include NBC’s Grease: You’re the One That I Want (Spiritual Sandy) and the film 27 Dresses. KathleenMonteleone.com

Annie Funke (Enid) appeared on the Broadway stage in Hairspray. Wicked, San Francisco. Off-Broadway: If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet, opposite Jake Gyllenhaal (Lucille Lortel Award); Silence! The Musical. Regional: Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre, STAGES St. Louis, MTW, Riverside Theatre, Casa Manana, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Annie is a graduate of the Steppenwolf School in Chicago and the University of Oklahoma.

Lara Hayhurst (Margot) recently played April in Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s Company, and then made her Broadway debut this March working on Lady Day starring Audra McDonald. Other recent ‘Burgh credits include Maria in The Sound of Music and Elle in Legally Blonde, both with Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Larahayhurst.com.

Jeff Howell (Dad/Winthrop) was recently seen in By the Way Meet Vera Stark (REP). Pittsburgh CLO shows include 42nd Street, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Beauty and the Beast, Bells are Ringing, Pajama Game, The Most Happy Fella.  Other credits include Candide, Tigers Be Still, Chicago, and Tribute to Lerner and Loewewith Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Ken Land (Callahan) last appeared in Pittsburgh CLO’s production of Singin' in the Rain. Broadway/Off-Broadway/Tours: Promises, Promises, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Victor/Victoria, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Legally Blonde, The Gig, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity, The Secret Garden, Evita.Regional: MUNY, Portland Center Stage, Old Globe, Goodspeed, Indiana Rep, Maine State, etc. Television: “Boston Legal,” “Six Feet Under,” “Law & Order(s),” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Judging Amy,” “The District,” “Crossing Jordan,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “Strong Medicine.”

Courtney Markowitz (Vivienne) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after appearing in The Pajama Game andOliver! Broadway: Jekyll & Hyde.  National tours: Jekyll & Hyde, Spring Awakening (Ilse).  Regional credits include Lizzie (Alice) - TUTS Underground; Oliver! (Rose Seller) – Pittsburgh CLO; All Shook Up(Miss Sandra), Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Artpark. BFA from Elon University and a Pittsburgh CLO Academy Alumni.

Jeff McLean (Warner) was a member of the original cast of the Las Vegas production of Spamalot. Played Warner Huntington III in the First National Tour of Legally Blonde The Musical.  Was a swing in the original musical Tales of the City in San Francisco with the American Conservatory Theatre. And played the role of Clifford Bradshaw in Jason Alexanders Reprise Theatre Company’s production of Cabaret.

Mamie Parris (Paulette) performed last year in Pittsburgh CLO’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers(Milly), and in the national tours of 9 To 5 (Judy) and Legally Blonde! Other Broadway/National Tour:Wicked (Elphaba), Ragtime, The Drowsy Chaperone, 110 In The Shade. Off-Broadway: See Rock City (Dodi/Lily). Regional: Goodspeed, The Muny, Pittsburgh CLO.  www.mamieparris.com

Matthew Scott (Emmett) appeared on Broadway in Sondheim on Sondheim (cast album), Jersey Boys, A Catered Affair. Pittsburgh CLO; Sunset Boulevard (Joe Gillis), Les Misérables (Marius), 1776(Courier), Swing! (Male Diva 2). Regional: La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe, Signature Theatre, Goodspeed, Kennedy Center, Paper Mill Playhouse, Alliance Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Co., The Muny, The O’Neill. Recordings: Jerome Kern: The Land Where the Good Songs Go, and Noel and Cole. CMU Grad.

Sarrah Strimel (Brooke) is a Pittsburgh CLO alum who has performed on Broadway in: Big Fish (The Girl In the Water), The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Rock Of Ages, Catch Me If You Can. National Tours/Regional incl.,Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sweet Charity(Charity), CATS (Bombalurina), Lil Abner(Stupyfyin' Jones), Sammy (Hedda Hopper). TV: “SMASH”, “Late Show with David Letterman.”
Brinie Wallace (Serena) will make her debut with Pittsburgh CLO in Legally Blonde. She just completed her sophomore year at Penn State. This May she did the reading/workshop of the Broadway Revival,The Me Nobody Knows (Stafford Arima, Bryan Perri and Taye Diggs) in NYC.

Legally Blonde: The Musical is complete with a talented ensemble, including Pittsburgh CLO veterans Lindsey Bracco, Lucas Fedele, Michael Greer, Chris Laitta, Stephanie Maloney and Mara Newbery.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
Charley Repole (Director) directed numerous Pittsburgh CLO productions such as: 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie Get Your Gun, Curtains, White Christmas, Annie, Copacabana and Carousel. NYC/Broadway: Dubarry was a Lady, Call Me Madam, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation Benefit (Carnegie Hall) and Lyrics and Lyricists 25th Year Celebration (92nd Street “Y”). Kennedy Center: Where’s Charley? Broadway performance credits: Doubles, Whoopee! andVery Good Eddie (Tony® nomination, Theatre World Award). Mr. Repole is Chairman of the Drama, Theatre and Dance Department at Queens College.

Jonathan Stahl (Choreographer) is a native Pennsylvanian happy to be back at PCLO where, as performer, he was in Oliver! and Joseph ... Technicolored Dreamcoat.  He has directed and choreographed at Westchester Broadway Theatre -- Nine starring Bob Cuccioli, Legally Blonde andThe Sound of Music.   As choreographer he has worked on Phantom at WBT, and various concert dance pieces.  He still enjoys mixing his passion for performing with directing/choreographing which he as done as an associate director/choreographer for the past 10 years for Richard Stafford.   He recently created his own cabaret show, Threw the Rainbow.

Tom Helm (Music Director) returns for his 19th season with Pittsburgh CLO. His theater credits include the Broadway productions of Souvenir, Les Misérables, Me and My Girl, Cats and Brigadoon. He has also contributed his talents to television programs such as “Crazy For You” and the “Today Show.” Mr. Helm has conducted at Radio City Music Hall, Paper Mill Playhouse and many other regional and national theaters.

Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting Designer) recently completed work on Hope and Gravity at City Theatre and Pittsburgh CLO’s own Ring of Fire at the CLO Cabaret. He has designed for every local company in Pittsburgh. National credits include: The Asolo, Virginia Stage Company, North Shore Music Theatre, Merrimack Reparatory Company, The Arden Theatre Company, Spoleto Festival USA, Dallas Summer Musicals, Theater of the Stars, Madison Opera, as well as others. International credits include productions in Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, France, and touring all of Western Europe.

HISTORY OF THE SHOW
Legally Blonde originated as a novel, by Amanda Brown, who turned her law school discrepancies into a must-read. Several years later, the book hit the silver screen in 2001 and became an instant mega hit, starring Reese Witherspoon.

Legally Blonde: The Musical opened on Broadway April 29, 2007 at the Palace Theatre. Shortly after, the musical was broadcast on MTV in conjunction with the MTV show ‘Legally Blonde – the Search for Elle Woods.’ The musical won three Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, as well as Best Actress in a Musical for Sheridan Smith and Best Supporting Performance in a Musical for Jill Halfpenny.
The Broadway production closed on October 19, 2008. The First National Tour opened to great success in the same year. Currently, the show has launched several tours worldwide, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and recently premiered to sold-out audiences at the Ronacher Theatre in Vienna, Austria.

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL CREATIVE TEAM
Heather Hach (Book) is an alumnae of Denver Colorado's Impulse Theater improvisational comedy group. She is an Olivier Award Winner for Best New Musical Legally Blonde: The Musical and Tony Award® Nominee for the show. She is known for her work on Freaky Friday (2003) and What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012).

Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin (Music and Lyrics) are a husband and wife composing duo. Both are recipients of the Kleban Awards, recognizing outstanding lyrics. Their project, Legally Blonde: The Musical, received Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics, as well as a Tony Award nomination for Best Score. O'Keefe has also written two musicals for Theatreworks USA: Cam Jansen, and Sarah, Plain and Tall. Benjamin and O'Keefe collaborated on a short musical entitled The Mice, which was produced by Hal Prince as a part of the three-show evening 3hree at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia, in 2000.

Performance Schedule for Legally Blonde: The Musical
Friday June 13 8 p.m.
Saturday June 14 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 15 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tuesday June 17 8 p.m.
Wednesday June 18 8 p.m.
Thursday June 19 8 p.m.
Friday June 20 8 p.m.
Saturday June 21 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 22 2 p.m.

TICKETS
Tickets are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more enjoy exclusive discounts and specialty packages. Call ourGroup Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 for more information. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for further information.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the generosity of PNC for its sponsorship of the PNC Spotlight Series and our Season Sponsors: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and WTAE-TV.

Media members may access photos and other show materials by visiting the Press Room atpittsburghCLO.org. When prompted, simply enter “pressroom” as the username and “pittstadium” as the password.

# # #
Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 19 Broadway shows (25 Tony Awards®) featuring the current productions of Cinderella, Kinky Boots and Matilda. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Richard Rodgers Award the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

CLO Season Cuts Loose with Footloose

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aja Jones
412-281-3973 ext. 224
ajones@pittsburghCLO.org
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User: pressroom Pswd: pittstadium

Footloose Dances its Way into
Pittsburgh CLO Summer Season
 “CUT LOOSE” at the Benedum June 24-29

Pittsburgh, PA ∙ June 18, 2014 – Audiences will bask in 1980s nostalgia at the Benedum Center, where dancing will be legal June 24-29! A talented company including two of Footloose’s Original Broadway Cast members will bring this dancing sensation to life on stage.

When teenager Ren McCormack moves from the big city to middle-of-nowhere Bomont, where even dancing is against the law, he's in for a real case of culture shock. After falling for the preacher’s daughter, Ren really shakes things up. When he and fellow rebellious teenagers defy authority and dare to dance, the result is a fast-paced rock ‘n roll musical featuring the Billboard-topping hits “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise” and “Holding Out for a Hero.”

ABOUT THE CAST
Patrick Cassidy (Rev. Shaw Moore) counts among his many credits: The Music Man opposite Shirley Jones, It's a Bird It's a Plane…, Annie Get Your Gun starring Patti Lupone, 42nd Street, Aida, Pirates of Penzance, Leader of the Pack, Assassins, Joseph…, Conrack, Company, Carousel, Little Shop of Horrors and Camelot. Television: “Ruby & The Rockits,” “Bay City Blues,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Perversions of Science,” the WB's “Smallville,” “The Neighbors,” “Law & Order SVU,” “Castle,”  “Crossing Jordan,” “Without a Trace,” “According to Jim,” “CSI Miami” and “ER.”

Joseph Domencic (Coach Dunbar) will appear in his 21st Pittsburgh CLO production with Footloose.  He teaches at Seton Hill University and performs regularly in the area, most recently in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 1776.   His new children’s musical, The Next Galileo, will tour area schools with Pittsburgh CLO’s Gallery of Heroes program in 2015.  This August he will appear in Tuesdays with Morrie at the Mountain Playhouse.

Brandon Epinoza (Chuck Cranston) counts among his many Broadway credits: Gypsy (Dir. Sam Mendes), Big, Les Misérables, The Will Rogers Follies. Off-Broadway: Triassic ParQ (SoHo Playhouse),Substitution (The Playwrights Realm, Scarcity (Atlantic Theater Company), Not Waving (NYSPF), Tea and Sympathy (Keen Company). Regional: Grease (MUNY, 2014), Bring It On (Alliance Theater), West Side Story (Stratford Shakespeare Festival). Workshops: Found (Atlantic Theater Company), Tuck Everlasting (Casey Nicholaw, Dir.), Bring It On (Alliance Theater), Saved! (Playwrights Horizons). TV: “The Leftovers” (HBO), “Elementary” (CBS), “The Carrie Diaries” (CW), “It Could Be Worse” (Pivot).

Alex Finke (Wendy Jo) is originally from Dayton, Ohio and was recently seen as Hope Harcourt in theAnything Goes National Tour. Other roles include: Legally Blonde (Serena), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel) at MTWichita, Tarzan (Jane), State Fair (Margy Frake) at Wagon Wheel. Training: BFA University of Michigan.

Billy Hartung (Cowboy Bob) appeared in the original company of Footloose as Chuck Cranston. Other Original Companies include Side Show and Minnelli on Minnelli: at the Palace Theatre.  Highlights:  The Academy Award winning movie musical “Chicago” (Miramax), The 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center Honors (CBS).

Amy Hillner Larsen (Urleen) has appeared in the National Tours of: Priscilla Queen of the Desert(Swing/Asst. Dance Capt.), Hairspray (Shelley/ US Tracy). TV/Film: "66th Annual Tony Awards" (Tracy in Royal Caribbean's "Hairspray"), "Gigi: Almost American" with Josh Gad. Favorite Regional: Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl (Shelley), Footloose (Rusty), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Fiddler (Tzeitel).

Jessie Hooker (Rusty) makes her Pittsburgh CLO debut. Favorite credits: Sarah in Ragtime (Milwaukee Rep), Tamika in SISTAS the Musical (Off Broadway), Jenny in Company (Geva Theatre), Judge/Ensemble (Pilar/Paulette u/s) in Legally Blonde (National Tour) and Kate in Lippa’s The Wild Party. Shenandoah Conservatory alum.

Dee Hoty (Vi Moore) has earned three Tony® nominations for starring roles in the Original Broadway Cast of Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, and The Will Rogers Follies. She starred on Broadway and in eight major U. S. cities as Donna in Mamma Mia! More Broadway:  Bye Bye Birdie(Roundabout), City Of Angels (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), Me and My Girl, Big River, The Five O’clock Girl, and  Shakespeare’s Cabaret. Pittsburgh CLO audiences will remember her as Grizabella inCATS and Desiree in A Little Night Music.

Jeff Howell (Wes Warniker) was recently seen in By the Way Meet Vera Stark (REP). Pittsburgh CLO shows include 42nd Street, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Beauty and the Beast, Bells are Ringing, Pajama Game, The Most Happy Fella.  Other credits include Candide, Tigers Be Still, Chicago, and Tribute to Lerner and Loewewith Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Greg Kamp (Willard Hewitt) will make his Pittsburgh CLO debut. Credits include: Catch Me If You Can(1st National Tour), Harmony (CTG/ Alliance), Titanic (Hangar), Bat Boy, Urinetown (Edinburgh Fringe). TV: “The Wronged Man” (Lifetime), “Solving Charlie” (ABC), and “Past Life” (Fox). Mr. Kamp is an Artistic Associate with Hook & Eye Theater, on staff with The Broadway Dreams Foundation, and a graduate of CCM.

Christine Laitta (Eleanor Dunbar) is a Pittsburgh CLO veteran. CLO Cabaret Credits: Girls Only, I Love You, You’re Perfect..., Forbidden Broadway, and Forbidden Broadway: SVU. She performs her TV Tunes Sing A Long at the CLO Cabaret Late Night. Laitta recently portrayed the role of Principal Anderson in the PBS pilot “Scientastic!”

Betsy Lawrence (Lulu Warniker) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after appearing as Jack's Mother in Into the Woods and a nun in The Sound of Music.  Betsy was a member of the New York City Opera touring company, Pittsburgh Opera, American Opera, as well as regular backup singer for PBS "My Music" series.   She is on the voice faculty of CMU and director of the CMU jazz choir.

Courtney Markowitz (Betty Blast/Irene) returns to her hometown of Pittsburgh for Footloose.  Broadway:Jekyll & Hyde.  National tours: Jekyll & Hyde, Spring Awakening (Ilse).  Regional credits include Lizzie(Alice) - TUTS Underground; Oliver! (Rose Seller) – Pittsburgh CLO; All Shook Up (Miss Sandra),Joseph… – Artpark. BFA from Elon University and a Pittsburgh CLO Academy Alumni.

Kristen Martin (Ariel Moore) appeared in the Original Broadway Cast of Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark(u/s Mary Jane), Off Broadway: The City Club (Crystal LaBelle), 1st National Tour of A Chorus Line (Val),42nd Street at Goodspeed and Asia Tour (Peggy Sawyer), Dames At Sea at the Bay Street Theatre (Ruby), CATS National Tour (Demeter), TV: “Deception.”

Michael Misko (Cop/Quartet) will make his Pittsburgh CLO debut. Regional Credits: Shrek: The Musical(Shrek), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Big Bopper/Norm Petty), Guys & Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson),Dial ‘M’ for Murder (Tony), The Pillowman (Katurian), Romeo & Juliet (Mercutio, et al), West Side Story(Tony). Michael is a native of Moon Township.

Manuel Stark (Ren) is making his Pittsburgh CLO debut.  TV: “Smash” (14 episodes). Broadway: West Side Story at the Palace Theatre (Chino).  Off Broadway: Venice at the Public Theater.  Encores!:Applause, …Superman, Little Me, The Most Happy Fella, and Irma la Douce. Regional: A Chorus Line at Paper Mill Playhouse (Paul); Aladdin at the 5th Avenue Theatre (Prince Abdullah); West Side Story at Ogunquit Playhouse (Bernardo); Cats at Theatre Under The Stars (Coricopat).

Stephen Wilde (Principal Clark/Saloon) is from Pittsburgh, but lives in New York. MFAs: Carnegie Mellon, Moscow Art Theatre School. Broadway Tour: The Music Man. Off-Broadway: Talk of the Town. Moscow Art Theatre: Shelter, The Bear Theatre. Film: “Sylvia Plath: Girl Detective.” Stephen is Secretary for Board of Directors - Theatre World Awards.

Sally Wilfert (Ethel McCormack) last appeared in Pittsburgh CLO’s productions of Copacabana and Les Miserables. Broadway credits include Assassins, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, King David.  National Tour: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Off-Broadway: See Rock City, Make Me A Song, The Prince & The Pauper. Regional:  LMNOP (Goodspeed), Little Miss Sunshine (LaJolla), Elegies (Barrington Stage) Marry Me A Little (Cincinnati Playhouse).  Numerous Concerts, Television & Recordings.

Footloose is complete with a talented ensemble, including Pittsburgh CLO veterans Lindsey Bracco,Lucas Fedele, Michael Greer, Isabelle McCalla and Mara Newbery. They will be joined by 13 CLO Academy students.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
Barry Ivan (Director/Choreographer) has national and international credits that range from directing at the German State Opera to guest directing at Yale. Highlighted Pittsburgh CLO credits: Sunset Boulevard, Company, A Little Night Music, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, West Side Story, and Les Misérables. Mr. Ivan’s productions of The Full Monty and Hairspray received IRNE awards for Best Musical, and he received Best Director IRNE nominations for Nine and Les Misérables.  Mr. Ivan directed the US Premiere of Dracula: A Chamber Musical, and will be directing the world premiere of playwright Jeff Stolzer's new play Scenes From the Life Of An American Male, a comedy-drama with music.  Mr. Ivan is currently under contract developing and Executive Producing Web TV programming.

Tom Helm (Music Director) returns for his 19th season with Pittsburgh CLO. His theater credits include the Broadway productions of Souvenir, Les Misérables, Me and My Girl, Cats and Brigadoon. He has also contributed his talents to television programs such as “Crazy For You” and the “Today Show.” Mr. Helm has conducted at Radio City Music Hall, Paper Mill Playhouse and many other regional and national theaters.

Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting Designer) recently completed work on Pittsburgh CLO’s Ring of Fire at the CLO Cabaret, as well as Hope and Gravity at City Theatre. He has designed for every local company in Pittsburgh. National credits include: The Asolo, Virginia Stage Company, North Shore Music Theatre, Merrimack Reparatory Company, The Arden Theatre Company, Spoleto Festival USA, Dallas Summer Musicals, Theater of the Stars, Madison Opera, as well as others. International credits include productions in Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, France, and touring all of Western Europe.

HISTORY OF THE SHOW
“Footloose” burst onto the silver screen in 1984 and quickly became one of the year’s most successful motion pictures. The soundtrack recording reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and went on to sell more than 17 million copies worldwide, generating Top Forty hits including "Let's Hear It For The Boy," “Almost Paradise," “Holding Out For A Hero," and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)."

In 1996, a collaboration between director Walter Bobbie and screenplay writer Dean Pitchford led to the stage adaption of the film. Songwriter Tom Snow and Pitchford wrote new songs for the theatrical production to supplement the existing hits.

Footloose began previews on October 5, 1998 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The show made its Broadway debut later that month on October 22 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where it continued to thrill audiences until July 2, 2000. Footloose has danced on through multiple national tours and productions in the UK.

In 2011, Paramount Pictures’ re-make of “Footloose” starring Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid brought this uplifting story and electrifying music to a whole new generation.

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL CREATIVE TEAM
Walter Bobbie (Book) won the Tony®, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as director of the international hit Chicago which has become the longest-running revival in Broadway history. Broadway direction credits include White Christmas, High Fidelity, Sweet Charity, Twentieth Century, Footloose, and A Grand Night for Singing. Bobbie is also an actor who appeared in a range of plays and musicals such as the original cast of Grease and many more. He received a Drama Desk nomination for his performance as Nicely-Nicely in 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls, and Drama Desk, Outer Critics' Circle and Lucille Lortel Award nominations for his performance in David Ives's Polish Joke at Manhattan Theatre Club. Bobbie was Artistic Director for City Center's acclaimed Encores!, and serves on the Executive Board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Dean Pitchford (Book and Lyrics) wrote the original screenplay for the 1984 film “Footloose.” He began his performing career off- and on-Broadway (Godspell; Pippin) before turning to songwriting, screenwriting and directing. He has been nominated for four Academy Awards (winning Best Song for “Fame,” co-written with Michael Gore), three Golden Globes (winning for “Fame”), seven Grammys and two Tonys®. His songs - recorded by such artists as Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Cher, Peter Allen, LL Cool Jay, Kenny Loggins, Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler and Martina McBride - have sold over 70 million records.

Tom Snow (Music) has twice been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture: "Let's Hear It for the Boy" from Footloose (1984) and "After All" from Chances Are (1990); and he has twice been nominated for the Grammy Award: Best Album of Original Score written for a Motion Picture -- Footloose soundtrack; and Song of the Year -- "Don't Know Much." The biggest stars in the world have recorded Tom's songs, including Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins, Cher, Thelma Houston, Michael Bolton and Tina Turner. The stage adaption of Footloose features nine new songs by Snow.

Performance Schedule for Footloose
Tuesday June 24 8 p.m.
Wednesday June 25 8 p.m.
Thursday June 26 8 p.m.
Friday June 27 8 p.m.
Saturday June 28 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 29 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

TICKETS
Tickets are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Tickets start at $35. Groups of 10 or more enjoy exclusive discounts and specialty packages. Call our Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 for more information. Visit pittsburghCLO.or gfor further information.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the generosity of our season Sponsors: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and WTAE-TV.

# # #

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 19 Broadway shows (25 Tony Awards®) featuring the current productions of Cinderella, Kinky Boots and Matilda. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Richard Rodgers Award the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Lottery for Wicked Tickets Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh
Show Publicist: Shaunda Miles, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: 412-471-1578/Miles@TrustArts.org    
Diana Roth, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org
Electronic Images available: http://TrustArts.org/press
Search: 2014 WICKED

WICKED ANNOUNCES LOTTERY FOR $25 SEATS

 WICKED 

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PERFORMANCES BEGIN WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

BENEDUM CENTER | DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH, PA – A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held for WICKED, which is returning to Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center January 15 through February 9.  Two and one-half hours prior to each performance, people who wish to participate in the lottery must present themselves at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, in downtown Pittsburgh.  Participants will have their names placed in a lottery drum; thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only.  This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person.  Lottery participants must have a valid photo ID when submitting their entry form and, if chosen, when purchasing tickets.

ABOUT THE SHOW
WICKED, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Godspell, Disney’s Enchanted, Academy Award®  winner forPocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), is based on the 1995 best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire.  The musical is directed by two-time Tony®  Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…).  WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

WICKED features set design by Tony®  Award winner Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony®  winner Susan Hilferty (Spring Awakening, Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony®  winner Kenneth Posner (Tony®  Award winner for The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King). Stephen Oremus is the show’s music supervisor.  Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.
WICKED celebrated its 10th Anniversary on October 30th.  There are currently nine productions of the musical worldwide: New York, London, Japan (Tokyo), Australia/New Zealand, South Korea (Seoul), Latin America (Mexico City),  a U.K. Tour, and two concurrent North American National Tours.

Broadway’s #1 show for an unprecedented nine consecutive years, WICKED has been declared “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety and “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly.

Winner of over 50 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz.  Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood.  The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.  WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

TICKET INFORMATION
WICKED begins performances on Wednesday, January 15.  The performance schedule is Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  There will be a special matinee performance on Thursday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m.  Good seats are still available, but best availability is for Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday evening performances. Tickets begin at $39 and are available at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, by visiting www.TrustArts.org, or by calling (412) 456-4800.  Groups of 20 or more may also purchase tickets in advance by calling 412-471-6930.

WICKED is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and Pittsburgh Symphony.

*As a note to all calendar listing editors, the title of the show is WICKED
(not WICKED: A New Musical or WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz).

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated byJohn Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets.  As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre.

Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Betrayal, Bullets Over Broadway, Little Miss Sunshine,Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers and War Horse. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

The PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity.  Using the arts as an economic catalyst, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.
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Photo Credits:  Joan Marcus

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Defending the Caveman Returns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              
Contact: Aja Jones
412-281-3973 ext. 224
ajones@pittsburghclo.org

Defending the Caveman Roars Back Into the CLO Cabaret August 1!
Broadway Hit Last Played to Sold-out Audiences in 2011

Pittsburgh, PA • June 24, 2013 – Pittsburgh CLO is pleased to announce the return of Broadway sensation Defending the Caveman to the CLO Cabaret August 1 – October 20, 2013.   Tickets start at $34.75 and are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square.  Call 412-325-1582 for group discounts and special event planning.

About the Show:
Defending the Caveman is a hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate.  This prehistoric look at the battle of the sexes is full of wonderful scenarios that celebrate the differences between men and women, making it a perfect entertainment option for couples, or girls’ night out. The show has also been seen and recommended by thousands of marriage and family therapists and counselors, for its humorous look at the inherent differences between the sexes.

Written by comedian Rob Becker over a three-year period during which he made an informal study of anthropology, prehistory, psychology, sociology and mythology, Defending the Caveman played for two and a half years on Broadway, making it the longest running solo play in Broadway’s history.  Caveman has won the hearts of millions across the globe.  Translated into 18 languages, Caveman has performed in more than 46 countries to date!

Performance Schedule
Wednesdays 7:30pm
Thursdays 1:00pm* & 7:30pm * Thursday matinees with optional buffet – 8/15, 9/26, 10/17
Fridays 7:30pm
Saturdays 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sundays 2:00pm

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Pgh Opera Resident Artists in Cabaret 2013

For Immediate Release
January  31,  2013

Contact:
Melissa Franko, Public Relations Associate
Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 217 or  melissafranko@live.com
High-Res  photos available upon  request.

Pittsburgh Opera  presents Cabaret  2013!

What: Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists  in CABARET 2013!

Where: George R. White Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters
2425 Liberty Avenue, Strip District

When:  
Friday, February 22, 8:00 PM  
Saturday, February 23, 8:00 PM
Sunday,  February 24, 2:00 PM        
Tuesday, February 26, 7:00 PM

Tickets: $59 in advance; $69 at the  door. Tickets  include  general admission seating to the  performance, two drink tickets, and  light snacks. Discounts for groups of 6+ are available. Capacity is limited.

Call 412-456-6666 for more information or visit  pittsburghopera.org.

Pittsburgh, PA… The George R. White Studio  in Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters will be transformed into an intimate New York City-style  cabaret space for a night  of bawdy revelry! Our versatile Resident Artists  will entertain you with a mix of Broadway numbers, novelty  songs, madcap medleys, and  jaw-dropping surprises! It’s your chance to see  rising opera stars as you’ve never  seen them before.

In addition to performing principal  roles  in a fully staged production (Il Matrimonio Segreto, running  January 24 - February  3), our Resident Artists  cover  principal  roles  and perform comprimario roles  in Pittsburgh Opera's mainstage productions each  season. They also appear in interactive musical presentations to students in the  Pittsburgh area and  beyond, entertain at community functions, and  maintain a fast-paced audition and voice competition schedule. Nicole  Rodin, Meredith Lustig, and  Juan  José de León  have  all recently advanced to Regionals in the  Metropolitan Opera National Council competitions, while Kyle Oliver   was awarded a $5000

Career Development Grant  for 2012-13  from the  Sullivan Foundation.

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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh