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Home , A Chorus Line, Erika Henningsen, Loretta Ables Sayre, Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific (musical), Theatre World Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Aja Jones 412-281-3973 ext. 224 [email protected] Images: Press Room User: pressroom Pswd: pittstadium

10-TIME TONY AWARD®-WINNING MUSICAL THEATER MASTERPIECE

DOCKING AT THE BENEDUM CENTER AUGUST 5-14

Pittsburgh, PA ∙ July 26, 2016 – Travel to Bali Ha’i with Billis and his crew in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s , starring Broadway’s Ben Davis, James Snyder and August 5-14 at the Benedum Center. Tickets are now available and can be purchased online, by visiting the Theater Square Box Office or calling 412-456- 6666.

Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over. The beloved score’s songs include “,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My ,” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame” amidst , Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses ready to take you to Bali Ha’i.

ABOUT THE CAST (Bloody Mary) had her NYC and Broadway debut as Bloody Mary in Theater’s revival of South Pacific (Tony Award® nomination and World Award) and London debut at Barbican Theatre and U.K. tour. Other theatre credits include: Bloody Mary in South Pacific ( and ), Wrestling Ernest Hemingway ( Theatre), You Somebody (Diamond Head Theater), (Hawaii Theatre), Song of the Navigator ( Theater for Youth - U.S. tour including Kennedy Center and Australia.) Concerts: opening for , Kenny Loggins, , and . TV: Hawaii Five-0, Beyond the Break, North Shore, Hawaii, Baywatch Hawaii, Byrds of Paradise. Movies: Sex and the City 2, Dress.

Genson Blimline (Billis) has previously been seen on Broadway/NYC in: (Lonny Barnett), South Pacific (LCT, original cast), Waitress (Cal), It Started on Kingley Street (Rich the Hammer), The Searchers (Atlantic Theatre Co.). Natl’ Tours: South Pacific, A , Smokey Joe’s Cafe, , Footloose, The Music of . TV: The Blacklist, The Affair, Law and Order SVU, Elementary, Flesh and Bone, Glee, As The World Turns, ED and LFE ().

Ben Davis (Emile) recently played Captain von Trapp in the National Tour of Jack O'Brien's, . International credits include Kiss Me Kate (Fred/Petruchio) at London's Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms with the and Sondheim at 80 with the RTÉ Orchestra in Dublin, Ireland. Broadway: (The Preacher), (Mr. Lindquist) with Elaine Stritch and , Les Miserables (Javert and Enjolras), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon) and Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme (Marcello), receiving a Tony Honor. Tours: (Galahad). Regional credits include Oklahoma! (Curly) at The Muny as as South Pacific (Emile) at both The Muny and Asolo Repertory Theatre. He performed opposite Kelli O'Hara and in 's, Knickerbocker Holiday at Lincoln Center (Recorded Live) and opposite Ms. O'Hara in concert, as well as in the Opera/BAM production of Anna Nicole, The Opera. TV/Film: The Magic Flute directed by Kenneth Branagh, 30 Rock, Numb3rs, and Miriam.

Curt Denham (Brackett) recently appeared as Sheriff/Henry Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde at TUTS, the title role in The Wizard of Oz at Casa Manana, and The Husband in Sondheim’s Putting It Together at Cabrillo Stage in . Other Regional: Maltz Jupiter, Lyric Stage of Boston, Theatre By The Sea, TheatreWorks and Sierra Repertory.

Monteze Freeland (Stewpot) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after making his debut in & ’s . Mr. Freeland has worked with the Arena Players, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Kuntu Rep (Radio Golf), Pittsburgh Playwrights (), City Theatre, Quantum Theatre (The Electric Baby) and many more in the Pittsburgh region. He is also the Artistic Director of The LAB Project.

Erika Henningsen (Nellie) will be taking the Benedum stage for her debut at Pittsburgh CLO. Her credits include Broadway: Les Miserables (Fantine). New York: Showboat: w/ the NY Philharmonic (Kim Ravenal). Regional: Originated the role of Beth in the world premiere of 's musical Diner at the Signature Theater, ( Pipperidge), and (Penny).

Jeff Howell (Harbison) most recently appeared in Pittsburgh CLO’s productions of and Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA. He has multiple credits from the Pittsburgh CLO, some of which include: , , Singin’ in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, , Jekyll and Hyde, A Musical Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Beauty and the Beast, Bells are Ringing, and . Other credits include Choir Boy and Souvenir (REP), , Tigers Be Still, and Tribute to with and the PSO.

Alex Manalo (Liat) is making her Pittsburgh CLO debut. Her credits include: Luna with Pittsburgh Playhouse Jr., and Tink with Stage Right.

Mason Alexander Park (Professor) recently appeared with Pittsburgh CLO in ALTAR BOYZ (Mark) and last summer’s . In addition: (Man in Chair) and Rocky Horror Picture Show (Dr. Frank-n-Furter). He was introduced to Pittsburgh CLO through the National High School Musical Theater Awards, during which time he was featured on PBS’s reality series Broadway or Bust. He recently performed at the Kennedy Center in D.C. as the 2013 Presidential Scholar in the Arts for , featuring him in the PBS documentary “Becoming an Artist.” Mr. Park can be seen in other popular shows such as Nickelodeon’s iCarly.

Julia Slagle (Ngana) studies at Pittsburgh CLO Academy and has been involved in Mary Poppins, Jr. (Annie), Cinderella kids (Cinderella) and recently, Hairspray (Little Inez).

James Snyder (Cable) starred in Broadway’s If/Then and Cry-Baby (Drama League Nomination). Other theater credits include: Casa Valentina (West Coast premiere), Rock Of Ages, Ever After (Papermill Playhouse), Carousel (Goodspeed Opera House), Fanny (Encores) and Johnny Baseball (Williamstown Theatre Festival). He has sung at with the NY Pops and with the Hartford Symphony. TV: The Good Wife, Rizzoli and Isles, Blue Bloods, Drop Dead Diva, Gilmore Girls, The Suite Life. Film: She’s The Man, An American in China, Shuttle, Pretty Persuasion, (Sundance) and Meth Head.

SOUTH PACIFIC is complete with a talented ensemble, including David Barnes, Christopher Campbell, Ryan Cavanaugh, Gerald Caesar, Michael Greer, Cameron Amandus, Justin Lonesome, Billy Mason, JJ Niemann, Taylor Kellas Warren, Ross Yoder, Ixchel Cuellar, Myha’la Herrold, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Mara Newbery, Emily Nies and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM Linda Goodrich (Director) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after serving as director and choreographer for Mary Poppins and Singin’ in the Rain. She has directed and choreographed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. NYC credits include , Carnegie Hall, New York Music Theatre Festival. Other theaters: Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Walnut Street Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita, TUTS, Seattle's 5th Avenue, Sacramento Music Circus, the MUNY, St. Louis Rep., La Mirada and Cincinnati Playhouse. Performed in Broadway and National Tours of and staged European tour. New works developed, directed and choreographed: A Good Boy, Gibson Fleck and with Me with Graham Russell of Air Supply.

Mark Esposito (Choreographer) returns to Pittsburgh CLO after choreographing over 12 shows throughout the years. Other credits include: Pasadena Playhouse, The Hollywood Bowl (South Pacific with Reba McEntire),The Series in Los Angeles, La Miranda Theater, Musical Theater West, Sacramento Music Circus, CV Rep Theater Company, Universal Studios, Pittsburgh Playhouse, , Globus Theater Company in Russia and Signature Theater in New York. Mr. Esposito has served as Associate Director and Choreographer for The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show and as choreographer for Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in over 16 Broadway and National Tours and has taught or choreographed at several major universities across the country.

Tom Helm (Music Director) returns for his 21st season with Pittsburgh CLO. His theater credits include the Broadway productions of Souvenir, Les Misérables, , and . He has also contributed his talents to television programs such as (PBS) and The Today Show. Mr. Helm has conducted at Radio City Music Hall, Paper Mill Playhouse and many other regional and national theaters.

Paul Miller (Lighting Designer) continues his involvement with Pittsburgh CLO’s Summer Season after working on . His Broadway credits include: Amazing Grace, , Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only; Irma La Douce, Where’s Charley?, Lost in the Stars, , and Music in the Air (Encores). Off- Broadway: Out Of The Mouths Of Babes, Clinton – The Musical, , Nunsense, Vanities - the Musical, Waiting for Godot, Addicted, Balancing Act. Regional: Stratford Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Bay Street, Lookingglass, Goodspeed. Tours: Elf, Shrek, Storytime Live, Wizard of Oz, , Legally Blonde, Nunsense, Scooby Doo, The Sound of Music. Television: Live from Lincoln Center; “New Year’s Eve Celebration in .”

HISTORY OF THE SHOW SOUTH PACIFIC was created from the collaboration of , Oscar Hammerstein II and . The musical opened on Broadway on April 7, 1949, and starred as Nellie Forbush and as Emile de Becque. The production garnered 10 Tony Award® wins, arising victorious in every category it was nominated in, including Best Musical.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC has enjoyed two National Tours since its Broadway debut and countless revivals in New York and London. The 2008 revival received seven ®, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for . This timeless hit returns to Pittsburgh CLO for the first time since 2001—a run during which portrayed Nellie Forbush.

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL CREATIVE TEAM Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (Music, Book and Lyrics) have brought several show-stopping delights to the stage, including Oklahoma!, Carousel, , , The Sound of Music and Cinderella. The duo is most recognized for their timeless storylines and moving lyrics, some of which include “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “Getting to Know You,” “My Favorite Things” and SOUTH PACIFIC’s own “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.” The duo created the first musical play with Oklahoma! and finished their collaboration with The Sound of Music.

Joshua Logan (Director and Book) primarily enjoyed his career as a director of Broadway hits such as Annie Get Your Gun, Fanny and John Loves Mary. He also spent time as an actor and stage manager for Camille. Logan shared the Award with Rodgers & Hammerstein for co-writing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC.

Performance Schedule for Rodger and Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC Friday August 5 8pm Saturday August 6 2pm & 8pm Sunday August 7 2pm & 7pm

Tuesday August 9 8pm Wednesday August 10 8pm Thursday August 11 8pm Friday August 12 8pm Saturday August 13 2pm & 8pm Sunday August 14 2pm

TICKETS Tickets start at $25 and 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 our Group 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.

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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 20 Broadway shows (29 Tony Awards®) featuring the current productions of On Your Feet, An American in Paris, 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 Theatre Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.