Goodspeed announces cast of groovy new musical The Bikinis

Goodspeed Musicals celebrates summer fun in the groovy production, The Bikinis, a new musical beach party that opens Aug. 9 and runs through Sept. 2, 2012 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, CT – Goodspeed’s home for developing new works.

The 60s girl group that everyone loves is bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang on the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore… all to raise money to save Sandy Shores Mobile Home Beach Resort.

These Jersey Girls relive their heyday in a non-stop celebration of song with over 30 hits including: “It’s in his kiss,” “Yellow polka dot bikini,” “Heat wave,” and “Ain’t no mountain high enough.”

The cast

This upcoming production will feature Lori Hammel as “Jodi,” who appeared both on Broadway and in the National Tour of Mamma Mia!, and the National Tour of 9 to 5.

“Annie” will be played by Meghan Duffy who appeared in Broadway’s Grease and in the National Tours of The Rocky Horror Show and Mame.

“Karla” will be played by Karyn Quackenbush of Broadway’s Imaginary Friends, Annie Get Your Gun, and Blood Brothers, and the National Tours of Annie Get Your Gun; Stop The World, I Want to Get Off; and The Sound of Music.

She was last seen Off Broadway in Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss And What I Wore. She also appeared in Goodspeed’s Good Sports and Follow Thru.

“Barbara” will be played by Regina LeVert, who appeared in the National Tour of Fame – The Musical.

Tickets

The Norma Terris Theatre is located at 33 North Main St. in Chester, CT.

The Bikinis opens Aug. 9 and runs through Sept. 2, 2012.

Performances are Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.*, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

*(8 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 9 only).

Tickets are available through the Box Office (860-873-8668), which is open seven days a week, or on-line at www.goodspeed.org

Ticket prices range from $43 to $48 (prices are subject to change based on availability).

Special packages

The Pub Dinner-Theatre Package: includes a three-course dinner at The Ivory Restaurant & Pub in Deep River and a ticket to a Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday evening show. Only $59.

A Wine Tasting: Sunday, Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. Enjoy a sampling of fine wines, compliments of Shore Discount Liquors of Deep River, complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by the Gelston House of East Haddam, and a pre-show chat with a member of the creative team. Only $12 with your ticket to the 6:30 p.m. performance. Reserve in advance through the Box Office.

Talkbacks:  Participate in the process of creating a new musical. Join us for a post-show discussion with the creative team after the Thursday evening performances on Aug. 16 and 23.

Student Rush:  $15 tickets with a valid student ID, available beginning at 10 a.m. on any Wednesday, Thursday or Friday for that evening’s performance.

All offers are subject to availability.

The production

The Bikinis was written and created by James Hindman and Ray Roderick.

Roderick, who is also choreographing and directing the show, has directed numerous Goodspeed Opera House hits including: the recent sensation Mame, Singin’ in the Rain, My One And Only,  and 42nd Street, as well as last year’s Tin Pan Alley tuner Hello! My Baby at The Norma Terris Theatre.

Roderick served as the Associate Director of the 2000 Broadway revival of The Music Man and co-conceived, directed, and choreographed the National Tour of Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano.

Hindman has acted in several Broadway hits including Mary Poppins, 1776, and City of Angels.

Music arrangements are by Joseph Baker, with additional music and lyrics by Joseph Baker and Ray Roderick.

Lighting design will be by Jason Lyons of Goodspeed’s Norma Terris productions’ The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown and Cutman.  Lyons’ numerous Broadway credits include Bring It On: The Musical, Rock of Ages, The Threepenny Opera, Barefoot in the Park, and Good Vibrations.

Sound Design will be by Jay Hilton, who is in his 27th season at Goodspeed.

The Bikinis will be produced for Goodspeed Musicals by Michael P. Price.

For show highlights, exclusive photos, special events, and more, visit us at www.goodspeed.org and follow us on Facebook at Goodspeed Musicals, on Twitter at @goodspeedmusicl and on YouTube.

Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre, Goodspeed Musicals produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT with additional productions at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, CT, which was opened in 1984 for the development of new musicals. The first regional theatre to receive two Tony Awards (for outstanding achievement), Goodspeed also maintains the Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre. Goodspeed gratefully acknowledges the support of our official audio sponsor Sennheiser Electronic Corporation. Goodspeed Musicals is supported in part by the Department of Economic and Community Development with support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts.

Posted July 23, 2012 as edited by and with links added by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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