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Media Contact: John Edward Kinzer, Director of Audience Development, (812) 855-0514 or jkinzer@indiana.edu.

Rodgers and Hart Musical Pal Joey Closes Season at Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center

BLOOMINGTON, IN - The 2004-2005 season at the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center has featured plays about bloodthirsty vampires, tabloid creations, Russian families, faded war heroes, Greek gods, Apartheid-era South Africa, and 17 th - Century Bostonians. At the close of this season of contrast and daring experimentation we return to a classic American musical: Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart's seductive Pal Joey, which will play the stage of the Ruth N. Halls Theatre beginning Friday, April 15 at 8:00 PM.

Pal Joey is directed and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner George Pinney, who says of the musical, Pal Joey sparks the dark side of human nature between burlesque titillation and the simple thoughts of the human condition trying to succeed. He goes onto say, Living today in America, many use the system for instant gratification and building of power no matter what the cost to humanity or environment. I want it now!', whether that is the Presidency of the United States or a Happy Meal. In a way, it is the darkest of the human condition, simply, self-gratification without thought to consequence.

The play features the thesis performance of third-year M.F.A. actor Allison Batty, who stars as Vera Simpson. Previously on the IU stage Ms. Batty has played Varya in The Cherry Orchard, Catherine in Proof , Betty in Betty's Summer Vacation, and Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire. Prior to coming to Indiana she received her B.M. from Pacific University, and she also graduated from Portland Actors Conservatory. She has worked regionally at Artists Repertory Theatre, Cygnet Productions, Portland Actors Ensemble, and Lakewood Theatre Company. She appeared as Sarah in the award-winning independent film All We Know of Heaven.

The cast also features IU musical veterans Colin Donnell as Joey Evans, John R. Armstrong as Ludlow Lowell, and Rebecca Faulkenberry as Gladys Bumps. Joining them are Jesse Steven Bernath, Vanessa Ballam Brenchley, Erin Daugherty, Allison Rose Davis, Rick Desloge, Mallorie Fletcher, Josh Gaboian, Margot Gendreau, Codey Girten, Amy Linden, Zander Meisner, Christopher B. Nachtrab, John Olson, Quinto Ott, Gerold Schroeder, Peter Stoffan, Amanda Tanguay, Zach Noe Towers, and Ashley Allison Waldman. The musical features scenic design by Dathan Powell (Bat Boy), costume design by Dixon Reynolds (The Cherry Orchard ), and lighting and sound design by CC Conn (Dracula ). Musical direction is by James Kallenbach (Sweet Charity ).

Pal Joey opens Friday, April 15 and continues at 8:00 p.m. April 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. Ticket prices are $17.00 for adults and $14.00 for students and seniors (discounts Monday-Thursday only). STUDENT RUSH tickets are available 30 minutes before every performance; students with a valid IU I.D. may purchase any available tickets for $10 cash. Group prices are available. For ticket information, call 812-855-1103 and ask for info about Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center tickets. To purchase tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 333-9955 (for the Bloomington, Indiana area) or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.indiana.edu/~thtr.

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