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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts to Present Behind Ordway’s Curtain: Paint Your Wagon

Free event on July 25 to give audiences a sneak peek at this reinvented Western musical

July 7, 2016

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts to Present

Behind Ordway’s Curtain: Paint Your Wagon

Free event on July 25 to give audiences a sneak peek at this reinvented Western musical

ST. PAUL, Minn. (June 30, 2016) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present Behind Ordway’s Curtain: Paint Your Wagon, a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the first musical of the Ordway’s 2016-17 season, Lerner & Loewe’s Paint Your Wagon. This free event, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. on July 25 in the Ordway’s Concert Hall, will feature fascinating guests, insightful stories and performances by both Paint Your Wagon cast members and local Twin Cities talent.

Hosted by Ordway Producing Artistic Director James A. Rocco, the evening begins with a quick look at the process that a new musical, or in this case a ‘revisal,’ goes through on its way to the stage. Rocco will then delve into the lives of legendary musical theater writing team Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, complete with performances from some of their most iconic musicals including Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, Camelot and, of course, Paint Your Wagon. Local favorites Ann Michels, Dieter Bierbrauer, John Brink, Kayla Jennerson, Alice McGlave, Randy Schmeling and Rudolph Searles III, as well as Justin Gregory Lopez from the Seattle cast of Paint Your Wagon, will perform.

Finally, the evening will conclude with a panel discussion about the show’s incredible journey from historical research about the California Gold Rush, to workshops of a new script and development, to the 5th Avenue Theater and now the Ordway. Moderated by Star Tribune theater critic Graydon Royce, the panel will include director David Armstrong and Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Jon Marans.

“For years, I’ve been hearing from our patrons that they want to learn more about the exciting shows they are seeing on the Ordway stage,” said Rocco. “This event will not only give people a sneak peek at Paint Your Wagon, but also delve into the show’s rich history and how it was revised for this new production. It’ll be a great evening and I hope to make it a regular occurrence throughout our theatrical season.”

Behind Ordway’s Curtain: Paint Your Wagon is sponsored by Travelers. While the event is free, space is limited. To reserve passes or to learn more, visit www.ordway.org/curtainRSVP.

About Paint Your Wagon

A sweeping saga of the mythic American West, Paint Your Wagon tells the inspiring story of the rise and fall of a remote mining town during the height of the California Gold Rush. Audiences will follow the intrepid men and women from around the world who take an incredible leap of faith and cross continents and oceans in search of the American dream, only to find themselves swept up in a clash of cultures, passion, greed and romance. The score, which has been reorchestrated by Tony nominee August Eriksmoen, includes such unforgettable songs as “They Call the Wind Maria,” “I Talk to the Trees” and “I Was Born Under a Wand’rin Star.” The cast features Tony nominated Robert Cuccioli (originator of the title roles in Broadway’s Jekyll and Hyde) as Ben Rumson, Justin Gregory Lopez (Off-Broadway’s bare and The Hamilton Mixtape) as Armando and local favorite Ann Michels as Cayla.

Paint Your Wagon is sponsored by Travelers. The show is part of the Ordway’s 2016-17 Musical Theater Series, sponsored by Bremer Bank. For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org.

ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway’s Music Theater and Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway’s mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. Together with Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. For more information, visit www.ordway.org.

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Event: Behind Ordway’s Curtain: Paint Your Wagon