Park Square Theatre brings a big splash to holiday entertainment with 'Words' by Ira Gershwin and th
CONTACT
Connie Shaver, 612.308.5785
Meet Ira Gershwin the Man Behind the Lyrics You Love
Joseph Vass Showcases Ira Gershwins Memorable Words in this New Work
St. Paul, Minn., December 6, 2013 Park Square brings a big splash of Gershwin to the holiday entertainment season with Words BY Ira Gershwin and the Great American Songbook on stage through December 29. This new work by Joseph Vass is a song-filled reminiscence that explores the creative life and unforgettable lyrics of Ira Gershwin. Vass The Soul of Gershwinabout the life and musical influences of Iras brother George Gershwinset attendance records in 2011 and earned Vass an Ivey Award for exceptional music direction.
This play with music (lots of music!) is about the creative process. Ira Gershwin could write glibly or wittily or movingly when called on, said Vass. But sung to his brothers music, even Ira Gershwins most outwardly conversational song lyrics can hit with the impact of poetry. In addition to beloved songs that were brotherly collaborations of Iras lyrics and Georges music are wonderful songs that Ira wrote with composers Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Jerome Kern and Kurt Weill.
Audiences will fall in love with the quiet character that is Ira Gershwin, said Artistic Director Richard Cook. Especially as played by Joes first choices for the roles. Ari Hoptman (Ira Gershwin), Jennifer Grimm (Chanteuse), T. Mychael Rambo (Crooner). Band members Christopher J. Bates (bass), Jay Epstein (drums), Christopher Olson (guitar) join Joseph Vass (piano) on stage. Vass also serves as Music Director.
David Ellenstein, Artistic Director of North Coast Rep in San Diego, who worked with Vass on the world premiere at North Coast Rep last year, directs the production. The creative team includes Robert Jensen (Scenic Designer), A. Emily Heaney (Costume Designer), Michael P. Kittel (Lighting Designer), Evan Middlesworth (Sound Designer) and Todd F. Edwards (Projection Designer). Sharon Bach is stage manager. WORDS BY / Ira Gershwin and the Great American Songbook was originally produced at North Coast Repertory Theatre, Solana Beach, California, David Ellenstein, Artistic Director
Performance Schedule: Opens tonight Friday, December 6 and continues through December 29. Show times are 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday performances, which begin at 2 p.m. Saturday shows offer both a 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. evening performance. All performances are in the companys intimate 348-seat theater in Saint Pauls historic Hamm Building, 20 W. 7th Place.
Ticket prices: $38 and $58. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups of 10+. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square box office, 20 W. 7th Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (12 noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday), or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org.
CALENDAR INFORMATION
Words by Ira GershwiN AND THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Book by Joseph Vass; Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Directed by David Ellenstein, featuring Ari Hoptman, T. Mychael Rambo, and Jennifer Grimm
Dec 6-29, 2013
A song-filled reminiscence that explores the creative life and unforgettable lyrics of Ira Gershwin. From Love Is Here to Stay to Fascinating Rhythm and I Cant Get Started, songs and tales frame this glimpse into the more private and understated life of Ira, often overshadowed by his flamboyant brother George. Joseph Vass, whose Ivey-award winning The Soul of Gershwin show packed houses in 2011, has created another play with music to explore the creative process and showcase Iras collaborations with Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Vernon Duke, Kurt Weilland brother George!
Tickets: Previews: $25/ $35. Regular Run: $38/$58
PARK SQUARE THEATRE, 20 W. 7th Place, Saint Paul
Box office: 651-291-7005 or www.parksquaretheatre.org
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29 P 7:30pm $25 |
30 P 2:00pm 7:30pm $25 |
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Dec 1 P 2:00pm $25 |
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3 P/B 7:30pm $25 |
4 P/D 7:30pm $25 |
5 P 7:30pm $25 |
6 O/AD 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
7 2:00pm 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
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8 2:00pm $38 & $58 |
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11 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
12 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
13 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
14 2:00pm 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
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15 2:00pm $38 & $58 |
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18 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
19 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
20 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
21 2:00pm 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
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22 2:00pm $38 & $58 |
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26 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
27 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
28 2:00pm 7:30pm $38 & $58 |
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29 2:00pm $38 & $58 |
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P: Preview O: Opening AD: Audio Description D: Post-show Discussion C: Open Captioning B: 99-Cent Night
THE SCHOOL FOR LIES
By David Ives
Directed by Amy Rummenie
Midwest Premiere
Previews: Jan 10-16, 2014
Regular Run: Jan 17-Feb 2, 2014
Molieres wit meets its match in this saucy new adaptation of The Misanthrope by Tony Award-nominee David Ives. Underneath the classic façade of pretense and satire beats the heart of a true love story. This deliciously off-color script fills a 17th-century romantic spoof with contemporary slang and characters you find yourself rooting for.
PARK SQUARE THEATRE. 20 W. 7th Place, Saint Paul. Box office: 651.291.7005. www.parksquaretheatre.org
