Village Theatres produces the World Premiere production of Emmy Award-winner Randy Rogel's musical, THE GYPSY KING. This production will have one preview performance in Issaquah on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, and will officially open the following evening, running March 18-April 25, 2010 in downtown Issaquah, April 30-May 23, 2010 in downtown Everett.
Village Theatre first heard about THE GYPSY KING at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's (NAMT) new works Festival in 2007. "We loved it and immediately brought it back with us to workshop further in hopes that we would one day be able to put it up on the Mainstage," Robb Hunt, executive producer commented. When the show got to Village Theatre in 2008, it was initially presented in Village Theatre's Village Originals Festival of New Musicals, and from there was given a fully staged developmental production at Village's First Stage Theatre in 2009. Both productions generated such an enormous amount of buzz and audience acclaim that this new musical quickly became a shoe-in for the 2009-2010 Mainstage season. Director Richard Gray commented, "I have participated in the Festival of New Musicals since its inception and have been lucky to direct readings of some very funny musicals, including Like You Like It and Iron Curtain. Still, I have never seen an audience reaction like the one we had for The Gypsy King at the Festival in 2008."
Author Randy Rogel is an old friend of Village Theatre's and a Seattle favorite in the theatre scene. Winner of three Emmy Awards (ten nominations), a Peabody Award, and two Annie Awards for his work as a television writer, composer, and producer, Rogel's new musical is described by director Richard Gray as, "an airtight farce with hilarious well-drawn characters and a plot full of twists and turns that rival the classic comedies of the 1930s and 1940s." Mr. Gray has been active with Village Theatre for years, involved with the Village Originals program and as a Mainstage actor. A talented composer as well, Gray has been with this show for some time now, having directed the first Festival reading at Village Theatre in 2008. Hunt stated, "Rich Gray seemed like a natural fit for this particular piece, and we are so thrilled that he is here again to direct the show for the Mainstage."
Village Theatre's production of THE GYPSY KING is choreographed by Kathryn Van meter (Village Theatre: The King and I; The Who's TOMMY); scenic design by Jeffrey Cook (5th Avenue: ...Forum; Smokey Joe's Cafe); musical direction by R.J. Tancioco (Village Theatre: Stunt Girl, EVITA); orchestrations by Bruce Monroe (Village Theatre: Stunt Girl; Girl of My Dreams); lighting design by Alex Berry (Village Theatre: Disney's Beauty and the Beast); costume design by Karen Ledger (Village Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest); and sound design by Gino Scarpino (Meet Me in St. Louis, Chasing Nicolette).
THE GYPSY KING Synopsis:
World Premiering on the Village Theatre Mainstage and written by Emmy-award winner Randy Rogel comes over-the-top hilarity in the new musical The Gypsy King. Leo and Frederick are a father-son acting duo whose unfortunate run-in with the royal guard causes quite the royal ruckus. Bearing a curious resemblance to the arrogant Prince Alfonse, Frederick finds himself in a dangerous position. Laugh riotously as you follow his adventures into the middle of an assassination plot that takes him through a maze of castle doors, to the bottom of a moat, and beyond. With a classic vaudeville feel, this new musical romp will cause quite a stir with its fast-paced comedic action.
What: The Gypsy King
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Randy Rogel
Conceived and Created by Kirby Ward and Randy Rogel
Where: In Issaquah: Francis J. Gaudette Theatre
303 Front Street North
Issaquah, WA 98027
In Everett: Everett Performing Arts Center
2710 Wetmore Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
When: Issaquah Dates: March 17-April 25, 2010 - ON SALE NOW
Wednesdays through Saturdays: 8:00 PM
Sundays and selected Saturdays: 2:00 PM
Selected Tuesdays: 7:30 PM
Selected Sundays: 7:00 PM
Everett Dates: April 30-May 23, 2010 - ON SALE: 3/24/2010
Wednesdays through Saturdays: 8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 2:00 PM
Selected Sundays: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Issaquah:
$19-$59, Box Office (425) 392-2202 or (866) 688-8049
Everett:
$17-$52, Box Office (425) 257-8600 or (888) 257-3722
www.villagetheatre.org
