42nd Street Moon Presents SILK STOCKINGS, Clsoes 5/22

The Cold War turns hot in Cole Porter's final Broadway musical SILK STOCKINGS, a sly and sophisticated musical version of the classic film Ninotchka, to be presented by 42nd Street Moon. The show will closes May 22 at the Eureka Theatre.

Ninotchka, a stern Russian commissar (communist party official), is seduced by the joys of Paris and the charms of an American film agent, Steve Canfield. Wacky Hollywood star Janice Dayton, a Russian composer and three errant commissars add to the merrymaking.

Greg MacKellan, Moon's Artistic Director, is helming Silk Stockings. "Silk Stockings is really an unsung Porter treat," MacKellan said. "His legendary wit is in top form in a dazzling collection of comic songs and beautiful ballads, including his classic All of You. George S. Kaufman's script is a sharp take on Ninotchka, romantic and very, very funny. The show went through legendary tryout troubles, but the end result was greeted by an unqualified rave from Brooks Atkinson in the NY Times. I'm delighted that we have the chance to share this show with San Francisco audiences."

George S. Kaufman's collaborators on the script were Leueen MacGrath and Abe Burrows. Dave Dobrusky musical directs Moon's production, with choreography by Jayne Zaban.

Lee Ann Payne, makes her 42nd Street Moon debut in the leading role of Ninotchka. Ian Simpson, who was previously seen in Lady, Be Good! stars as Steve Canfield, and veteran Moon actress/director Dyan McBride is wacky Hollywood star Janice Dayton.

Daniel Epstein portrays composer Peter Boroff, with Jeremy Vik, Michael Rhone and Jackson Davis as the three commissars. Ray Renati plays Chief Commissar Markovtich, and Nancy Dobbs Owens appears as Vera. Playing multiple character roles will be Bill Olson, Jonathan Shue, Annie Donahey, Corinne Proctor, and Hannah Knapp.

42nd Street Moon celebrates and preserves the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre, presenting intimate productions of "Uncommon Musicals" -- classic and rarely performed shows by the great 20th century songwriters. Through productions, educational programs, and community outreach, the company is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage. Since 1993 the company has staged more than 107musicals, as well as several revues celebrating the dazzling legacy of the 20th Century's greatest musical theater composers and lyricists.

Tickets from $24 - $44 are available through the 42nd Street Moon Box Office at 415/255-8207 (Open Tues. - Fri. from noon to 5 p.m.), or through the website www.42ndstmoon.org. All performances are presented at San Francisco's intimate Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street.