Tamyra Gray to Star in TWIST at Pasadena Playhouse, 6/14-7/17

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director) announced today that Tamyra Gray will star as "Della" in the Pasadena premiere of TWIST - An American Musical, based on Charles Dickens' classic Oliver Twist. This heart-warming family musical features a book by Tony Award-nominee William F. Brown (Broadway's The Wiz - winner of seven Tony Awards) and Tina Tippit, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Tena Clark (Natalie Cole's Still Unforgettable), and music by Gary Prim (songwriter for Dionne Warwick and CeCe Winans). Golden Globe and multi-Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen (Broadway and the West Ends' Cat on A Hot Tin Roof - 2010 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play and TV's "Fame") is set to direct and choreograph the new musical. TWIST is presented in association with TAM Producing Partners - Skyline Pictures (Michelle Seward and Dror Soref), Edgework Productions (Willette Klausner), and GGE Live (Gary Goddard & Forbes Candlish). Performances begin June 14, 2011 and play through July 17, 2011 with the official press opening on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino).

"I am very excited to welcome the very talented and beautiful Tamyra Gray to our TWIST cast." stated Director/Choreographer Debbie Allen. "She will be playing ‘Della,' our Nancy, in this fresh new telling of Dickens' Oliver Twist. She has an incredible voice and I look forward to exploring new dimensions of the character with her. I'm sure her many fans will delight in seeing her live onstage in Pasadena."

"Tamyra is a wonderful addition to an already hugely exciting project," said Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. "I join Debbie in welcoming her to our TWIST company and I know that she will bring her tremendous talent to an important role. This cast already includes some of the best musical talent in our theatre community, and Tamyra's inclusion makes the company even more strong. I am happy to welcome her to the stage of The Playhouse."

"I am so thrilled about Tamyra performing as ‘Della,'" said composer and lyricist Tena Clark, "She has an incredibly soulful and powerful voice - and the performance ability on top of it all. She is one of a kind and her talents are exactly what we searched all around the country for to cast this role."

In the role of "Della," Tamyra will portray a nightclub singer with a dream and a past. Della's encounter/meeting with "Twist" changes their lives forever. Ms. Gray made her mark in the first season of "American Idol" as a fourth-place finalist. "Idol" judge and music producer Simon Cowell signed her to his 19 Records label and produced her first album The Dreamer which was released in May 2004. Following her debut on the hit singing show, Gray had a recurring role in the third season of "Boston Public" and performed on Broadway in Bombay Dreams (November 2004) and as "Mimi" in Rent (May 2007). Film roles have included The Gospel (2005) and Rachel Getting Married (2008). Tamyra is also an accomplished songwriter, having written all of the material for her first album as well as co-written songs for Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Simpson and the #1 Billoard Hot 100 single "Believe" for Fantasia. She is currently working on her second album.

TWIST - An American Musical is a timely adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic with a contemporary score, set in New Orleans on the eve of the Great Depression. TWIST tells the story of a young orphan boy born of a courageous white mother and an incredibly talented black father who navigates the colorful and sometimes rough waters of street life and racial intolerance in his quest to find his family and to find love. The score for TWIST features the musical pulse of New Orleans in the 1920's and is highlighted by a tapestry of soaring ballads, hot jazz, blues, gospel and tap-infused dance numbers that will take audiences along this magical journey.

TWIST will play at The Pasadena Playhouse from June 14 - July 17, 2011 with the official press opening on June 26, 2011. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Regular ticket price range is from $39.00 - $69.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00. All preview performances are $10 off the regular ticket price (except Premium Seating). Rush tickets are available for $20.00 one hour prior to the performance time and are subject to availability. Rush tickets must be purchased at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Monday from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates and Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on performance dates. The box office is closed on holidays. Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org. Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

The additional cast and creative team of TWIST will be announced at a later date.