The Open Air Theatre will revisit the wild and wooly Roaring 20s when Thoroughly Modern Millie comes to the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre stage for a three weekend run. Set to open on Friday, August 22, performances continue on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 pm through September 7, 2014.
Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young, vivacious Mid-Western girl who comes to the bustling metropolis of New York City to marry for money instead of love-a thoroughly modern thing for a woman to do in 1922. She meets and is attracted to poor, fun-loving
Jimmy Smith but goes to work for pompous Mr. Trevor Graydon with every intention of marrying him. When not typing up a storm at the Sincere Trust Insurance Company, Millie befriends her fellow residents at a hotel for aspiring actresses. Add to the story two millionaires pretending to be your average Jack and Jill, two Chinese laundry men who understand more English than they let on, the notorious ringleader of a sinister kidnapping syndicate, plus a famous jazz singer and, of course, hilarity ensues.
The Open Air cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie is filled with actors who have made area audiences applaud over the outdoor venue's past 5 seasons. Jill Palena plays the role of Millie Dillmount. Jill has been a staple at the Open Air Theatre for the past five summers. Some of her notable past roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Lily St. Regis in Annie, Margie in
Rodgers & Hammerstein's State Fair and most recently was seen as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical. Jill is joined by
Mike Nappi as
Jimmy Smith. Mike helped to open the 2014 season when he starred as Tony in West Side Story and just finished a run as Pappy Yokum in Li'l Abner. The cast includes Jordan Brennan as Ching Ho, Lauren Brader as Mrs. Meers and Michael Lovett as Trevor Graydon. The production is directed by Open Air Theatre artistic director
Louis Palena.
The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre production of Thoroughly Modern Millie will be performed on Friday, August 22, Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 at 7:30 pm. The musical returns for two additional weekends of performances on August 29, 30, 31 and September 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 and under). Tickets can always be purchased at the Open Air Theatre Box Office a half-hour prior to the performance. Group discounts are available.
For complete information about the 2014 Summer Season of mainstage shows, directions and more, visit the website at www.downtownpac.com. The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre is located inside Washington Crossing State Park at 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville, New Jersey. Box Office phone is (267) 885-9857.
