David Armstrong News

The complete cast has been announced for Catch Me If You Can, the much anticipated new musical version of Steven Spielberg's film about young con artist Frank Abagnale, Jr., which will make its world premiere at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, July 23-August 14.

It was announced today that MEMPHIS, a new musical about the birth of rock 'n' roll in the turbulent 50s which recently played a critically acclaimed and sold-out engagement at Seattle?s 5th Avenue Theatre, is aiming to open on Broadway in the fall of 2009. Based on a concept by George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated Bedroom Farce & film: My Dinner With Andre), MEMPHIS features a book & lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), and music & lyrics by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan, in his Broadway debut. The new musical is directed by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).

The 5th Avenue presents the classic American Musical Hello Dolly!, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Michael Stewart, from the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder. Set in New York in the 1890s, the show tells the story of the irrepressible Dolly Levi, matchmaker and social phenomenon, who is employed by grumpy small-town merchant Horace Vandergelder to find him a wife. But instead of helping Horace, the formidable widow assists his two hapless clerks Barnaby and Cornelius to find love and adventure in New York, while setting her sights on Vandergelder herself! Brimming with exuberant songs like ?Put On Your Sunday Clothes,? ?Before the Parade Passes By,? ?It Only Takes a Moment,? and of course the title song, Hello Dolly! celebrates the exuberant philosophies of seizing the moment and spreading one?s wealth around.

Stephen Sondheim's exquisite musical about art, life, and what artists draw from both, Sunday in the Park with George, opens at The 5th Avenue Theatre on April 23rd. This rarely-seen but much-lauded musical features an all-star Seattle cast (led by Broadway actor Hugh Panaro in the leading role of George), and the astonishing scenic design and computer animation effects created by Sam Buntrock and designers Tim Bird and David Farley.

'Yankee Doodle' kicks off Ordway Center's 2008-2009 Theater Season and is the perfect entertainment for an election year.

De-Lovely words and music of one of America's greatest composers are celebrated in an entertaining if somewhat meandering musical revue at the Westport Country Playhouse

DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions Ltd. are pleased to announce that tickets for the Pre-Broadway engagement of SHREK THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre will go on sale this Friday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m.

HOT 'N COLE at Westport County Playhouse directed by James Naughton playing through June 28th

DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions Ltd. are pleased to announce that tickets for the Pre-Broadway engagement of SHREK THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre will go on sale this Friday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Westport Country Playhouse announces its summer roster of shows, featuring Tony Award winner James Naughton directing a Cole Porter musical revue; 'Saturday Night Live's' Rachel Dratch appearing in David Wiltse's 'tour de farce' office comedy; and Playhouse favorite Mark Shanahan ('Sedition,' 'David Copperfield,' 'Journey's End') performing in a thriller.

DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. are pleased to announce that Puget Sound native Keaton Whittaker has joined the cast of SHREK THE MUSICAL for the Seattle engagement.

Westport Country Playhouse (Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, artistic directors, Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, managing director) will stage a masterful blend of comedy and drama, 'The Pavilion,' by Craig Wright, award-winning playwright and Emmy-nominated writer/producer of television's 'Lost,' 'Six Feet Under' and 'Dirty Sexy Money.' Directed by Chad Rabinovitz, Playhouse artistic associate, the production will run from May 13 through May 31.

The 5th Avenue presents a Spotlight Night unlike any other when members of the Broadway creative team, cast and producers of Shrek the Musical visit Seattle to reveal the behind-the-scenes development of this world premiere on Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. at The 5th Avenue Theatre.

Westport Country Playhouse (Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, artistic directors, Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, managing director) announces that two-time Tony Award-winner, film star and Weston resident James Naughton will direct the lively song and dance revue, Hot 'n Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration!, playing June 10 - 28.

Westport Country Playhouse (Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, artistic directors, Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, managing director) will stage the delicious comedy Time of My Life by Alan Ayckbourn, reuniting author, director and cast members from one of last season's biggest hits, Relatively Speaking.

University of Minnesota history professor and author of 'Weimar Germany: Promise and Tragedy' (2007) Eric D. Weitz is making a special appearance at Spotlight Night: Cabaret on Tuesday, March 11 from 7 - 8:30PM at The 5th Avenue Theatre.

Westport Country Playhouse (Joanne Woodward and Anne Keefe, artistic directors, Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, managing director) has made some revisions in the previously announced 2008 season of productions. Distinguished actor and director Paul Newman will direct the Playhouse's fall production, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; Timothy Busfield, Emmy Award-winning actor from 'The West Wing,' 'Studio 60' and 'thirtysomething,' will star in the dark comedy Vigil, launching its tri-state area premiere on February 26; and Time of My Life, a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn, reuniting author, director and cast members from one of last season's biggest hits, is newly slated for April production.

The 5th Avenue Theatre announces its 2008-2009 season lineup bursting with seven enormously entertaining musicals, five of which are making their 5th Avenue debuts. Includes debuts 'Shrek the Musical' and 'Memphis,' plus tours 'The Drowsy Chaperone' and 'Grease,' and classics 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Sunday in the Park with George.'

Mame rings in the New Year at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong directs this Broadway musical, starring three-time Tony nominee Dee Hoty

LONE STAR LOVE, a new musical comedy starring Academy Award nominee Randy Quaid in his Broadway debut as Colonel John Falstaff, has announced full casting as it begins rehearsals this week for its Seattle engagement at The 5th Avenue Theatre, September 8 - 30. LONE STAR LOVE will open on Broadway on Monday, December 3 at New York's Belasco Theatre; previews will begin Thursday, November 1.