Maureen McVerry Stars In 42 Street Moon's WILDCAT 5/7 - 5/24

42nd Street Moon’s 2008/09 season draws to a close with Maureen McVerry starring in Cy Coleman’s rip-roaring musical treat, Wildcat, book by N. Richard Nash, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, and music by Cy Coleman. The show previews on May 7 and 8, and opens on Saturday, May 9.  It runs at the Eureka Theatre through May 24.
 
Wildcat starred Lucille Ball in her only Broadway appearance ever, and provided her signature song “Hey Look me Over.”   Other songs include “Tall Hope,” “What Takes My Fancy,” “Give a Little Whistle,” “One Day We Dance,” and “You’ve Come Home.”
 
At its core is Wildcat Jackson, who arrives in Centavo City in 1912 with dreams of striking oil but with neither capital nor know-how to help her accomplish her goal. Her tangles with the unflappable Joe Dynamite, the most successful crew foreman in the territory, form the basis for the story.  The show will be directed by Kalon Thibodeaux with musical direction by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Tom Segal.
 
Maureen McVerry, who plays the title role, previously appeared in 42nd Street Moon’s productions of High Spirits, Pardon My English and last season’s The Student Gypsy. With film roles as well as dramatic stage work to her credit, she is a versatile artist who has performed both nationally and with numerous companies around the Bay Area, including A.C.T., TheatreWorks, San Jose Rep and Stage, the Magic, Marin Theatre Company, and Center Rep.  
 
Joe Dynamite will be portrayed by Rob Hatzenbeller, who was seen most recently at 42nd Street Moon in Ben Franklin in Paris earlier this season.  The winner of the Bay Area Critics’ Circle Award for his role in Wonderful Town at Marin Theatre Company, he was also seen in The Opposite Sex at the Magic, Guys and Dolls and The Sound of Music at American Musical Theatre of San Jose, and the world premiere of Kandar and Ebb’s The Visit at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre.
 
Others in the cast are Rebecca Pingree, Justin Torres, Caroline Altman, Richard Pardini, Peter Budinger, Derek Collard, Robert Cowan, Jimmy Featherstone, Michelle Ianiro, Benjamin Knoll, Gina Marchitiello, Chelsea Nenni, and Kyle Payne.
 
The company presents two low-priced previews of Wildcat on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 at 8 pm, with the Opening on Saturday, May 9 at 6 pm.  Patrons may enjoy a post-performance discussion with the director and the cast after the Sunday matinees on May 10 and 17.  A special family matinee is offered on Saturday, May 16 at 1 pm.  All performances take place at the Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street.  For tickets, call 415/255-820 or visit www.42ndstmoon.org.

42nd Street Moon celebrates and preserves the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre, contributing to its evolution and continuing vitality by presenting small-scale performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. 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 90 musicals, as well as several revues celebrating the dazzling legacy of the 20th Century’s greatest musical theater composers and lyricists.