New Musical AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND to Open 10/17 at the Studio Theatre

After the critically acclaimed, opening Summer Season of the Musical Comedy, "CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES", the World Premiere Musical Comedy, "COUPLED", and the Musical Cabaret, "The SINGING DIVAS of BROADWAY & HOLLYWOOD", Jimmy Ferraro's STUDIO THEATRE, 5732 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL presents the GRAND OPENING Main Season, with the hilarious NEW Musical, "AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND". The production stars MATTHEW RULEY, VICKY STINNETT, PETE CLAPSIS, and TRACIE CALLAHAN.

Opening Night is Friday, October 17th and the production runs weekends through November 16th, 2014. Opening Night will include a champagne reception to meet the cast, following the show. The Opening Night performance will begin at 7:30 PM. Performance Schedule: Friday and Saturday evenings: Doors open at 7:00 pm / show at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees: Doors open at 1:30 pm / show at 2:00 PM. Tickets $25.00 (tax included). Call 727-409-0293.

"AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND" is a NEW, Upbeat, Hilarious, Musical that confirms Retirement IS Grand!

You will Laugh Out Loud to more than 20 songs about Early Bird Specials, Driving, Wills, Doctors, HMOs, Pets, Exercise and more. The show is for and about retirees, those about to retire, baby boomers, seniors and ANYONE who wants a FUN time at the theater!

"AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND" will be presented in 2 acts with a 15 minute intermission.

Award winning, Producing Artistic Director Jimmy Ferraro, is directing and staging the STUDIO THEATRE production.

The cast includes MATTHEW RULEY, VICKY STINNETT, PETE CLAPSIS, and TRACIE CALLAHAN.

ABOUT THE CAST:

MATTHEW RULEY - Matthew is not even close to retiring, but he is thrilled to be doing this show with his longtime friend Jimmy Ferraro. Matthew is equally comfortable in vocal and instrumental performances, as he plays ten instruments and sings in eight languages. He's even been invited to sing the Japanese National Anthem at the Emperor's Day Reception at the Japanese Consulate in Miami. He has performed in oratorios, operas, musicals, plays, orchestras and jazz bands in the Southeast and the Midwest and also a tour of The Sound of Music in Southeast Asia. Some of his other appearances include Tony in West Side Story, Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes. He's also done solo work in such works as Messiah and Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio. Recently, Matthew has performed in a series of concerts with his wife and kids at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center.

VICKY STINNETT - Vicky is thrilled to be joining the cast of Ain't Retirement Grand! She is grateful to Jimmy Ferraro, for giving her this fantastic opportunity. Vicky has recently played the role of Guinevere in Richey Suncoast Theatre's production of CAMELOT. Some of her other recent credits include The SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria), ANNIE (Grace Farrell), and PIPPIN (Fastrada). A special thanks to her husband, Scott, and her family for their continued encouragement and support.

PETE CLAPSIS - Pete is delighted to be treading on the Jimmy Ferraro Studio Theatre boards once again. He was Pastor Gunderson in our debut offering of "Church Basement Ladies" and then appeared in the World Premiere of the musical "Coupled" as Bill. He served as Stage Manager and ran the light board for the just completed "The Singing Divas of Broadway and Hollywood". Pete turned professional in 2010, and has been seen at The Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson, American Stage in St. Petersburg, Jobsite Theater at The Straz Center in Tampa, and at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre on The Julie Harris Stage in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Additionally, Pete has appeared in numerous commercials, independent films, and is an accomplished voice over artist. He sends his thanks to Jimmy and Dee Etta, and is proud to be a member of The Studio Theatre family.

TRACIE CALLAHAN - Tracie Callahan is delighted to be performing in her first show at Jimmy Ferraro's STUDIO THEATRE! A graduate of the University of Maine's classical voice program, she is an accomplished snow shoveler. Recently she has spent her time on local stages, in roles including Buttercup in HMS Pinafore, Sr. Margareta in The Sound of Music, Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Agnes Gooch in Mame. She would like to thank her parents for their love and support, and William Garon for his faith and wisdom.

Playwright/Composer/Lyricist GIL PERLROTH - Gill Perlroth, writer, composer, lyricist, has penned more than 25 musicals several of which are currently being shown around the country. Included are: GULFPORT: THE MUSICAL, FRANCIS WILSON: THE MAN AND HIS THEATRE, ENCOUNTERS, LETTING GO, FALLOUT, THOM & SALLY, MARILYN & JOE and the trilogy AIN'T RETIREMENT GRAND!, AIN'T FOOD WONDERFUL! and AIN'T SEX SENSATIONAL! He has won many awards for his musicals. Originally from New York, he now resides with his wife, Cynthia, in Gulfport.

Production Stage Manager DEE ETTA ROWE, Lighting By MISTY HORNSBY, Sound and Set Design by KEITH SNYDER, Costume Design by ANTHONY JAMES.

For more information, visit www.ferrarostudiotheatre.com.