Sutherland to Replace Bakula in Extended D.C. Shenandoah

Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. has extended its production of Shenandoah through May 21st. In addition, Brian Sutherland will succeed Scott Bakula--in accordance with the latter's contractual agreement--on April 30th.

Shenandoah, the 1975 musical set in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War, opened at Ford's on March 22nd after previews beginning March 17th, and was originally to have run through April 30th. Jeff Calhoun (Big River, Brooklyn) directs and choreographs the production.

Sutherland is currently the standby of Tony Award-nominee Bakula ("Quantum Leap," Romance/Romance, Marilyn: An American Fable); the latter plays Charlie Anderson, "who tries to keep the Civil War at bay and his family safe as the battle spreads and threatens their very existence," according to Ford's Theatre notes. Sutherland has been seen on Broadway in 1776, Steel Pier, Victor/Victoria, A Change in the Heir, Dance a Little Closer and Cats, while his tour credits include On the Record and the 1986 revival of Cabaret.

Christopher Bloch, Peter Boyer, Evan Casey, Kevin Clay, Rick Faugno, Richard Frederick, Aaron Hilliard, Ryan Jackson, Megan Lewis, Timothy Dale Lewis, Garrett Long, Mike Mainwaring, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Geoff Packard, Richard Pelzman, Zack Phillips, Noah Racey, Aaron Ramey, Andrew Samonsky, Stephen F. Schmidt, Bret Shuford, and Danny Tippett are also featured in the show. The creative team includes Tobin Ost (sets and costumes), Michael Gilliam (lighting), David Budries (sound), and Steven Landau (musical direction, arrangements and orchestrations).

Shenandoah, with music by Gary Geld, lyrics by Peter Udell, and a book by Udell, James Lee Barrett and Philip Rose, opened on January 7th, 1975 for a run of 1,050 performances. The musical won 2 Tony Awards out of its 6 nominations--including a Best Actor in a Musical Tony for John Cullum, who originated the role of Charlie.

Call (202) 347-4833 or visit www.fordstheatre.org for more information.