Pittsburg CLO Welcomes Paige Davis, Dee Hoty, Alice Ripley, Matt Cavenaugh, and More

Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce that Summer Season 2005 will feature a talented array of the entertainment industry's most respected and sought after performers.

"We are thrilled to welcome such an impressive list of performers to our 2005 Summer Season," explained CLO's Executive Producer, Van Kaplan. "These talented individuals guarantee our audiences a summer of unforgettable shows and help us to continue to produce Broadway quality productions right here in Pittsburgh."

A Little Night Music – June 7-12
"Guiding Light" favorite Robert Newman who has delighted audiences for more than 20 years as Josh Lewis in the hit daytime series will join the cast of A Little Night Music as Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm. The Emmy-nominated actor has worked extensively in the Los Angeles theater including leading roles in the musicals The Robber Bridegroom, Guys and Dolls and Bye, Bye Birdie, as well as such diverse plays as Veronica's Room, Meda and The Rainmaker. Most recently, Mr. Newman starred as Guido Contini in North Shore Musical Theatre's production of Nine.

This Sondheim masterpiece will also feature Broadway veteran Dee Hoty as Desirée Armfeldt. Ms. Hoty has been seen most recently on Broadway as Donna in Mama Mia. She received Tony® Nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances in The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, The Will Rogers Follies and Footloose. Her other Broadway appearances include City of Angels (Outer Critics nomination), Me and My Girl, Big River, The Five O'Clock Girl and Shakespeare's Cabaret. She has also appeared in the National Tours of The Will Rogers Follies (Joseph Jefferson Award) and Barnum, opposite Stacy Keach.

A Little Night Music will be directed and choreographed by Barry Ivan. Mr. Ivan most recently directed Pittsburgh CLO's 2003 critically acclaimed production of Miss Saigon.

The Sound of Music – June 14-26
Paige Davis, known to millions of television viewers as the host of The Learning Channel's "Trading Spaces" will make her CLO debut as Maria in The Sound of Music. Ms. Davis' reputation as a triple-threat dancer, actress and singer has led to a long association with the musical Chicago including the National Tour and a recent appearance as Roxy Hart on Broadway. She has also been seen as Babette on the first National Tour of Broadway's Beauty and the Beast, Val in A Chorus Line, April in Company, Catherine in Pippin and Irene Malloy in Hello, Dolly!.

Ms. Davis will be joined on stage by CLO favorite and Tony® Nominated actor Robert Cuccioli as Captain Von Trapp. Mr. Cuccioli is best known for his award-winning performance in the title role of Broadway's Jelyll & Hyde. He has also appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables and in numerous CLO productions including Funny Girl, Guys and Dolls, Bells Are Ringing and The Pajama Game.

James Brennan, who delighted audiences last season in Me and My Girl, returns to CLO to direct this remarkable production. Mr. Brennan also directed Pittsburgh CLO's 1999 production of Crazy for You. The Sound of Music will be choreographed by Dan Mojica who most recently choreographed last season's Hello, Dolly!

The Pirates of Penzance – June 28-July 10
Mark Jacoby returns to the CLO stage as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. CLO audiences will remember him from his impressive performances in previous productions of The Pirates of Penzance and 1776. His Broadway credits include Man of Lla Mancha, Ragtime, Showboat (Tony, Outer Critics and Joseph Jefferson Award nominations);The Phantom of the Opera, Grand Hotel, Sweet Charity (Theatre World Award) and the National Tour of The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

The Pirates of Penzance will be directed by Leland Ball who directed and choreographed Pittsburgh CLO's 1985 production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The show will be choreographed by Dan Mojica.

Tommy – July 12-24
Broadway's Alice Ripley will make her CLO debut in the role of Mrs. Walker in Tommy. Ms. Ripley boasts numerous Broadway credits including The Rocky Horror Show, Les Miserables and Sunset Boulevard.

Her performance as Violet in the Broadway production of Side Show earned her critical acclaim including Tony® and Drama Desk Nominations and a Genesius Guild Award. Her regional musical theater credits include Helen Hayes nominated performances in Company and Tell Me On A Sunday at The Kennedy Center. She has also appeared on the daytime series "All My Children" and "Guiding Light."

The show will be directed by Tony Stevens who most recently choreographed Pittsburgh CLO's 2003 production of Annie. The show will be choreographed by Mark Esposito.

Carousel – July 26-31
Broadway's Matt Cavenaugh will star as Billy Bigelow in Carousel. Mr. Cavenaugh made his Broadway debut in Urban Cowboy, a role he originated at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami. Pittsburgh audiences will recognize him from his performance as Jimmy in the 2003 National Tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie. His National Tour credits also include Ragtime (Younger Brother), Strike Up the Band (Jim Townsend) and Grease (Eugene).

Pittsburgh native and Broadway veteran Lenora Nemetz will join the cast of Carousel as Mrs. Mullin. Ms. Nemetz made her Broadway debut in Cabaret, and first came to the attention of New York critics when she replaced Chita Rivera in the original Broadway production of Chicago. Pittsburgh audiences have enjoyed her performances with Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Playhouse, City Theatre and Pittsburgh Musical Theater.

Carousel will be directed by Charley Repole who brought CLO audiences last year's charming production of Me and My Girl. The show will be choreographed by Mark Esposito who has choreographed numerous CLO productions including last season's The Music Man.

Doctor Dolittle – August 2-14
The cast and creative team for the American Premiere of Doctor Dolittle which will launch its National Tour in Pittsburgh will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for Summer Season 2005
Pittsburgh CLO offers family-affordable pricing plans and flexible subscriptions to fit even the busiest summer schedule. Subscriptions range from $42-$300.

Full and partial Season Subscriptions are now available. The 7-Show Premium Series allows subscribers to see all seven sensational musicals including Forever Plaid at the new CLO Cabaret! New flexible subscriptions also allow subscribers to design their own season. Subscribers can choose a 4-Show Subscription Series or the new Fun Flex 3. A complete list of subscription options is available at www.pittsburghCLO.org.

Subscriptions can be ordered now by calling (412) 281-2822. New subscriptions are filled on a date-received basis. New subscribers should order their subscriptions early to get the best seats!

Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Season 2005 is the perfect outing for any social group! Groups of 10 or more should call the Group Sales Hotline at (412) 263-2560 to learn more about special discounts and priority seating.

Pittsburgh CLO gratefully acknowledges the generosity PNC for their sponsorship of the PNC Spotlight Series and our Season Sponsors: American Airlines, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and WTAE-TV.

For more information, please visit www.pittsburghCLO.org.