Tommy Tune to Star in and Direct Dr. Dolittle - Tour Opens January 17 in Houston

The producers of Dr. Dolittle announced today that nine-time Tony® Award-winner Tommy Tune will star and direct as the beloved veterinarian who talks to the animals in an extraordinary new musical based upon Leslie Bricusse's 1967 Oscar-winning movie of the same name, and "The Doctor Dolittle Stories" by Hugh Lofting. Performances begin on January 17, 2006 at the Hobby Center in Houston.

Throughout his prolific career, the legendary Mr. Tune has garnered many prestigious awards, including The National Medal of Arts presented by the President in 2003, nine Tony® Awards, eight Drama Desk Awards, two Obie Awards and two Fred Astaire Awards. The multi-talented performer, choreographer and director has many credits to his name including Grand Hotel, The Will Rogers Follies, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and the original production of Nine.

"What a privilege to be working with the talented Tommy Tune," says Producer Van Kaplan, Pittsburgh CLO. "His unique performance style and flair are bound to delight theatergoers across the country. Audiences are in for a treat."

Dr. Dolittle features a book, music and lyrics written by Leslie Bricusse, a writer-composer-lyricist who has contributed to numerous musicals and movies during his career. The show's charming and witty score features the Academy Award-winning song "Talk to the Animals" and a flock of other tuneful delights, including "When I Look in Your Eyes," "I've Never Seen Anything Like It" and "After Today."

This whimsical tale first wowed audiences in the critically acclaimed 1967 movie starring Rex Harrison. It earned an impressive eight academy award nominations, winning several Oscars.

Additional casting & dates for the tour will be announced at a later date.

Dr. Dolittle is produced by Pittsburgh CLO, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Independent Presenters Network and Columbia Artists Theatricals.