Marcia Milgrom Dodge Directs and Choreographs ONCE At Olney Theatre Center

Olney Theatre Center begins 2019 on the Mainstage with its Residential Regional Premiere of Tony Award winning musical Once, running February 6 - March 10, 2019. Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Tony Award Nominee for the Broadway production of Ragtime, makes her Olney Theatre Center debut as Director and Choreographer. Press is invited to attend the performance on Saturday, February 9 at 8:00 pm.

Marcia Milgrom Dodge brings considerable experience, having Directed and Choreographed both on Broadway and off, as well as in regional theaters all across the nation. Dodge was the Director and Choreographer for the 2009 revival of Ragtime on Broadway and at The Kennedy Center, and was the first woman to direct a major musical produced by The Kennedy Center. Ragtime earned her the Tony nomination for Best Direction, and she won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Director of a Resident Musical. Dodge is also a playwright, having written both plays and musicals with her husband Anthony Dodge. Their shows have been produced in regional theaters throughout the U.S.

"It's such an honor to welcome Tony-nominee Marcia Milgrom Dodge to OTC, where she's going to direct Once with her unique blend of passion and artistry," said Artistic Director Jason Loewith. "She's gathered a tremendous team to bring this poignant and delight-filled celebration of love and music to life."

Based on the Oscar-winning Indie film of the same name, Once tells the story of Guy, a street guitarist on the verge of abandoning his dreams, played by Gregory Maheu (Passion at Signature Theatre). Luckily, Guy meets Girl, a curious woman that wants to know all about him, who helps him fall in love with the wonder of music again. Malinda Kathleen Reese, a multi-talented performer, YouTube sensation, and recording artist takes on the role of Girl and plays piano.

Olney Theatre Center Associate Artistic Director of Music Theatre Christopher Youstra plays the role of the Emcee, music directs and leads an ensemble composed of actor/musicians playing their own instruments live, on-stage.

The cast includes John Sygar (Andrej, playing banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass), Carlos Castillo (Švec, playing guitar, bass and drums), Nick Depinto (Bank Manager, playing guitar, mandolin and cajon), Katie Chambers (Ex-Girlfriend, Cello), Craig Macdonald (Da, playing mandolin, papoose and ukulele), Daven Ralston (Réza, playing violin), Brian Reisman (Eamon, playing guitar, banjo and ukulele), Dave Stishan (Billy, playing guitar and cajon) and Emily Mikesell (Baruška,violin and accordion). Girl's daughter, Ivanka, is played in-rotation by Kyleigh Fuller and Somaya Litmon. Ian Geers and Linda Bard serve as swings.

The creative team includes Off-Broadway veteran Michael Schweikardt (The Bus and Gates of Gold at 59 E 59) designing his first set at OTC, while Frank Labovitz (Costume Designer), Colin K. Bills (Lighting Designer), Lynn Watson (Voice and Dialect Coach), and Matt Rowe (Sound Designer) all return for another show at Olney.

olneytheatre.org

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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