RIP! THE MUSICAL to Premiere at Rhinebeck, 7/17-19

Twenty years ago, Michael Berkeley and Ray Roderick mounted their Rip Van Winkle musical in Pine Plains, NY. A newly-refurbished Rip will reawaken with a revamped score and new book as Rip! The Musical at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck July 17-19 for four special performances, sponsored by Hammertown.

Rip! The Musical writer and director Michael Berkeley explains, "The show was originally conceived as a valentine to the Hudson Valley. It remains as heartfelt as the day it was first conceived. In the grand style of classic musicals like The Music Man, Fiddler, and Hello, Dolly!, the family-friendly Rip! The Musical promises to be a theatrical experience not to be missed."

Rip! The Musical, based on Washington Irving's short story Rip Van Winkle, tells the story of the Hudson Valley farmer who, in 1770, is driven by his nagging wife into the Catskill Mountains where he encounters gnomes who put him to sleep for twenty years. When Rip awakens and returns to town in 1790, he finds he has missed much (including the American Revolution) as he tries to make amends with his family.

Lou Trapani, artistic and managing director of The CENTER, was most recently seen on stage as Carmen Ghia in The Producers. Trapani, who plays Mr. Vanderdonk in Rip! The Musical, said this production is unique because it is so spirited and has a very lively score. "This show is perfect for Rhinebeck because Rhinebeck prides itself on being the Hudson Valley and if anything is Hudson Valley, it's a musical about Rip Van Winkle," Trapani said. "This musical is perfect for 2015 because we all need to step back from the world's (and our own) woes and just enjoy a magical tale."

Jarek Zabczynski, who was most recently seen on The CENTER's stage as Leo Bloom in The Producers and Christopher Scott in Miss Saigon, plays the title character, Rip Van Winkle. Zabczynski said part of the thrill of performing in Rip! The Musical is getting to create a character in an original piece that audiences have never seen. "I've never had the opportunity to do something that hasn't been done before," he said. "The Rip Van Winkle story takes place right in the Hudson Valley, so to be doing the show right where the story itself was born is pretty special."

Lori Belter, a realtor from Salisbury, Connecticut, has worked with Michael Berkeley and Pamela Chassin to develop a theatre program at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT. Belter has played many roles in regional theatre over the years, and will be playing Wilhelmina Van Winkle in Rip! The Musical. "The story transcends time and place and I believe it brings us to a place within us that is joyful, giving us pause to remember the true value of love and life," Belter said. "Michael Berkeley's music captures the heart of the community in which the story takes place."

Rip! The Musical stars Jarek Zabczynski as Rip Van Winkle, Lori Belter as Dame Van Winkle, and Lou Trapani as Peter Vanderdonk. The cast of 30 includes Hudson Valley audience favorites Lisa Lynds, Michael Britt, Amy LeBlanc, Melissa Matthews, and Frank McGinnis.

Michael Berkeley directs, with choreography by Amber Cameron and music direction by Paul and JoAnne Schubert. The musical is designed by Bill Ross, costumes by Lobsang Camacho, lighting by Dave Popieluszko, sound by Natalie Houle; Patrick McGriff is stage manager and Pamela Chassin is producer.

With only four performances at The CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck over the weekend of July 17-19, tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Please visit RipTheMusical.com or call 845-876-3080 for tickets or more information.