SWINGING ON A STAR Opens 7/23 at Playhouse on Park

This July, Friday the 13th is your lucky day as the Johnny Burke Musical "Swinging On a Star" comes to life at Playhouse on Park.

The popular revue with music and lyrics by Johnny Burke is described as "a dazzling, toe-tapping, finger-snapping delight" featuring over 40 American standards. Classics like "Pennies from Heaven", "Imagination" and of course, the Academy Award winning "Swinging on a Star", are woven together to create a feel-good entertainer that will leave a smile on the face and a song in the heart of any theatre fan.

Directed and choreographed by Playhouse on Park Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Darlene Zoller, with Musical Direction by Colin Britt, "Swinging on a Star" takes you everywhere from a 1920's speakeasy to Paramount Pictures Movie Studio with the help of number of talents from throughout tri-state area. Hillary Ekwall, Amanda Forker, Kevin Barlowski, Scott Scaffidi (of New York), Jenna Levitt, Marissa Famiglietti, and Dakota Dutcher along with dancers, MacKenzie Friedmann, Spencer Pond, and Shannon Farrell comprise the gifted ensemble in this American classic.

The shows run begins with preview performances on Wednesday, July 11th and Thursday, the 12th, before opening officially on Friday, July 13th. The Opening Night performance will be preceded by a complimentary wine and cheese reception for patrons to enjoy from 7:00pm to 8:00pm while a Talk Back with the cast and director will follow the Sunday, June 17th, 2012 matinee.

In addition, keeping in step with musicality of the show, a BYOB, open mic led by music director, Britt, will follow the Saturday, July 22nd performance. This bonus FREE event begins 10-15 minutes after the performance and is open to the public; though tipping the pianist is recommended. Feel free to bring your own music or choose from ours and join in the fun as a performer or audience member.

"Swinging On A Star" runs July 11th through July 29th (with a additional matinee on Wednesday, July 18th at 2pm by popular demand) at West Hartford's award winning professional theatre, Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road. Tickets range in price from $22.50 - $32.50 (Students, Seniors, Let's Go Arts members save $2.50 per ticket) and can be purchased in person or over the phone at the box office 860-523-5900 ext. 10, Tuesday to Friday (10am - 6pm); Saturday (10am - 2pm) and 2 hours before curtain; or online at www.PlayhouseOnPark.org. Preview show tickets are available for $15.00! For more information regarding our upcoming 2012-13 season, complete bios, special dining offers, and ticket deals, please visit the website or call us at the box office.

Photo credit: Rich Wagner