ETC Presents STARMITES At Miles Memorial Playhouse, previews Begin 4/23

Rehearsals are underway for Ensemble Theatre Company's new production of the 1989 Tony Award-nominated musical Starmites. With music and lyrics by Barry Keating and book by Stuart Ross and Keating, Starmites will be directed and choreographed by Steve Edlund (with co-choreographer Lili Fuller). There is one preview performance on Friday, April 23 at 8pm and opening night is set for Saturday, April 24 at 8:00. The engagement will run through Sunday, May 9.
Starmites tells the zany tale of earthling Eleanor, who, dreaming her way into a comic book adventure in Innerspace, is thrust into a quest to save the galaxy. It is Eleanor, Space Punk, the Starmites and a lizard man against the evil Banshees (weird women with dangerous hair-dos) led by Diva and Shak Graa. Starmites is 100% family friendly, and will transport audiences to a whole new universe and will feature re-imagined elements, including puppets and special effects.

The cast (in alphabetical order) includes Marisa Esposito, Michael Joyce, Thomas Krottinger, Matthew McFarland, Riana Nelson, Jessica Perlman, Jonah Priour, Jen Reiter, Raquel Sandler, Natalie Storrs, and Donald Webber, Jr. The set design is by Steve Edlund, costume design is by Lili Fuller, lighting design is by Phil Kong, and sound design is by Sean Kranz. The music and vocal director is Michael Alfera, puppet design is by Jessica Dalva, and Melissa Trupp serves as stage manager. The producer for Ensemble Theatre Company is Caitie Hannon.

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) was founded in 2000 by Narcissa Vanderlip and Parmer Fuller. Working with talented and dedicated young performers directed by theatre professionals, ETC has presented classic and lesser known American musicals, Shakespeare in unique outdoor settings, and original musical theatre. ETC also facilitates an annual youth community tour, bringing music, theatre and dance to child service agencies, nursing homes, and hospitals across Los Angeles County.

There will be one preview performance of Starmites on Friday, April 23 at 8pm, and opening is set for Saturday, April 24 at 8pm. The regular performance schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm through May 9 (there is no matinee on Saturday 4/24). Prices range from $10-$20 and tickets may be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/105660. There are special family prices available for selected matinees.

The Miles Memorial Playhouse is located at 1130 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica.