Group Repertory Co. Presents a Brand New BABY

Cate Caplin is directing and choreographing an updated version of the musical BABY at Group Repertory Theatre opening June 4th. The Maltby & Shire musical, which was nominated for seven Tony Awards, has a book by Sybille Pearson and is based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz. Jeffrey Rockwell will musical direct.

BABY tells the story of three couples dealing with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny situations of expecting a baby: college students in their twenties, barely at the beginning of their adult lives; thirty 'somethings', having trouble conceiving but willing to try; and middle-aged parents, looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college when a night of unexpected passion lands them right back where they started.

According to Caplin, "BABY has been a very special story that I have wanted to tell as a director for over 15 years. Aside from its glorious music and its clever and thoughtful lyrics, there is an emotionally charged and poignant heartbeat built into the very essence and core of each of the couples we become involved with. There is a universal truth and honesty that everyone can relate to and a timelessness that resonates and touches all who experience the piece."

She adds, "The production will feature a lot of choreographed 'moments' and heightened styling throughout. I've designed physical animation that mirrors the musical punctuation and visually 'paints' the nature and journey of the three principal couples, their emotional ride and their surrounding world of players."

The three couples will be played by Emily Thompson and Robert Allen as Lizzie and Danny, Dana Abrams and Steve Rizzo as Pam and Nick, and Luise Heath and Lloyd Pedersen as Arlene and Alan. Completing the ensemble are Klair Bybee, Tonilyn Hornung, Beckett Arnold, Lareen Faye, Michael Cassano and Jeremy M. Sage.

The design team for BABY includes Rachel Jaime Miller (Lighting), Chris Winfield (Set), Maro K. Parian (Costumes) and Lauren Cocca (Props). Richard Woody is Assistant Director and Michele Bernath is Assistant Choreographer.

Two Talkback Sessions with the cast will be held following the Sunday performances on June 13 and June 27.

BABY opens Friday, June 4th and runs through July 11 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601. For tickets and more information go to www.thegrouprep.com/ or call the reservation line at 818-700-4878.

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