Maltz Jupiter Theatre Presents JOLSON AT THE WINTER GARDEN, 2/22-3/13

Al Jolson was once the most famous and highest-paid entertainer in the world - singer, dancer, actor, comedian, impresario, rebel, businessman, and star.
 
Now, in this original musicAl Jolson at the Winter Garden!, starring Mike Burstyn and set to debut Feb. 22 through March 13 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, we learn about the performer known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer." Combining his hit tunes such as Swanee, Toot Toot Tootsie and My Mammy with hilarious stories, touching memories, and a compelling story, the show is designed to take its audience on a thrilling and unforgettable journey through the growth and rebirth of Jolson's sizzling career and the real story of the man behind the legend.
 
"By bringing this new show to life at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, we are contributing to the national landscape of new work," said the Theatre's artistic director, Andrew Kato. "We are thrilled to welcome Broadway star Mike Burstyn - who portrays Al Jolson - and director and choreographer Bill Castellino, who have both garnered much success in South Florida. Bill directed Cagney! at Florida Stage, which won the Carbonell Award for best new work last year."

The musical gets its title from special concerts performed at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York, where Jolson garnered nine sell-out shows in a row between 1911 and 1928. This was in addition to more than 80 hit records, 16 national and international tours, and the starring role in the first full-length talking movie, The Jazz Singer, in 1927.
 
"Al Jolson was the 'Barbara Streisand' of his day, and he broke many barriers," said the show's director, Bill Castellino. "He was the son of a Jewish cantor who defied tradition to become a performer, recording artist, vaudevillian, movie and radio star, and entertainment legend. He was also the first person to have a one-man show on Broadway, the first person to make more than $10,000 per week and the first performer to entertain U.S. troops overseas. He was loved all over the world." All of the musical's events and characters take place in historical context - but the show offers an unexpected plot twist and surprise ending, said the show's star, Mike Burstyn, who previously played Jolson in the national tour of another musical about Jolson called "Jolson: The Musical," also directed by Castellino. "Al Jolson passed away in 1950 - and now, on the 60th anniversary of his passing, I am pleased to have the chance of bringing him back with a new musical," Burstyn said. "I am bringing him back to where he always preferred to be: on stage, in front of his beloved audience, entertaining and singing his heart out, as only he could."
 
Tickets to Jolson at the Winter Garden! (Feb. 22-March 13) are $43-$60 and may be purchased by calling (561) 575-2223 or logging on to www.jupitertheatre.org.About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an award-winning professional not-for-profit regional theatre dedicated to the performing arts whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire our community. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and is located east of U.S. Highway 1 at 1001 East Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory of Performing Arts, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.