Alison Fraser & Mitchell Jarvis to Lead GETTIN' THE BAND BACK TOGETHER at George Street Playhouse; Full Cast Announced

9 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick will be rockin' every night beginning September 24 with music and laughter. George Street Playhouse and Artistic Director David Saint have announced casting for the opening production for the venerable theatre's fortieth season. Gettin' The Band Back Together (formerly titled Garage Band) is a rockin' valentine to the Garden State, and will be directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando - who also helmed The Toxic Avenger in New Brunswick (and New York) a few seasons back. Gettin' The Band Back Together will rock the house beginning Tuesday, September 24 and continue through Sunday, October 27. Opening night is set for Friday, October 4. Gettin' The Band Back Together is performed by special arrangement with Davenport Theatrical Enterprises, Inc. and Roy Putrino.

The cast is comprised of Broadway veterans, many of whom will be making their George Street Playhouse debut: Heather Braverman (Circle of Friends),Evan Daves (The Coast of Utopia), Michelle Duffy (Leap of Faith), Ryan Duncan (Soul Doctor), two-time Tony nominee Alison Fraser (GSP's Lend Me a Tenor, Gypsy on Broadway), Deidre Goodwin (A Chorus Line), Christopher Gurr (Memphis national tour), Mitchell Jarvis (Rock of Ages), Jay Klaitz (High Fidelity), Garth Kravits (The Drowsy Chaperone), Adam Monley (Mamma Mia!), Emily McNamara (Around the World in 80 Days), Manu Narayan (Bombay Dreams), Tad Wilson (Wonderland), and BranDon Williams (TV's Entourage, Stay at Home Dad).

Gettin' The Band Back Together boasts a book by Ken Davenport and The Grundelshotz, with additional material by Sarah Saltzberg, and music and lyrics byMark Allen. Orchestrations are by Doug Katsaros, Fred Lassen serves as musical director, Kelly Devine is choreographer and Tony Award-winner John Rando is director. Creating the world of the play are scenic designer Derek McLane, lighting designer Ken Billington, costume designer Gregory Gale and sound designer Peter Fitzgerald.

The Grundleshotz is a group of performers and writers comprised of Sebastian Arcelus, Fred Berman, Michael Hirstreet, Jenna Coker Jones, Craig Jzorack, Nathan Kaufman, Jay Klaitz, Emily McNamara, Jennifer Miller, Bhavesh Patel, Sarah Saltzberg and Fletcher Young, who helped develop Gettin' The Band Back Together through a series of improvisational rehearsals.

Fast paced and hilarious, Gettin' The Band Back Together is the tale of Mitch - recently forty and cut loose from his job on Wall Street. Forced by finances to move back to his childhood home in Sayreville, NJ, Mitch - a fine musician thought to be the next Bon Jovi - reunites with his high school band mates in a high-stakes battle of the bands. Best buddies, old girlfriends, high school bullies who never grew up and one hot New Jersey momma make for fast times and the ultimate "do-over" for this Jersey Boy.

Individual tickets, priced $38-$62, are on sale now, as are a variety of full and flexible subscription packages. Contact the George Street Playhouse Box Office732-246-7717 for tickets and information, or visit The Playhouse website: www.GSPonline.org, on which can also be found directions to The Playhouse by public transportation, or by car, as well as parking and dining recommendations. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, in the heart of New Brunswick's vibrant downtown and steps away from parking, transportation and fine dining for every cuisine and budget.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

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