Seth Rudetsky et al. Set for the Kennedy's Summer Season

By: May. 09, 2011
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Theatre patrons can expect a season like no other at The Kennedy this summer. From one-man shows and master classes to world premieres and special events, Hot Summer Night at the Kennedy isn't holding back when it comes to entertaining audiences in their seventh year.

Hitchcock meets hilarious when the season kicks off on June 8 with 39 Steps (June 8-13). But don't putit passed the producers to keep the laughter alive even when most theatres are dark on a Monday night.

As a special treat, Seth Rudetsky, comedian, musician and nationally known Broadway host on Sirius/XM radio is not only presenting his one-man show Seth's Big Fat Broadway Show (June 13) but he will also conducting an afternoon master class before the evening performance. The season continues with a musical favorite that will take you back to the days of diners and drag races with The Marvelous Wonderettes (June 29-July 10) followed by the world premiere of Field of Glory (July 20-31). Marking the 150th anniversary year of the Civil War, this new play by Sharon Talbot and directed by Tony Award® nominated director/choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett, explores the way a mother and son find their way home in the shadow of our Country's greatest battle. Another work new to the area will then hit The Kennedy Theatre bringing with it song and sensational talent both on and off the stage. Raleigh's own Broadway baby and HSN Producer/Artistic Director Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard) returns to perform at Hot Summer Nights as the title role in Violet (August 17-28).

This new musical explores a young disfigured woman's journey from North Carolina to Oklahoma to be healed and brings a number of Hot Summer Nights' favorites and NC locals back to The Kennedy.
Finally, the season will close with the concert event Oh, What a Night! (August 31 & September 1). The two-night event is a chance for Hot Summer Nights to show the public that there is truly something in the water when it comes to the unbelievable talent in the Triangle. The concert will share selections from shows too big for Hot Summer Nights with voices to match.

Kennedy and husband Tony Award® nominated actor Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard, Contact,
Hello Again) are elated for stellar number seven. Much of what is in store this season has been in the works with HSN's producers for quite some time. Seeing it come to light is a dream come true. Building on the success of the last several seasons, HSN has been able to attract an increasing number of incredible performers, directors and designers", says Kennedy. Campbell agrees, adding more about the theatre itself. "We have a new configuration that will make the Kennedy Theatre even more accessible and versatile with better visibility and enhanced sound quality," he says. According to this duo, "Hot Summer Nights At The Kennedy is growing and will shine brighter than ever this summer!"

All performances run Wednesday-Saturday at 8PM. Sunday matinees are at 3PM. Seth's Big Fat
Broadway Show will run on a Monday at 8PM. His Master Class is at 3:30PM on the same day. Shows take place at the Kennedy Theatre inside the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC. Tickets are $22.00 for general admission and $18 for senior adults, students and military. Master Class tickets are $15 to audit and $100 to participate. Tickets can be purchased by calling 866-811-4111 or online through the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy website: www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.

Hot Summer Nights at The Kennedy began in the summer of 2005 in an effort to bring a smaller and more intimate professional theatre to Downtown Raleigh. By having a strong group of producers who each have an extensive background in the arts, we are able to share an array of shows with our audiences by combining some of the best talent from both North Carolina and New York.
From musicals to comedies to thought provoking dramas, Hot Summer Nights and its producers are proud to continue the excellence of bringing you our critically acclaimed summer series.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

 

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