ALMOST HEAVEN Opens at Playhouse Merced, 4/13

"Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver," a concert'style musical that features close to thirty songs made famous by singer, songwriter John Denver, begins a three-weekend run on The Playhouse Merced mainstage Friday April 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm.

"Almost Heaven" weaves together the songs of John Denver to create a theatrical narrative that reflects upon the country during the years in which they were written. Twenty-nine of Denver's songs, ncluding "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," "Annie's Song," "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "Calypso,"are featured and performed against a backdrop of visual images of late '60s and early '70s America. Originally conceived by Harold Thau, "Almost Heaven" features orchestrations, vocal arrangements and music supervision by Jeff Waxman. It had an Off-Broadway run in 2004.

Playhouse Merced's production is directed by Rob Hypes, musically directed by Joel Scott Shade and features local singers / performers G.B. Blackmon III, Dianne Kocher, Jim Kocher, Nancy O'Bryan, Beki Rush and Corey Strauss. Shade will conduct and play with an on-stage band to accompany the live singers. .

This show is rated A = All Ages

"Almost Heaven" opens Friday, April 13, 2012 and plays three weekends through April 29, 2012. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2:00. Tickets prices: Adults: $20.00; Seniors: $18.00; Students: $10.00; Children: $8.00. Purchase tickets by calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 – 5:00.

Playhouse Merced is a community-based, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization seeking to entertain, educate and enlighten our audiences.