Summer Musical DAS BARBECU Plays 7/31-9/6 At Act Theater

Sometimes a night of theatre just needs to be down-right entertaining! And that is exactly what Seattle audiences will get at ACT's hootin' n' hollerin' sassy summer musical, Das Barbecü, July 31-September 6.

Seattle Opera originally commissioned this comic adaptation of Wagner's Ring Cycle in 1991, and this July, right in the middle of Seattle's raging barbecue season, The Ring returns - Texas-style. Das Barbecü's composer Scott Warrender comments, "It's been great fun hearing about all the productions of Barbecü over the past 15 years, from Austin to Austria, but there's something particularly exciting about having it produced at ACT Theatre, in my own hometown."

Das Barbecü is a lightning-paced musical that grafts Teutonic myth onto Texas twang. Big hair, big hats, and wonderful music, including an infectious ode to guacamole and a tender ditty entitled "Hog Tie Your Man" make this show a blast for opera buffs and anybody who just loves a good time. When you've gotta get your Götterdämmerung from the grill, ACT is the place to be!

Memberships and single tickets are on sale now for Das Barbecü. In addition to pre- and post-show discussions, additional presentations in conjunction with Das Barbecü include eight late night concerts by Seattle's own camped-out country-tonk combo, Purty Mouth produced by ACT's Central Heating Lab. Topped off with some cheeky variety and special guests each week, Purty Mouth dishes out a little Hedwig, a dash of Hee-Haw, and a whole lotta heart in their new show, The Weddin' Sangers, inspired by Das Barbecü. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, August 14 - September 5 at 10:30 p.m., immediately following Das Barbecü. Tickets are $10 or $7 with the purchase of a Das Barbecü ticket.

Cast:
Anne Allgood* Fricka, Erda, Needa and more
Carter J. Davis Siegfried, Alberich, Milam and more
Jennifer Sue Johnson Gutrune, Freia and more
Billie Wildrick* Brunnhilde and more
Richard Ziman* Wotan/Hagen, Gunther, and more

Production Team:
Stephen Terrell Director and Choreographer
Richard Gray Music Director
David Zinn Scenery and Costumes
Alex Berry Lighting Designer
Brendan Patrick Hogan Sound Designer
Jeffrey K. Hanson* Stage Manager
JR Welden* Assistant Stage Manager
Musicians:
Richard Gray Music Director and Keyboard
Eric Chappelle Fiddle
Don Dieterich Drums
Jon Paul Miller Guitar

*Members of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

ACT Theatre
Ticket Office: (206) 292-7676
Group Sales (12 or more): (253) 839-4204
700 Union Street, Seattle WA 98101
www.acttheatre.org

ACT Special Events (open to the public):

Behind the Scenes, August 4, 6:00 p.m.

Before the Tuesday night preview of a Mainstage production, Artistic Director Kurt Beattie and members of ACT's artistic team give you the heads-up and the lowdown on what it takes to make that night's magic. Seeing the show another night? Don't let that stop you; we still welcome you to come for the Behind-the-Scenes chat! Brought to you by KING FM with delicious bites provided by Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering.

Tastings, August 7, 6:30 p.m.

ACT unveils a delicious new tradition: beers, wines, and beverages from around the world, paired with local artisan foods-all matched to fit the theme of our Mainstage productions! Keith Johnsen, host of last year's Beer Tastings, will search his vast collection of spirits, as well as the bountiful variety of local markets, to procure the perfect show-themed treats for you. Please join us for this new and exciting FREE event!

About ACT - A Contemporary Theatre
For the past 44 seasons, ACT's mission has been to inspire our diverse community through theatre that advances our understanding of human life. To dare, excite and enrich artists and audiences. To steward our many resources. Through The Central Heating Lab, ACT seeks to heat things up and create a conversation with its season that reaches for a deeper impact.

ACT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Season Sponsors ArtsFund, ACT Foundation, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, and The Shubert Foundation, along with Producing Partners 4Culture, The Boeing Company, Getty Images, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, One Nation, PONCHO, and The Seattle Foundation.