Connie Fisher To Lead WONDERFUL TOWN, March 2012

Following a run at The Lowry in Salford, Leonard Bernstein's musical comedy, WONDERFUL TOWN, directed by The Royal Exchange Theatre Artistic Director Braham Murray and starring Connie Fisher, will tour the UK for 11 weeks. Tickets for all venues are now on sale.

Wonderful Town will open at The Lowry, Salford on Saturday 31 March where for the first time ever they will combine artistic forces with the Royal Exchange Theatre and The Hallé Orchestra to present a remarkable fully staged, brilliantly choreographed production of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein's musical comedy. Bernstein's lush musical score will be performed at The Lowry by The Hallé Orchestra, conducted by their Musical Director, Sir Mark Elder. The tour orchestra is also chosen by Sir Mark Elder.

Connie Fisher, star of The Sound of Music and of the BBC's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York with her beautiful younger sister Eileen. The indomitable pair meet an array of colourful characters along the way, creating chaos at every turn in their search for romance, success and a free meal from Walgreen's deli.

Wonderful Town first premiered in New York in 1953 where it won five Tony Awards including Best Musical. The 2003 revival also won further Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Wonderful Town was last performed in London's West End in 1986.

Director Braham Murray said "To direct a great musical with a fabulous orchestra and world renowned conductor is a dream come true. There is only one word to describe it. WONDERFUL."

The full cast for Wonderful Town will be announced in January 2012.