Christopher deProphetis, Melissa Marye Lehman & More to Star in Half Moon Theatre's THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND

Join them November 1-16 as Half Moon Theatre Company (HMT) kicks off its sizzling Fall/Winter season at The Culinary Institute of America with The World Goes 'Round, a stunning revue of the music of Tony Award-winning songwriters Kander and Ebb. From Cabaret to Chicago, the non-stop hit-parade features unforgettable gems like "All That Jazz," "Cabaret," and "New York, New York," seamlessly interwoven into an up-tempo evening of musical theatre.

An overwhelming hit Off-Broadway when it opened in 1991, The World Goes 'Round won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and three Drama Desk Awards. Audiences will recognize many of the songs made famous by Kander and Ebb and their muse, Liza Minnelli. In his New York Times review, Frank Rich said The World Goes 'Round "may be its authors' long overdue smash. The evening is an unexpected delight: a handsome, tasteful, snazzily staged outpouring of song and dance that celebrates all the virtues of the Kander-Ebb catalogue while scrupulously avoiding most of the cloying clichés of 'and-then-I-wrote' anthologies."

Michael Schiralli, who directed HMT's popular Side By Side by Sondheim and the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play Nico: Underground, will direct The World Goes 'Round. Schiralli said The World Goes 'Round has been on his director's wish list since he first saw the show in 1991. "The World Goes 'Round is one of those rare theatrical pieces that delves into the human experience, while thoroughly entertaining the audience with show stopping excitement," Schiralli said. "Just what you'd expect from Kander and Ebb!"

The full cast of The World Goes 'Round includes Christopher deProphetis*, Melissa Marye Lehman, Kenneth Kyle Martinez, Lisa Sabin*, and Denise Summerford*. Costumes are designed by Charlotte Palmer Lane, lighting by Henry Siebecker, and sound design by Zach Dexter.

Drama Desk winner and Broadway veteran Denise Summerford, who delighted audiences in HMT's popular Side By Side With Sondheim, said, "I am thrilled to bring the indelible melodies of Kander and Ebb to the Hudson Valley. The World Goes 'Round features songs like "All That Jazz," "How Lucky Can You Get," "Maybe This Time," and "New York, New York" sung by a cast of Broadway veterans. As an actor, it is an honor to be able to perform this caliber of music. It stretches you musically, vocally and intellectually. There's nothing like it. It is an evening of perfection."

Lisa Sabin, a professional singer and actress based in Cold Spring, NY, has performed at New York City's Avery Fisher Hall, Symphony Space, Don't Tell Mama, and B. B. King's, and The Plush Room (San Francisco), The Fringe Club (Edinburgh), and The Paramount Center for the Arts (Peekskill). "I've been hearing about Half Moon Theatre for a while now, and I am so pleased to have been cast in The World Goes 'Round with them!" Sabin said. "The music of Kander and Ebb is timeless and delicious, and to be performing it at the brand spanking new theatre at The Culinary Institute of America is a dream. How lucky am I?"

In December, Half Moon Theatre will present It's a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Live Radio Play adapted by Tony Palermo. Kristy Grimes, managing director of Half Moon Theatre said, "It's a Wonderful Life is the perfect holiday show for the whole family. We're hoping everyone from Grandma to the grandkids will come for dinner at the CIA, see the show, and start a new Christmas tradition right here in the Hudson Valley."

To round out the Fall/Winter season, HMT will present Fully Committed, from January 16-25. This sharp comedy follows a day in the life of Sam Peliczowski, who mans the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan's top restaurant. One actor plays all 40 roles including the chef, maître d', and socialites scheming for a table.

The CIA will offer a special three-course, prix fixe menu prior to Friday and Saturday evening performances for $39 per person (subject to availability). To make reservations, visit http://www.ciarestaurantgroup.com/new-york-restaurants or call 845-471-6608. Grimes encouraged patrons to call early for reservations and mention they have tickets for the theatre, as the theatre special is expected to book quickly.

Tickets for The World Goes 'Round range from $35-$45 and are available at halfmoontheatre.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

* Denotes members of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors & stage managers