Photo Flash: Inside Opening Night of Signature Theatre's ELMER GANTRY

ELMER GANTRY is a musical version of Sinclair Lewis' best-selling novel, directed by Signature's Artistic DirectorEric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Schaeffer collaborated on the last production of Elmer Gantry at Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre in Chicago with authors John Bishop (book), Mel Marvin (music) and Bob Satuloff (lyrics) in 1998; the show has not been produced since then. Signature Theatre's presentation will be the 5th production in the show's history. Running in the MAX Theatre now through November 9, Signature's production will include several brand new songs by Mel Marvin and Bob Satuloff and a reimagined script that John Bishop worked on until his death in 2006. Go inside opening night, below!

Featuring a blues-, folk- and gospel-infused score, Elmer Gantry brings the evangelical charlatan of Sinclair Lewis' novel to life in a new reimagining. The charismatic, but completely broke, salesman Elmer Gantry stumbles upon a struggling religious tour, led by pious evangelist Sister Sharon Falconer. Falling for Falconer, Gantry joins the troupe as a preacher and, with a little showmanship and theatrics, transforms the revival into the hottest ticket in town. However, inspired by Falconer's earnestness and his reawakened spirit, Gantry inserts one spectacle too many and risks blowing up the entire operation.

The production will star Charlie Pollock (Broadway's Violet) as Elmer Gantry and Mary Kate Morrissey (Hair International Tour) as Sharon Falconer. Nova Y. Payton (Signature's Dreamgirls) will join the cast in the role of Mary Washington.

The creative team includes Musical Direction by Vadim Feichtner; Scenic Design by Daniel Conway; Costume Design by Frank Labovitz; Lighting Design by Chris Lee; Sound Design by Lane Elms; Wig Design by Anne Nesmith; and Production Stage Manager Kerry Epstein.

Elmer Gantry is part of Signature Theatre's 2014/15 season. It plays for 4.5 weeks, running October 7 through November 9, 2014 in the MAXTheatre. Tickets go on sale July 1 and start at $40. For more information, visitwww.signature-theatre.org.