Sunset Boulevard: A HOLLYWOOD STORY

You have disgraced the industry that made and fed you. You should be tarred and feathered and run out of Hollywood, said Louis B. Mayer with disdain to Billy Wilder before the crowd of celebrities, studio heads and specially invited guests after a private screening of Sunset Boulevard, the 1950 film that exposed the darker side of the glamorized world of the Hollywood studio system.

Sunset Boulevard is a masterpiece of story telling complete with the ultimate femme fatale, Norma Desmond, a poignant victim of the Hollywood studio system. It is a bitter tragic-comedy about a fictional mega-star from the silent film era.

The character Norma Desmond, not unlike many actors from the studio era, was elevated to star status and glamorized for the studio’s financial gain and glory, only to be discarded when her popularity waned and the public’s desire for silent pictures ended. This insight into the studio system had never before been revealed to the movie going public; the studios spent millions glamorizing the images of the stars who worked for them, sending the message that the stars lived a life of luxury, glamour and were above all else, untarnished.

The studio system was the dominant means of producing and distributing films in Hollywood from the 1920s through 1954. Studios controlled not only the careers of contract performers, but also all public information about them as well. Potential scandals were stifled by studios, and in some cases, studio bosses arranged marriages between their stars for publicity. In addition the studios also owned all major theatres throughout the U.S., thereby controlling distribution. Despite the many negative aspects of the studio system, some of the greatest films in history were created during what is commonly known as the Golden Age of Hollywood. The demise of the studio system began in 1948 when the Supreme Court ruled many of its practices illegal.

Paramount Pictures originally had given Gloria Swanson verbal permission to proceed with a musical adaptation of Sunset Boulevard in 1952, but there had been no formal legal arrangement. In 1957, Paramount executive Russell Holman wrote Swanson a letter asking her to cease work on the project because "it would be damaging for the property to be offered …as a stage musical." In the early 1960s, Stephen Sondheim outlined a musical stage version, however, a chance encounter with Billy Wilder gave Sondheim the opportunity to ask the original film's co-screenwriter and director his opinion of the project. "You can't write a musical about Sunset Boulevard," Wilder responded, "it has to be an opera. After all, it's about a dethroned queen." Sondheim immediately aborted his plans.

Andrew Lloyd Webber was inspired to write a musical based on Sunset Boulevard when he first saw the film in the 1970s. The project however didn’t take root until 1991 when he finally felt ready to tackle the project. Together with Don Black and Christopher Hampton, who wrote the book and lyrics, he composed the music for the show that would become an international sensation. The musical premiered on London’s West End in 1993 under the direction of Trevor Nunn, choreographed by Bob Avian and starring Patti LuPone as Norman Desmond. The show later opened in Los Angeles with Glenn Close in the lead role. Glenn went on to open the Broadway premier, winning a Tony for Best Actress in a Musical. The show garnered six more Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book and Tony Nominations including Best Costumes Design - the same costumes featured in the Ogunquit Playhouse production. Billy Wilder attended both the London and Broadway openings, joining Glenn Close on stage for the curtain call in New York!

In bringing this fantastic American story to the stage, the Ogunquit Playhouse is truly blessed to have Stefanie Powers join us as Norma Desmond. Ms. Powers was not only one of the last contract studio movie actresses for Columbia Pictures, making fifteen films for the studio over five years, but counts many of the creators of Sunset Boulevard as dear friends; Gloria Swanson (an alumni of the Playhouse), Billy Wilder and William Holden are each storied parts of her remarkable life.

STEFANIE POWERS (Norma Desmond) began her career at age 15, dancing briefly for famed choreographer Jerome Robbins. While under contract to Columbia Pictures for 5 years, she appeared in 15 motion pictures, among them Experiment in Terror, The Interns, McLintock!, and Love Has Many Faces, before MGM bought her from Columbia for their series, landing her first television series, The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. More motion pictures followed, plus dozens of TV guest appearances, over 20 mini-series including "Mistral’s Daughter," "At Mother’s Request" and "Beryl Markham: A Shadow on the Sun." Throughout her career she appeared in theatrical productions such as Under the Yum Yum Tree, How the Other Half Loves, Sabrina, A View From the Bridge, Oliver! and Annie Get Your Gun. Two more television series, "The Feather & Father Gang" and the long running "Hart to Hart" established Powers’ reputation for glamour and versatility. She toured extensively with "Hart to Hart" co-star Robert Wagner in Love Letters, including the play’s London West End debut, later returning to the West End in the musical Matador. After completing eight two-hour television movie versions of "Hart to Hart," she returned to the musical theatre in the first revival of Applause, the musical version of All About Eve. She appeared Off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues before returning to England to star in the debut of the American play, The Adjustment. England summoned her again to take over for Elaine Page in the elaborate UK production of The King and I and a year later she returned to the role of Anna in the US tour of the production. Soon thereafter she starred in the Reprise! production of On Your Toes. Again in England, she appeared in the comedy film Rabbit Fever which was followed by a dramatic Austrian film production, Jump and this past Spring, she starred in the Hallmark network production of Meet My Mom. She released her debut CD, On the Same Page, a collection of tunes from the classic American songbook era, on which she collaborated with veteran musician/arranger Page Cavanaugh, and followed that with the debut of her one-woman show, One From the Hart. As much a part of her life as her career is, her devotion to animal preservation and protection often seems more of a vocation than an avocation. She is co-founder and president of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, established in 1982 as a public charity to continue the late actor’s conservation work in Africa. Powers resides part time in Kenya, serves on the advisory board of three major zoos, is a Fellow of the Los Angeles Zoo, the Royal Geographic Society and the Explorers Club of America, and she created the Jaguar Conservation Trust for Jaguar Cars North America, all as part of her lifetime commitment to conservation. Stefanie’s long awaited memoire, One From the Hart, will be available in the Fall of 2010.

CHRISTINA DECICCO (Betty Schaefer) was last seen as Cindy Lou in The Marvelous Wonderettes (Final Off-Broadway Cast & San Jose Repertory Theatre). She has also been seen as Glinda in the National Tour of Wicked. Other roles include Elmire in Molière’s Tartuffe, Éponine in Les Misérables (Barrymore Award Winner), Maria in West Side Story, Hope in Urinetown, Belle in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, and Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. B.A. from Wagner College. Actors Equity Association. christinadecicco.com. Thanks to Talent House! Love to her family and Anthony.

TODD GEARHART (Joe Gillis) Broadway: Bye Bye Birdie. Other New York: Manhattan Theatre Club; Playwright’s Horizon’s; The Vineyard Theatre; The Actors Company Theatre; HB Playwrights. Regional: All My Sons at the Guthrie Theatre; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; The Alliance in Atlanta, George Street Playhouse; The Cleveland Playhouse; The Human Race. TV: Several appearances on "Law & Order;" "Law & Order SVU;" "Lipstick Jungle;" "The Education of Max Bickford;" "All My Children;" "Guiding Light;" "As the World Turns." Film: Moving Mike; Neurotica; Peppermills; and the upcoming Dogs Lie. Todd has a BFA from The University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, studied with Uta Hagen, and is a member of the critically acclaimed The Actors Company Theatre.

SAL MISTRETTA (Max Von Mayerling) returns toOgunquit Playhouse after last season's Guys & Dolls. He was in original Los Angeles/Broadway companies of Sunset Blvd. During that run he worked with Glenn Close, Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige who made her American debut. Broadway: Cabaret (Herr Schultz), Sunset Blvd. (Sheldrake), Evita (Magaldi), On The Twentieth Century with Kevin Kline, Imogene Coca, Madeline Kahn, Welcome To The Club and Something's Afoot. He toured in many productions among them theFirst National of Cats as Growltiger (Helen Hayes nomination & Boston Theatre Critic's Circle Award), Sweeney Todd as Pirelli on DVD with Angela Lansbury and George Hearn. Off Broadway: Counsellor At Law w/John Rubinstein, NY Premiere of Black Snow, Arrivals and Charles Busch's Vampire Lesbians Of Sodom. Regionally: As the Phantom in the American Premier of Ken Hill's Phantom Of The Opera (St. Louis Critics Circle Award), Fagin in Oliver, Albin (ZaZa) in La Cage, Voltaire/Pangloss in Candide, La Flesche in The Miser with Mary Louise Parker, Mr. Stopnick in Caroline or Change, Henry in The Fantasticks, Nathan in Guys and Dolls with Faith Prince, Carnes in Oklahoma with Shirley Jones as Aunt Eller, and received the coveted Helen Hayes Award for Uncle Grahame in The Fix. TV /Film: "Law & Order," "Law & Order CI," "Rescue Me," "Third Watch," "The Unusuals," "All My Children," "One Life To Live," and "Having It All" a TV Movie and two appearances on "The Jimmy Fallon Show." He is featured in the films Stepmom, Step Up 3-D, and The Narrows. He is pleased to be back and included in the hauntingly beautiful Sunset Blvd. Please visit his website

www.salmistretta.com.

MITCH GREENBURG (Cecil B. DeMille) Broadway: Laughter…, Ain’t Broadway Grand, Threepenny Opera, Hollywood / Ukraine, Into The Light, Marilyn..., Yiddle With A Fiddle, Whodunnit & Can-Can. Off-Broadway: Right Kind Of People (Chuck Grodin), Isn't It Romantic, Old Wicked Songs, Scrambled Feet, Baker’s Wife, Crazy Mary (Sigourney Weaver), and Two Grown Men (?). Elsewhere: Finks, Snapshots, Beau Jest, We Three (Fred Molina), The Chosen, "Art," My Fair Lady, Talley’s Folly, Two For The Seesaw, You Never Know, A Funny Thing..., The Cocoanuts, The Good Doctor and Run For Your Wife!. Etc., etc., etc.

David Perlman (Artie) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut! Off-Broadway: Rotelli in Yank! (York Theatre). Regional/touring: Woof in Hair (European tour), Joe in Schoolhouse Rock Live! (National Tour), Calvin in Calvin Berger (Barring­ton Stage Company), Abraham in Altar Boyz (Riverside Theatre, Arvada Center), and Jeff in I Love You Because (Barnstormers, NH Theatre Award nomination). TV: “30 Rock,” “Law and Order.” Love to Mom and Dad! www.David-Perlman.com.

JULIE CARDIA (Heather, Doctor, Waitress) just completed The Drowsy Chaperone playing the title character at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and was nominated for the 2010 S.A.L.T Award for Best Actress in No No Nanette, also at Merry-Go-Round. Credits: Adelaide, Guys and Dolls (Stages St. Louis, 2010 Kevin Kline Nomination); Promenade, New World Stages, starring Andrea McArdle. National Tours, Annie (Lily St. Regis), starring Kathy Lee Gifford, Wizard of Oz: Regional: Shout! the Mod Musical (Ogunquit), Showboat, Mame, My Fair Lady, Music Man (all at Sacramento Music Circus), Hair (TUTS), It’s a Wonderful Life (Westchester Broadway).

TREY GERRALD (Young Writer, Wunderkind, Photographer, Salesman, DeMille's Assistant) is very excitedto be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut! Credits include: Way to Heaven (NY’s World Premiere), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie), Lucky Stiff (Harry), Frog and Toad (Frog), Cabaret (Cliff), Sweet Charity (Oscar), Oklahoma! (Will), Crazy for You (Bobby), the title role in Bat Boy, and a season at Maine State Music Theatre and Florida Repertory Theatre.

ANDREW GIORDANO (Myron, Manfred, Photographer, Reporter) returns to Ogunquit where he was last seen in Les Miserables also directed by Shaun Kerrison. Broadway: Sunset Blvd. w/Betty Buckley. Carnegie Hall: South Pacific. Theatre: See What I Wanna See (Morito/Husband/CPA), On The 20th Century (Bruce Granit) opposite Alice Ripley, Master Class (Tony Candolino), opposite Leslie Uggams, Phantom, Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), I Love You…, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Forever Plaid (Jinx) Evita (Magaldi), A Chorus Line (Paul), A Christmas Carol (Young Scrooge & Fred) w/Stacy Keach, Rocky Horror, Into the Woods, The World Goes ‘Round, The Will Rogers Follies. Training: Boston Conservatory. Owner of corporate entertainment act Tenors Undercover. TenorsUndercover.com. Alumnus of Up With People. Andrew is a certified Zumba instructor. Thanks to Shaun for bringing me back to Ogunquit! Andrew would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of Darlene Wilson, original dance captain of Sunset Blvd. on Broadway.

IAN R. GLEASON (Sammy, Salesman, High Priest, Reporter, Cinematographer) is proud to return to Ogunquit! Past roles include Lead Tenor, The Producers, Courfeyrac, Les Misérables. Other regional/stock favorites include: Josiah Bartlett, 1776 (Paper Mill), Krupke, West Side Story (MSMT), Danny, Baby (Good Theater Co.). Television: "Forensic Files," "truTV." Film: Wall Street II. Ian can also be heard hosting trivia on the nationally syndicated Lex and Terry Radio Show. Ian thanks God, his friends and his family for all of their love and support. For JB, with love.

ELAINE HAYHURST (Harem Girl, Beautician, Lana Turner, ) is delighted to be back in Ogunquit. Last year she played Zelda in Singin' in the Rain, other OPH: The Producers. Most recently Elaine rotated the roles of Luciana and Angelo in The Comedy of Errors for Moses Mogilee in NYC. Other favorite credits: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Kate Kellar in The Miracle Worker, Dr. Eve in Sordid Lives, and Zelda Fitzgerald in Clothes for a Summer Hotel. Many thanks to Brad and Robert for having me back; love to M&D + M,M,M.

LEAH HOFFMAN (Lisa, Harem Girl, Reporter, Analyst) is delighted to be performing in her second production with the Ogunquit Playhouse after last appearing as Angelique in their 2007 production of La Cage aux Folles. Other professional credits include: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette), The Producers, 42nd Street, Camelot, My One and Only, Gypsy. After Sunset Blvd., she will join the National Tour of Young Frankenstein. Thank you to Brad and Robert for the opportunity to spend another beautiful summer performing at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

DANIEL HOLMES (Cliff, Salesman, Police, Assistant Director) is excited to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut! A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, he earned a BM in Vocal Performance studying under Lorraine Manz and the legendary Richard Miller. Recently, after finishing six years performing with the Disney Company and a regional production of Camelot, he has had the opportunity to perform with Tribeca Film Festival, World Science Festival, and start a comedy improv troupe in New York. Thanks to all the friends and family who kept on believing!

CHRISSY MALON (Wardrobe, Tea Lady, Masseur) is a proud Maine native and is thrilled to get to perform at Oqunquit Playhouse after being married in Ogunquit last year! Regional shows include: Miss Saigon, Cats, Mame, The Sound Of Music, A Christmas Carol, Fiddler On The Roof, A Funny Thing...Forum, among others. She also worked as a principle singer on the open sea for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Many thanks to Robert for this experience, and much love to her family, friends and Gordon.

NADINE MALOUF (Beautician, Hedy Lamarr, Mary, Waitress, Reporter) is so grateful to be in Maine and working at the Ogunquit Playhouse this summer with such a wonderful group of people. Credits include: New York: Hidden Sky [Prospect Theatre]. Regional: Alexi Darling in Rent, Robin in Godspell, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. Originally from Melbourne Australia, Nadine would like to thank her entire family back there, Robert & Shaun for this experience, Matt, friends, Dale, and of course Mama-for untiring support. Ti Amo.

GORDON MANISKAS (Security Guard, Salesman, Choreographer) is a Massachusetts native who is thrilled to return to Ogunquit where he got married to Chrissy last year. Recent credits include Dialogues of the Travelers, Of Mice and Manhattan, If You Give A Pig A Pancake, and the off-Broadway production of Dear Edwina. Thanks to the cast and everyone at Ogunquit for this great experience. Love to friends, family, and Chrissy.

Happy McPartlin (Joanna, Astrologer, Make-up Lady, Party Guest, Hedda Hopper) is thrilled to return to Ogunquit, having spent many magical days here in Les Misérables and The Full Monty (Georgie). National Tours: Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle), The Full Monty (Georgie). Favorite credits include: Born Blue NY Premier (dir. Anthony Rapp), Urinetown (Pennywise), Into the Woods (Witch), Merchant of Venice (Portia), and Off Broadway’s The Black & White Blues. Proud member of Actor’s Equity! My tremendous gratitude to Shaun, Brad, & Robert for the opportunity. Dedicated to my everything, Bradley Nacht, for his unending support and love.

Lindsay O’Neil (Harem Girl, Beautician, Katherine) Tours: Cats (Jellylorum/Griddlebone). Regional: The Cabaret Girl (Marilynn), Oklahoma (Laurey), The Fantasticks (Luisa), Babes in Toyland (Tiger), The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), The Music Man (Marian), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), The Pajama Game (Brenda), Bye Bye Birdie (Mrs. MacAfee). M.M. from Manhattan School of Music; B.M. Eastman School of Music. Much love and gratitude to my wonderfully supportive family.

DAN ROSENBAUM (Finance Man, Film Actor, Salesman, Victor Mature, Police) is “x-static” to finally be a part of another “dream show” of his, AND spending the summer here at Ogunquit! He was last seen rocking the black leather as Chuck Cranston in Footloose and being “Never Fully Dressed” as Bert Healy in Annie at Tuacahn Amphitheater in St. George, Utah. Previous roles include: Roger in the National Tour of Rent, Radames in the National and China Tour of Aida and the National Tour of Miss Saigon, All thanks to God, Mom, Kristin, family, friends and teachers. None of this would be possible without you! Love ya’s!!

LAUREN ELAINE TAYLOR (Starlet, Masseur, Reporter, Hedy Lamarr Stand-in) is thrilled to be returning to Ogunquit Playhouse after appearing in the recent production of The Sound of Music. Favorite roles include: Petra, A Little Night Music - Carbonell Nominated Production, Denise, The Baker’s Wife, Sally, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Charlotte, A Little Night Music, Winifred, Once Upon A Mattress, Bonnie, Anything Goes, and Nikki, Sweet Charity. Future productions include: The National Tour of Grease! (Rizzo). Love to husband, Garrett, family & friends.

CY WOOD (2nd Finance Man, Salesman, Party Guest, Police) Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Recently returned from the National Tour of Annie, (dir. Martin Charnin) Cy has worked regionally at the Westport Playhouse (She Loves Me) and The Palace Theater in Manchester (Rum Tum Tugger in Cats) He was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho but now lives in Harlem, New York where he is enjoying living his dreams. Family and friends always come first in Cy’s life. He dedicates his performance tonight to his Besty, Adam for his undying love and support.

ALAN M-L WAGER (Undertaker, Morino, Salesman, John, Hog Eye) just starred as Ravenal in a critically acclaimed Show Boat in Virginia. After Sunset, he’s off to play The Padre in Man Of La Mancha. You may remember him as the hilarious Sound Engineer/Diction Coach in Singin’ in The Rain last season. On Broadway, Alan stood-by for three roles in Disney’s Beauty and The Beast after returning from the National Tour. He’s been a soloist with the Delaware and Lancaster Symphonies, was featured with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and has sung at The White House. Much love to Robert. Shmegratulations!

STUART ZAGNIT (Sheldrake, Jonesy, Soda Jerk, South American Actor) Broadway: Goldberg in The Wild Party,* The Mayor of Whoville in Seussical the Musical;* Off-Broadway: Seymour in the original Little Shop Of Horrors, All In The Timing, A Dybbuk, The Grand Tour, The Majestic Kid, Kuni-Leml. National Tours: How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Crazy For You, Into The Woods, Applause (w/Ms. Powers), Falsettos, Tintypes. Regional: Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, Diary of Anne Frank (Syracuse Stage), Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Ogunquit Playhouse), Enter Laughing (Berkshire Theatre Fest.), The Sound Of Music (Sacramento Music Circus). TV: “30 Rock,” All Three “Law & Orders,” “All My Children,” “One Life To Live.” Feature Film: Greta. *(Also original cast recordings)

BRADFORD T. KNNEY (Executive Artistic Director) now in his fifth season in stewardship of “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre,” Mr. Kenney is proud to include many wonderful theatrical productions and the guidance of some of the most significant theatre companies in New England as part of his career. Some Ogunquit highlights include last season’s Singin’ in the Rain and the all-star production of Guys & Dolls, as well as My Fair Lady, Les Misérables, Hairspray, Lorenzo Lamas in The King and I, Rue McClanahan in Crazy for You, Sally Struthers in Hello, Dolly!, Andrea McArdle in Cabaret and Leslie Uggams in Cinderella. While at Foothills Theatre in Worcester, MA, he produced many shows including: Miss Saigon, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Proof, Cabaret (National Regional Premiere), Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Dick and Jimmy Van Patten in The Sunshine Boys, Titanic The Musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Regional Premiere), Macbeth, Ten Little Indians, Chicago, Gypsy, Our Town and Ragtime. He is also founder of the Wachusett Theatre Company in Massachusetts with shows such as The Sound of Music, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney/Elton John’s AIDA (Northeast Regional Premiere), Ted Lange from “The Love Boat” in Damn Yankees; and Eddie Mekka in Fiddler on the Roof, among others. His children’s theatres have produced Disney’s Jungle Book Kids, Seussical TYA (Northeast Premiere), Willy Wonka Jr., and Disney’s 101 Dalmations Kids, and the new production, Fairy Houses, The Musical. In addition to his producing credits, Brad has appeared on stage in the title role of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Sorcerer with Salisbury Lyric Opera, Strephon in Iolanthe with the Savoyard Light Opera, Billy Bigelow in Carousel, Barrett the Stoker in Titanic, Eric Burling in An Inspector Calls, Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, Bobby in Company, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, the King in The King and I, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly! and Oberon in Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as many other roles in shows throughout New England. He is a fourth generation artist, having studied at Rhode Island School of Design, Heartwood College of Art and Maine College of Art. For Tucker and Ryan Francis Curtis.

ROBERT LEVINSTEIN (Associate Producer/Casting Director) A resident of New York City, this is Robert’s 8th season with the Playhouse, where he was previously the Production Stage Manager and Director of Production. As a Stage Manager, he worked on Broadway: Waiting in the Wings (with Lauren Bacall and Rosemary Harris), Voices in the Dark (with Judith Ivy), Parade (with Carolee Carmello and Brent Carver), Off-Broadway: Clue: The Musical, and National Tours: Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Camelot (with Michael York and Rachel York) and the hit revue Forbidden Broadway. Regional credits include PSM for North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA 2000/2001 seasons as well as Production Stage Manager for major theatres throughout the country. Originally from Southern California, Robert is also the producer of the new musical Something Wicked This Way Comes, based on the Ray Bradbury novel and the studio recording of the show that features Brent Barrett, Andrea Burns and Diana Canova. He sends his love to Alan, and thanks him for his understanding.

SHAUN KERRISON (Director) is delighted to be back in beautiful Ogunquit where he last directed Les Misérables and My Fair Lady. He was the Resident Director of the Broadway Production of Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Other work in the US includes redirecting the National Theatre of Great Britain’s Production of My Fair Lady for its50th Anniversary National Tour and Associate Director of the Broadway revival of Les Misérables at the Broadhurst Theatre. In the UK, Shaun recently directed Super Alice Smith - a new musical, at the Trafalgar Studios in London. He wasthe Associate Director of Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre London and UK National Tour, My Fair Lady at the National Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and UK Tour, Martin Guerre at the Prince Edward Theatre, Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance both at the Savoy Theatre, Resident Director of The Lion King at the Lyceum and Assisted Trevor Nunn on Acorn Antiques the Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Shaun directed Baby at Mountview, The Life at Guildford and Titanic at the Royal Academy of Music. His Concert Staging includes Assisting on the Les Misérables-10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, later restaging this event in Chelmsford, Cardiff Castle, Tokyo and Japanese Tour and for a Gala to celebrate 100 years of the Entente Cordiale at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth and President Chirac. Other Concert work includes Hey Mr Producer!, The Hired Man, Cavalcade of Coward and many cabaret and concert performances in London, New York and Nationally as both director and performer. As an actor Shaun played the title role in Candide -Riverside Studios, Pirates of Penzance-London Palladium, Marry Me a Little-Water Rats, Chicago-Leicester Haymarket, Sweeney Todd-Oldham, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella-Tokyo, and Les Misérables- Palace Theatre London.

TOM KOSIS (Choreographer) was most recently the Associate Director for the Broadway Production of Bye Bye Birdie staring John Stamos. Tom was also the Resident Choreographer for the Broadway & National Touring Production of Mary Poppins. Previously he was the Associate Director/Choreographer for the Broadway productions of Side Show, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Flower Drum Song as well as the National Tour of Disney’s On The Record. From 1995 to 2000, Tom was the Associate Choreographer for The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular where he worked to create their iconic “Santa” number. He was also the Associate Director for Anything Goes in Concert at Lincoln Center starring Patty LuPone. Tom has Directed and Choreographed the National Tour of Flower Drum Song as well as regional productions of Side Show, Once On This Island and Kiss Me Kate. Television Choreography credits include "The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and commercials for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. As a performer, Tom appeared on Broadway in A Chorus Line and My Fair Lady as well as the National Tours of Song & Dance, West Side Story and A Chorus Line.

KEN CLIFTON (Musical Director) returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse after conducting Guys and Dolls earlier last season. Previous Ogunquit credits include Les Misérables, The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, The King and I, La Cage aux Folles. Hello, Dolly!, and Menopause, the Musical. He is thrilled to escape New York City for a little while. Ken is a musical director, vocal coach, and composer/lyrcicist. He’s conducted musicals up and down the east coast. Disney uses his writing in Orlando and Tokyo. His project appearing on the Disney Cruise Line was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. He has written two full length musicals, Midnight Clear and A Christmas Carol, both produced in Florida. Ken wrote the music and lyrics to the opening production number of 2007’s Rose Bowl Parade. He has played on “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee” and CNN’s “Larry King Live.” Ken had the great pleasure of coaching Oscar® Award winning actress, Jennifer Hudson on her final call-back for “Dreamgirls.” He has also coached at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Music.

MICHAEL T. CLARKSTON (Production Stage Manager) Broadway: Avenue Q, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray, In The Heights, Jersey Boys, The Lion King (Cheetah & LA); Other: White Christmas (Orig. Co), Xanadu Live! (LA & St. Louis), The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas (Actor’s Fund), Miss Saigon, Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: 35th Anniversary Concert, West Side Story 50th Anniversary Reunion Performance & The Who’s Tommy: 15th Anniversary Concert both featuring the original Broadway cast members. Film: The Diplomat, Freegan Love, Wilderness.

ALIX CLAPS (Assistant Stage Manager) is the Production Manager and Production Stage Manager for NYU's Program in Vocal Performance. She has worked in New York on the Chicago 10th Anniversary, The Black Suits (SPF at The Public Theatre), Things to Ruin: the Songs of Joe Iconis (Second Stage and The Zipper Factory), Howard Katz (Roundabout Theatre Company), and numerous BC/EFA benefits (Gypsy of the Year, The Easter Bonnet Competition, Broadway Bares). Regional Stage Management work includes Music Theatre of Wichita, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Surflight Theatre, and Mac-Haydn Theatre, as well as over 50 one-night concert and theatrical events. Alix holds a BTA from the University of Michigan and a MA from DePaul University. AEA. www.alixclaps.com

TODD EDWARD IVINS (Scenic Designer & Co-Projection Designer). REGIONAL THEATRE FAVORITES: Les Misérables, Oliver, Rent, Born Yesterday, The Happy Time, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Man of LaMancha, Into the Woods, Of Mice and Men, Godspell, Hair, Tiny Dancer, Thing About Men, Bright Lights, Big City, Present Laughter, Dreamgirls, The Lake. OFF-BROADWAY FAVORITES: Fathers & Sons, Time of Your Life, Our God’s Brother, The Jeweler’s Shop, The Milliner, Linnea, House of Desires, Salvage Shop, The Last Starfighter: the musical, A Majority of One, Squatters, Deathclaw 7. Todd is a founding partner of Pi Scenic Design. His design work spans opera, plays, musicals, corporate events and newsrooms, and ranges from intimate events for 40 people to convention centers and arenas for up to 10,000 people. He resides in Queens sharing life with his wife & muse, Abigail Trueblood. www.ivinsart.com.

RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Designer) salutes the Playhouse board, management and staff for all their efforts moving the Playhouse forward! Favorite shows from past seasons include: All Shook Up, A Chorus Line, Shout!, Cabaret, Evita, The Full Monty, Hairspray, Aida, Chicago. Recent work: a revival of Ogunquit's 2008 production of Fiddler on the Roof (Engeman Theatre), Projection Design Research for the world premiere of Moby Dick (Dallas Opera) and Thurgood with Laurence Fishburne (B’way), lighting Jon Peterson in Song Man, Dance Man (Seven Angels Theatre), the Nunsense 25th Anniversary Tour with Sally Struthers, television shoots of other installments in the Nunsense canon, years of Off-Broadway shows, corporate events and a continued association with American Ballet Theatre.

JEREMY OLEKSA (Sound Designer) is really excited to return to the Ogunquit Playhouse and have his first design be the Sound of Music after the amazing 2009 season. He has designed popular shows like Jekyll and Hyde, and Nunsense, and has engineered many others, Nunsense! 25th Anniversary Tour, National Tour of Peter Pan, and 75th Anniversary of Porgy and Bess. He also has worked on Anything Goes at Musical Theatre West and Arizona Broadway Theatre, Brigadoon, Man of La Mancha, as well as all of the 2009 season for the Ogunquit Playhouse. He would like to thank his friends and family and the Ogunquit Playhouse staff for all of their support.

ANTHONY POWELL (Costume Designer) Three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Anthony Powell began his professional career as a teenager touring with his handmade marionettes. After graduating from London's Central School of Art and Design, he apprenticed as an assistant to other designers including Cecil Beaton. Simultaneously, Powell served as a lecturer at his alma mater. His costume designs for John Gielgud's production of "The School for Scandal" (1963) earned him a Tony Award and he also received a second nomination for his scenic design. Powell made his first Hollywood connection with director Irving Lerner who chose him to design the costumes for "The Royal Hunt of the Sun" (1969), which required styling both the Spanish conquistadors as well as the native Americans. His first Oscar came for his outlandish designs for Maggie Smith's Augusta in George Cukor's "Travels with My Aunt" (1972). The Academy honored him with back-to-back Oscars for his glamorous 30s designs for "Death on the Nile" (1978), particularly the women's outfits worn in the film by such luminaries as Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis and Maggie Smith, and his 19th Century attire for "Tess" (1979). The latter began a three-film collaboration with director Roman Polanski that included the lavish Pirates (1986) and the contemporary Frantic (1988). Additionally, Powell created the costumes and sets for the French stage production of Amadeus, in which Polanski starred as well as directed. Powell also forged a collaboration with director Steven Spielberg, creating the period-appropriate costumes for both Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). In 1991, he designed the fantastic clothing for Hook, Some of which recalled his earlier work on Pirates. Returning to the stage, he re-interpreted Edith Head's designs for the 1950 film, fashioning the lavish and luxuriant clothes of Norma Desmond in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard (1993 in London; 1994 in the USA). Glenn Close headed the American production and Powell got to create the over-the-top costumes for her Cruella DeVil in the live action remake of 101 Dalmatians (1996). More recently, he reinterpreted 60s mod fashions for the film version of The Avengers (1998).

EMILIA MARTIN (Hair & Wig Designer) is thrilled to be back at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Previous shows including Singing in the Rain, The Producers, and My Fair Lady. Emilia is a NYC based hair and wig stylist. After earning her BA from Wagner College and the Julliard School's intern program she has worked on Broadway’s Gods of Carnage, Mamma Mia, and 2nd Stages’ Vanities. She recently became a proud new member of IASTE 798, as a hair stylist. Also she can be found teaching stage makeup in Wagner College theatre department, and a part time designer. Thank you to Robert and Brad for all the support!

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (Music) is the composer of The Likes of Us, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, By Jeeves, Evita, Variations and Tell Me On A Sunday later combined as Song & Dance, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, The Beautiful Game, The Woman in White and Love Never Dies. He composed the film scores of Gumshoe and The Odessa File, and a setting of the Latin Requiem Mass Requiem. In 2004 he produced a film version of The Phantom of the Opera directed by Joel Schumacher and, in 2006, a unique spectacular version of the show in Las Vegas. His new musical Love Never Dies, which continues the story of The Phantom and Christine, opened at London’s Adelphi Theatre in March this year. He pioneered television casting for musical theatre with the Emmy award-winning BBC series "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?." He repeated his success with "Any Dream Will Do" which cast the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and in 2008 he cast the musical Oliver! for the BBC. This year in the BBC series "Over The Rainbow" he has cast Danielle Hope in the role of Dorothy for his new theatrical production of The Wizard of Oz which will open at the London Palladium in 2011. His awards include seven Tonys, three Grammys including Best Contemporary Classical Composition for Requiem, seven Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, two International Emmys, the Praemium Imperiale, the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre and The Kennedy Center Honor. He currently owns seven London theatres including the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the London Palladium. He was knighted in 1992 and created an honorary life peer in 1997.

DON BLACK(Book & Lyrics) began writing lyrics after a brief career as a stand-up comedian in his native London. He has written over 100 songs for motion pictures, has been nominated for five Academy Awards, and won an Oscar for his song "Born Free." His hit songs from films include "To Sir With Love," "Diamonds Are Forever," "Ben," "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," "Thunderball," "The Man With The Golden Gun," "True Grit," and "The World Is Not Enough." Black served as the chairman of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors and was awarded the OBE. In collaboration with John Barry, he wrote the lyrics of the musical Billy, which ran in London for more than two years. His other musicals include Merlin (music by Elmer Berstein), which received a Tony nomination in 1983, Abbacadabra (music by Abba), Dear Anyone (music by Geoff Stevens), and Budgie (music by Mort Shuman). With composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, he wrote Tell Me On A Sunday which became Song and Dance. Black received two Tony Awards in 1996 for best book and best lyrics for the Webber musical Sunset Boulevard. He also wrote the love duet "Next Time You Fall In Love" for the re-vamped Starlight Express. Black wrote additional lyrics for Dance Of The Vampires (2002), lyrics for Bombay Dreams (2003), and both book and lyrics for Dracula The Musical (2004). His musical, Brighton Rock, composed with John Barry, opened at the Almeida Theater in London for a limited run in 2004.

CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON (Book & Lyrics) won the 1995 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Book of a Musical for his work on Sunset Boulevard. His plays include When Did You Last See My Mother?, Total Eclipse, The Philanthropist, Savages (L.A. Drama Critics' Circle Award), Treats, Tales from Hollywood and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, Laurence Olivier Award), among others. Television credits include The Price of Tea, Hotel du Lac and The Ginger Tree. His screenplays include A Doll's House, Tales from the Vienna Woods, The Honorary Consul, The Good Father, Wolf at the Door and Dangerous Liasions (Academy Award, Writers' Guild Award).

THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LTD (RUG) was founded in 1977 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is wholly owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. At the heart of RUG’s business are the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Song and Dance, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, By Jeeves, Whistle Down the Wind, The Beautiful Game and The Woman In White. In addition to his own musicals however, Andrew’s productions include A R Rahman’s Bombay Dreams in London and New York and the recent production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music at the London Palladium, which is now playing in Toronto, Canada. RUG is now an established international entertainment company, with its head office in London and Sydney that produce and coordinate Lloyd Webber’s works throughout the world. The company’s theatre and concert production, recording, merchandising, music publishing and licensing, digital and television, film and video divisions provide specialised services for Lloyd Webber’s works and also to other producers and authors. The board of directors consists of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Madeleine Lloyd Webber, André Ptaszynski (Chief Executive), Howard Witts (Finance Director), Jonathan Hull (Legal and Business Affairs) and Mark Wordsworth (Chairman). Wholly owned The Really Useful Group Theatres, Ltd owns six theatres in the West End including the world famous Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and The London Palladium as well as co-owning The Adelphi Theatre. RUG theatre projects include the musical Love Never Dies and co-producing the Australian production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which opened at the Palace Theatre in March 2009. RUG supports new producers and productions through Stage One in order to sustain the future of quality commercial theatre in this country. Visit the Stage One website for more information at www.stageone.uk.com.

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org

Get Ready for an All New Production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's International Sensation Sunset Boulevard at the Ogunquit Playhouse

For Immediate Release:

July 19, 2010

Get ready for your close-up! The Ogunquit Playhouse is the first fully staged Regional theatre in the nation to produce an all new production of Sunset Boulevard starring Stefanie Powers as Norma Desmond, July 28 through August 14, complete with the Tony Nominated costumes by the Academy Award winning designer, Anthony Powell and an all new set designed exclusively for the Ogunquit stage by Todd Ivins. This musical is based on the film noir classic by Billy Wilder that starred Gloria Swanson and William Holden. It is the winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's loveliest melodies including, “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.”

Stefanie Powers is probably best known to audiences for her work on the very popular, long-running television series “Hart to Hart” with Robert Wagner. She began her career at age fifteen, dancing briefly for famed choreographer Jerome Robbins. Stefanie was under contract to Columbia Pictures for five years appearing in 15 motion pictures. In addition to her films, she has made dozens of TV guest appearances, over 20 mini-series and toured in many theatrical productions including Under the Yum Yum Tree, How the Other Half Loves, Sabrina, A View From the Bridge, Oliver! and Annie Get Your Gun. She appeared in the first revival of Applause, the musical version of All About Eve, Off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues and took over for Elaine Page in the elaborate UK production of The King and I. She recently released her debut CD, “On the Same Page,” a collection of tunes from the classic American songbook. Stefanie’s long awaited memoire, “One From the Hart,” will be available in the Fall of 2010. She is also co-founder and president of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, established in 1982 as a public charity to continue the late actor’s conservation work in Africa.

Todd Gearhart joins the cast as Joe Gillis, the ill-fated screen writer entangled in Norma Desmond’s dark world. Todd was seen recently in the Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie. He has performed in many Regional Theaters throughout the country, on television in Law & Order, Lipstick Jungle, All My Children, Guiding Light and As the World Turns, as well as several films including Moving Mike, Neurotica and the upcoming Dogs Lie. Max will be played by Broadway veteran Sal Mistretta who returns to Ogunquit Playhouse after appearing in last season’s Guys and Dolls. Sal was part of the original Los Angeles and Broadway companies of Sunset Boulevard working with Glenn Close, Betty Buckley and Elaine Page. His Broadway and Touring credits include Caberet, Evita, Cats and Sweeney Todd. The part of Betty Schaefer will be played by Christina Decicco. She was last seen as Cindy Lou in the final Off-Broadway cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes and as Glinda in the National Tour of Wicked.

Shaun Kerrison, returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse to Direct Sunset Boulevard. Shaun recently directed Super Alice Smith a new musical for Perfect Pitch at Trafalgar Studios, London and in the U.S. he was Resident Director on the Broadway Production of Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre. In 2008 Shaun helmed the productions of My Fair Lady {Best Musical and Best Director Nominations IRNE Awards} and Les Misérables for the Ogunquit Playhouse. Among Shaun Kerrison’s many achievements are positions as Associate Director of Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre in London and Tour Director for the national company, Associate Director of My Fair Lady at both the National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Associate Director on J M Barrie's original play of Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance, both at The Savoy Theatre, London, the resident director of The Lion King (Lyceum) and in 2007 staged Les Misérables in concert for a special gala performance at Windsor Castle to celebrate 100 years of the Entente Cordiale, for Her Majesty the Queen and President Chirac.

The season continues with Monty Python's Spamalot, August 18 through September 11 and Chicagowraps up the Playhouse season, September 15 through October 24 with Sally Struthers in the roll ofMatron “Mama” Morton. The Ogunquit Playhouse is America’s Foremost Summer Theatre producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from June 9 to October 24, 2010. Main Stage tickets prices range from $49-$67 per show. Gift Certificates and Season Subscriptions are also on sale now. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit our website www.ogunquitplayhouse.org. Tickets on-line or through the box office at 207-646-5511.

Joe Gillis is a down on his luck screenwriter trying to make ends meet at Paramount Studios in 1949 when he meets beautiful young script editor, Betty Schaefer. Unable to scrape together enough funds to afford his car payment, he escapes repossession agents finding himself on Sunset Boulevard. After a daring car chase, Gillis hides in the garage of a rundown mansion belonging to none other than out of work fading star, Norma Desmond. Lavishing in the memories of her silent film heyday, her refusal to make the transition to “talkies” left her out of work. Still convinced of her old-Hollywood glamour, Desmond focuses her time on delusional creation of her masterpiece adaptation of Salome for Cecil B. DeMille to direct. Realizing the disastrous script, Gillis convinces her to provide him with room and board in exchange for his editing talents. While his financial problems temporarily subside, living with Desmond and her butler in the mansion poses a threat to his relationship with Betty, as Norma begins to lavish him with gifts and luxurious clothing. DeMille grows impatient with the creation of the script, finally arranging a noncommittal meeting to discuss the production. It becomes clear that his interests lie outside of the project itself, and rather in exploiting the material luxuries that the star possesses. As her dreams of once again gracing the silver screen shatter, her downward spiral into hysteria has fatal consequences.