FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 27, 2006

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE TO PRESENT LEONARD BERNSTEIN’S ‘WONDERFUL TOWN’

Drake University’s production of “Wonderful Town” combines a cast of intriguing characters with jazzy dance moves and a catchy score in this classic musical about two sisters from Ohio aspiring to fame and true love in the Big Apple.

Leonard Bernstein’s musical is set in 1935 in New York City, where Ruth and Eileen Sherwood have just moved into a basement apartment. Bent on breaking into the glamorous worlds of acting and writing respectively, both of them embark on separate missions to fulfill their dreams. Setbacks, madcap hilarity and a host of other diversions ensue.

Bernstein wrote the music to this witty story based on Ruth McKenney’s “My Sister Eileen.” In 1953 “Wonderful Town” opened to critical acclaim, winning six Tony awards. A 2003 revival garnered another six Tony nominations and won for Best Choreography.

Director Tony Humrichouser, assistant professor of theatre arts, said “Wonderful Town” is a “challenging show for our students, but also a great opportunity for the public to see a wonderful classic musical.”

Performances start at 8 p.m. March 9, 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12, in the Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Tickets are $6 for the general public and $4 for students and senior citizens. Call the Drake Fine Arts Box Office at (515) 271-3841 for reservations.

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From left: Danka Scepanovic and Kristen French star in Drake’s production of “Wonderful Town,” which opens March 9.