Culture
‘City of Angels’ Opens at Zanesville Community Theatre July 19
< < Back toCity of Angels, a musical with all the trappings of Hollywood comedy and a detective drama combined into one performance, will open at the Zanesville Community Theatre on Friday, July 19. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on July 19, 20, 26 and 27, with two Sunday matinees on July 21 and 28 at 2:30 p.m.
The show is directed by Sheryl Wise, assisted by Chad Stemm and Jillian von Gunten, choreographer.
City of Angels has music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel and book by Larry Gelbart. In a complicated and satisfying pattern, two plots are woven together: the first representing the “real” world, in which a writer is trying to turn his book into a screenplay; and the second representing the screenplay in the “reel” world. The scenes in the production are contrasted by those taking place in reality being full color, while those taking place in the film are black and white. Most of the actors play dual roles as their film characters and the real-life person upon whom they are based.
Todd Lemmon will appear as Stone, tough Los Angeles private eye, who takes a case against his better judgement. Steven Hendershott will play the role of Stine, author of the popular detective novel City of Angels, which he is trying to turn into a screenplay. Rich Tolliver will be seen as Buddy Fidler/Irving S. Irving; Donna/Oolie will be played by Alaine Kay. Jillian Von Gunten will be Gabby/Bobbi. Carla/Alaura will be played by Sarah Gantzer. Jan Smith will be seen as Werner/Kingsley; Tyler Tompkins will appear as Gerald/Peter; Becca Wilson portrays Avril/Mallory; and Pancho/Junoz will be played by Jared Gantzer. Aaron Staley will play Jimmie Powers. The Angel City Four are played by Nancy Cain, Kevin McCarthy, Christy Rahrig and Kevin Rahrig. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble including Lura Brannon, Jeanine Busey, Lan Le, Pam Orians, Jane Ann Perry, Ashley Scott and Margi Wysong.
City of Angels also features a full orchestra conducted by Sheryl Wise, who also plays keyboard. The orchestra includes Mary Beth Ward, keyboard; Bill Albright, drums; Maureen Montgomery, percussion; Jim Frady, bass; Amber Allen, Jessie Barnhouse Sue Barzda, Pam Orians, Darci Robinson, and Cameron Scott, reeds; Katelyn Angel, Brandon Barnes, and Gavin Newton, trumpets; Alex Clark, Matt Harrison and Kevin Peters, trombones; Phil Sakal, guitar; Kara Kelly, violin.
The Zanesville Community Theatre is fully accessible. Tickets for performances are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, military and students; $5 for youth (12 and under). Tickets can be reserved by phoning the theatre box office at 740-455-6487. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.zct.org.