PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE:
June 20, 2004

Editorial contact:
Kathy Kahn
woodminsterpr@yahoo.com
510-418-8523

For information about
Producers Associates, Inc.

Woodminster Summer Musicals
Opens 38th Season With "Annie"

June 20, 2004 - Oakland, CA - Producers Associates, Inc. will open the 38th Season of the Woodminster Summer Musicals with "Annie." This stage musical based on Harold Gray's "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip about a spunky Depression-era orphan in search of a family re-creates the emerging optimism of FDR's "New Deal" America in song and dance. The show runs July 9-18, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the first weekend and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the second weekend. All performances are at 8 p.m.

After opening in 1977, the "Annie" ran for an amazing 2377 performances on Broadway, making it the third longest-running show of the '70's. Woodminster's production will feature a large cast of professional and non-professional actors chosen by audition from the community. Featuring lively numbers, a dog, and memorable songs including "Tomorrow" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile," the show will be entertaining for audience members of all ages.

"Annie" is directed by Joel Schlader, who succeeds his father James Schlader as Director of the musicals. James Schlader retains his involvement in the organization as Producer. The Musical Director is Brandon Adams.

"Annie" is produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International Music Library. The music is by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan.

The title role of "Annie" has been double-cast, with Alisa Anderegg of Danville and Amanda Sylvia of San Leandro alternating performances in the role of the plucky little orphan who helps restore America's optimism. The other orphans are played by a dozen talented girls from local communities from Richmond to San Francisco to San Leandro and Oakland.

The role of Miss Hannigan, the comic villainess, is played by Susan Himes Powers of San Francisco. Powers has been a past audience favorite on the Woodminster stage, most recently for her portrayal of Lina Lamont in 2003's "Singin' in the Rain." Her brother Rooster is played by Ric Iverson of Milpitas and his girlfriend Lily by Kristin Loving Vail of San Francisco. Robert Moorhead of Piedmont returns to the Woodminster stage in the role of Daddy Warbucks, and his assistant Grace is portrayed by Joni DeGabriele of Novato. The other roles in the cast of 30 are played by residents of 17 Bay Area cities.

Tickets are $19-$31, with discounts for groups, seniors, and those aged 16 and under. Season tickets are also available, and provide a significant discount for people who wish to see all three shows. Woodminster also has a "Kids Come Free" program, where a child 16 or younger can attend free accompanied by a paying adult. For information about tickets, call 510-531-9597 or visit http://www.woodminster.com.

The Woodminster Summer Musicals are performed under the stars at Woodminster Amphitheater, an open air performance facility in Joaquin Miller Park high in the Oakland Hills. The park's spectacular views and serene woodsy environment made it the perfect setting for the amphitheater, cascades, reflecting pool, and paths that were originally built as a WPA project in 1939-40. For many East Bay families, it is a long-standing summer tradition to enjoy a picnic in the park and then see a musical at Woodminster.

Producers Associates, Inc. was founded in 1967 by James and Harriet Schlader to provide affordable live summer family entertainment in the East Bay, and to foster a love of live theatre. For the last 38 years, the organization has been producing summer musicals at Woodminster Amphitheater. For more information, visit http://www.woodminster.com.

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