Cast Announcement for Fall Musical, Dames at Sea
Dames at Sea Cast
Back row (l to r): Brenna Sage, Bill Farnum, Michael Simpson, Steele Fleisher, Wally Nelson
Front row (l to r): Pianist Kathy Gervasi, Jennifer Purcell, Kayla Cooley, Becki Wilhelm, Julie Bucknam, Lisa Greiner
Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and sponsors Stratos Wealth Partners, Dance Zone, and Krazy Kat Publishing LLC, are pleased to announce the cast for TAPA’s upcoming fall musical, Dames at Sea, book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, with music by Jim Wise.
For anyone who loves the Hollywood musicals of the 30s & 40s, this campy, slap-happy romp will take you back to that nostalgic time and have you tapping your toes along with the music.
Selected as “Best Musical of the Year” by Time, Newsweek, and Outer Critics Circle, Dames at Sea’s storyline revolves around
the New York theater scene, into which sweet and innocent newcomer Ruby has come to make it big on Broadway. She takes over a vacated spot in the chorus of the new musical Dames at Sea on her very first day and meets Dick, a handsome sailor who happens to be from her hometown. Dick is also a songwriter and is hoping to get his tunes into a show.
the New York theater scene, into which sweet and innocent newcomer Ruby has come to make it big on Broadway. She takes over a vacated spot in the chorus of the new musical Dames at Sea on her very first day and meets Dick, a handsome sailor who happens to be from her hometown. Dick is also a songwriter and is hoping to get his tunes into a show.
Unfortunately, the theater is being torn down, and Ruby’s Broadway debut is suddenly in peril. Dick and his pal, Lucky, come to the rescue, providing the deck of their battleship for the opening night performance. When the show’s leading lady gets seasick as well, Ruby is drafted to step in, and aided by Dick’s new songs, becomes the toast of the town and the star she’d always hoped to be!
The cast includes some familiar faces, as well as a few fairly new ones to TAPA. Kayla Cooley is making her ingénue debut as the innocent Ruby, with Michael Simpson playing opposite her as the handsome sailor Dick. Playing Lucky, Dick’s best friend, is Steele Fleisher, with Julie Bucknam in the role of Joan, wise-cracking, long-time chorus member and Lucky’s gal. Leading lady and diva, Mona Kent, is handled by Brenna Sage, with Bill Farnum playing Captain Courageous, an old flame. Wally Nelson has the role of Hennessey, the theater manager/director/producer, with Becki Wilhelm, Lisa Greiner, and Jennifer Purcell rounding out the cast in the chorus.
This TAPA production is directed by Joni Sauer-Folger, with musical direction by Diane Nelson. The pair teamed up for the popular revue “It’s Broadway, Baby!” in 2013. This production is full circle for Ms. Sauer-Folger. “Dames at Sea was my introduction to theater and my stage debut too many years ago to mention. I went to an open audition and was awarded the role of the diva Mona Kent. From that very first performance, I was hooked on the theater. I am so happy to be at the helm this time around for a wonderful musical that I’m absolutely certain Tillamook will love.”
Dames at Sea runs October 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, and 31st. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:00 pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 pm. Doors open one half hour prior to curtain. Join us for our Opening Night Gala celebration, including complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a beverage of choice with each ticket purchase!
Tickets for this production will be on sale starting September 16th. As always, reserved seating is available through Diamond Art Jewelers located at 307 Main Street in Tillamook – call (503) 842-7940 for reservations. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. For more information, email info@tillamooktheater.com or find us on Facebook.
Celebrating 35 years in Tillamook, TAPA is a non-profit community theater dedicated to providing high quality performing arts experiences through entertainment, education, and community participation. TAPA’s Barn Community Playhouse is located at 1204 Ivy Street, on the corner of 12th and Ivy one block west of Hwy 101.
