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The 5th Avenue Theatre Offers Show Talks about the Life and Music of Bernstein as Part of Seattle Celebrates BernsteinFestival

SEATTLE, WA –As part of their upcoming productions of Leonard Bernstein’s madcap musical On The Town and his mid-career masterpiece Candide, The 5th Avenue Theatre announced that they will be sponsoring a series of Show Talks during the runs of both shows, focusing on the life, music and influence of the conductor, composer and 20th-century Renaissance man.

Organized by The 5th’s Education Department, these 45-minute presentations are a chance for patrons to hear performers, directors, choreographers, historians and special guests speak about key elements of the productions on our stage. These pre-show events are held at the Downstairs at The 5th Rehearsal and Education Center located directly below The Theatre, and are designed to enhance the theatre-going experience.

Our upcoming Show Talks for both shows feature a rotating series of special guests. For On The Town they include: the production’s set designer Walt Spangler andcostume designer David C. Woolard discussing the look of the show (4/11); the show’s director (and The 5th’s Producing Director) Bill Berry and choreographer Bob Richard talking about their production’s artistic journey (4/14); Spectrum Dance Theatre’s Executive Director Anne Derieux and The 5th’s Executive Producer andArtistic Director David Armstrong discussing working and living in Seattle as a dancer (4/17); Dr. Lorraine McConaghy, public historian at MOHAI, speaking about Seattle during World War II (4/22); and Resident Music Director and Conductor of On The Town Ian Eisendrath discussing the challenges and joys of playing Bernstein’s symphonic music (4/28).

For Candide, Show Talk guests include: UW Professor Larry Starr giving a talk on the legacy of Bernstein’s music (6/5), and Joel Fram, Music Director of Candide, talking about the score of Bernstein’s witty and moving masterpiece (6/1). Then on May 29 and 30, we are proud to present two special Show Talks by Jamie Bernstein, the composer’s daughter and a noted narrator, writer, and broadcaster, who will give insight into life with her father as well as her mother, famed pianist and actress Felicia Montealegre, and the artists and celebrities who surrounded her home life.

During the run of On The Town, The 5th is featuring a special display created by MOHAI that highlights the Seattle Homefront during WWII, featuring photos and tangible relics from the 1930s and ’40s. For Candide, the Theatre’s Education Department will feature an exhibit on Voltaire, and the philosophical masterwork that inspired Bernstein’s glorious show. Both exhibits will be open one hour prior to each production, and like the Show Talks are free to attend.

Additional Show Talks on April 13, 20, and 27, as well as June 9-12 will feature a line-up of some of Seattle’s best musical theater performers talking about the challenges and rewards of Bernstein’s music.

For further details on Show Talks, including dates, times and program details as they develop, go to http://www.5thavenue.org/education/showtalk.aspx. For further information on Show Talks or other educational programming, please e-mail educationprograms@5thavenue.org.

On The Town, running April 11-May 2 at The 5th, was Bernstein’s first musical, written in 1944 with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. This madcap comedy follows the fortunes of a trio of sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City, where they dance, joke and sing their way through misadventures, marvels and romance.

Candide, running May 25-June 13, was written by Bernstein in 1956, but it didn’t become a hit until 1974 when Hal Prince’s Broadway production ran for nearly two years. Having been taught by his beloved tutor, Dr. Pangloss, that “everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds,” our handsome, yet hapless, hero Candide sets off on an epic journey to find his one true love—the beautiful Cunegonde.

Show Talks are free and open to the public.

Tickets for On The Town, Candide and our newly-announced 2010-2011 Season are available via our box office over the phone by calling 206-625-1900/toll-free 888-5TH-4TIX (584-4849), in person at the box office at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, or online at www.5thavenue.org.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of over 25,000 and an annual attendance of more than 287,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The Theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, Managing Director Bernie Griffin and Producing Director Bill Berry, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org.

Our thanks to our 2009-2010 Corporate Sponsors Safeco and US Bank.