The Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) continues its 35th season with the hit musical, "Dames at Sea," opening at 8 p.m. on July 7 in the DeWitt Theatre.
"Dames at Sea" is a tap-dancing, big production musical which help launch a young Bernadette Peters to stardom. Ironically, that is also the premise of the musical in which a young starlet gets her big chance when the star cannot do the show.
The musical was written as a spoof of the 1930s Hollywood musicals, and especially follows in the wake of "42nd Street." Humor is found when the writer of a musical needs to quickly find a place to perform his new work. Since the writer is also a sailor, he ends up producing the play on a battleship, thanks to the support of his captain, "Captain Courageous."
Love blooms, taps fly, and confusion reigns as the show leads to a hilarious climax. "Broadway Baby," "Good Times are Here to Stay," "Dames at Sea," and "Let's Have a Simple Wedding" are among the hit songs of this fun musical.
Equity actor Chip DuFord takes on the role of Captain Courageous, while Hilary Parker plays the star Mona Kent, and Jessica Swersey is the scene stealer as the starlet, Joan. Katie Kester, Kevin Milnes, and Daniel Scullin also star in this production.
Director Fred Tessler and choreographer Meribeth Kisner team up to take this over-the-top production just a little more over the top.
In addition the July 7 opening, the production also shows at 8 p.m. on July 8, 12, 14, 17, 22, 27, August 1, 9, and 11.
While at the ticket office, be sure to reserve tickets for the other great HSRT shows, including the musical "Oliver!" the comedy "Shakespeare in Hollywood," and Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Snow Auditorium is host to the cutting-edge, contemporary piece, "Memory House." The popular cabaret show moves to Till Midnight Restaurant this year, and is the hilarious "Shakespeare Revue." The Children's Performance Troupe is presenting "Miss Nelson is Missing" and "The Rude Mechanicals."
The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the HopeCollege campus, at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue in Holland. Prices range from $8-$26 for musicals, and $8-$18 for plays. Season coupons, ranging from $48-$85 are also available. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and one hour before all showtimes. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 616-395-7890. For more information visit www.hope.edu/hsrt.