2004 Year in Review

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Courtney Crouse and Kristen French

Timber Lake to show "Anything Goes"

Timber Lake Playhouse and Artistic Director Brad Lyons proudly invite you to the final musical of the season, "Anything Goes"! From July 29th through August 8th, TLP audiences will be swept off their feet by this glorious, transatlantic voyage that features such memorable tunes as “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick out of You,” “All Through the Night,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and the famous title song.

Set in 1934, this brilliant musical introduces audiences to the world of Reno Sweeney, an ex-evangelist nightclub singer, and Billy Crocker, a suave young man for whom the sailing is always smooth. Mistaken identities, gangsters, handsome young sailors and Reno’s sultry backup singer “Angels” make this story a rollicking good time.

Guest Director David Cromer literarily takes the “helm” for this shipboard adventure. Mr. Cromer received Chicago’s prestigious Jefferson Awards two years in a row for Best Director and Best Play for the epic The Cider House Rules (Famous Door) and The Price (Writers Theatre). This classic musical features sparkling dance sequences by award winning choreographer Brenda Didier, who staged the rousing dances in last year’s TLP hit, State Fair!

Taylor Buice, hot off the National Tour of The Full Monty, makes his Timber Lake Playhouse debut as Moonface Martin, a gangster with a heart of gold. Funny Lady Alexandra Ausman portrays Bonnie, Moonface’s gang-moll sidekick. Tara Teschke, who wowed audiences this season as Grizzabella in Cats, brings down the house as the irresistible Reno Sweeney. Courtney Crouse, featured in both Cats and Hair, brings charm and a silky smooth voice to the role of Billy Crocker. Look for Kristen French, star of last year’s smash State Fair, to once again make audiences fall in love with her as Hope Harcourt, the beautiful and innocent girl whom Billy loves. A large cast brings life to this lighthearted comedic romp, sure to chase all those summer blues away!

Anything Goes performs on the Timber Lake Playhouse stage July 29th thru August 8th. Performance times are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Also there will be performances at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 1st, and Tuesday, August 3rd. Tickets for all performances are just $15, with group and student tickets available at reduced rates.

Timber Lake Playhouse is air-conditioned, offers free parking, handicap accessibility, concessions and a souvenir stand! And don’t forget to buy your raffle ticket for a beautiful handcrafted stained glass window, on display all summer long!

Also, opening on August 3rd for only five matinee performances is the children’s favorite, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. From Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa to Veruca Salt and the Oompa Loompas, they’re all here, live and on stage-in this scrumptious, fantastical tale! Buy your “golden ticket” today!

FOR TICKETS AND FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE AT (815) 244-2035. OUR BOX OFFICE IS OPEN DAILY 11:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. DON’T FORGET TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.TIMBERLAKEPLAYHOUSE.COM

For a Review of "Anything Goes" visit the TC1Cafe and Barb Benson's Column.

by dzuidema
2004-07-22 10:50:42