Todd Michel Smith Leads DAMES AT SEA at Kennedy Theater, Now thru 7/15

Dames at Sea comes ashore tonight, July 5 through July 15 at the Kennedy Theater in Raleigh with Broadway's Todd Michel Smith* (Hairspray) at the helm of the ship's cast.

Produced by Hot Summer Nights and Theatre Raleigh, with book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robert Miller and music by Jim Wise, Dames at Sea is a toe-tapping uproarious musical comedy. A group of performers are preparing for their upcoming show, Dames At Sea. Right before the show is to open on Broadway, the theatre is sold and the troupe of actors and dancers need to find a new venue. With their gumption and 'the show must go on attitude', they find a way to perform their show on a ship docked in the local port. The Diva gets seasick; the ingénue earns her chance to become a star! Smith, who now resides in Raleigh, is elated to be a part of such a fun and high-energy production. But he admits, the show is definitely un-chartered territory when compared to his Hairspray days…a show he performed in for over seven years and 2,700 times from opening to closing on the Great White Way.

"Dames at Sea presented quite a challenge for me", says Smith*. He adds, "Although I performed professionally for the better part of two decades, I never tackled a show set in this era, with a character of such interesting sensibilities and tap-dancing no less. I love a good challenge. Besides, who am I kidding? No matter where I go or what I do; performing will always be in my bones."

Smith* (Dick) joins a talented cast and crew in Dames at Sea. Directed and Choreographed by Tito Hernandez with Music Direction by Julie Bradley, the show also stars Emily Gardenhire (Ruby), Kate McMillan (Mona), Sara Spadacene (Joan), Jim Dadosky (Lucky) and Adam Twiss* (Captain/Hennessey). With ensemble members Haley Richardson, Katie Bottomley, Zach Teague, Daniel Marhelko, Lydia Elaine Leggett and Sean Powell. Band members include Julie Bradley (Keyboards) and Julie Florin (Keyboards) and Brevan Hampden (Percussion).

The show's creative team includes Sherry Lee Allen (Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer) Chris Bernier (Set and Lighting Design), Eric Collins (Sound Design), Mike McGee (Stage Manager), Denise Schumaker (Costume Designer), Patti DelSordo (Wig Design) Lormarev Jones (Props), Lauren Kennedy (Artistic Director), Alan Campbell (Executive Director), Adam Twiss* (Associate Artistic Director), Hilary Russo (Publicity & Media Relations Director), Michele Weathers (General Manager), Morgan Parpan (ASM), Bree Branker and Jackson Cooper (General Management Assistants), Melissa Compton (Music Intern), Aliayana Stewart, Kat Froehlich, Sophie Raymer, Morgan Richardson and Aaron Broadhurst (Technical Crew).

Dames at Sea sets sail at the Kennedy Theater Thursday-Saturday (July 5-8) at 8PM and Wed-Sunday (July 11-15) at 8PM, Saturdays at 2PM and Sundays at 3PM. Tickets range from $20-$30 and can be ordered through ovationtix.com or by visiting the HSN website. For more information about Hot Summer Nights, Theatre Raleigh and the 2012 season, visit HotSummerNightsAtTheKennedy.org.

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