About Cortland Repertory Theatre
CRT wraps up 2008 Season with the Regional Premiere of “Johnny Guitar”
Cortland Repertory Theatre pays a visit to the rootin’-tootin’ Wild West in their final summer production, the musical Johnny Guitar from August 20 - 30. This hilarious family-friendly musical, with a book by Nicholas Van Hoogstaten, music by Martin Silvestro and Joel Higgins, and lyrics also by Higgins, was originally presented at the Century Center for the Performing Arts in New York City in March, 2004, where it won the Outer Critics Award for Best Musical. The show is a loving spoof of the infamous 1954 Joan Crawford western movie of the same name and plants its tongue firmly in its cheek to tell the gruff-and-tough cowboy tale. Featuring a sensational score with echoes of doo-wop and steamy southwestern ballads, Johnny Guitar tells the story of Vienna, a sultry saloon keeper, and her jealous nemesis Emma Smalls, the town's tycoon. Emma’s passions are focused on Vienna’s on-again-off-again lover, the boot-stomping “Dancin’ Kid”. But Vienna’s past comes back to haunt her when a handsome stranger rides into town toting no guns, only a guitar. The small town is thrown into turmoil with the arrival of this stranger, and blinded by rage and jealousy, Emma sets out to destroy everything Vienna has, and more. The mock seriousness and overly earnest and passionate conventions of western movies of that era set the stage for a hilarious showdown unlike anything the Old West - or the theatre - has ever seen!
“The show is a riot.” Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson says. “It is actually very difficult to perform this style of acting, where the actors go right up to, but not “over”, the top! But we’ve got just the right director and cast to pull it off brilliantly. It’s an incredibly strong finale to our very busy summer season at CRT.” Directing and choreographing the show is Bert Bernardi, who is best know at CRT for taking the helm for last summer’s wildly successful The Great American Trailer Park Musical as well as CRT’s Annie Get Your Gun and Over the River and Through the Woods. “The show is a perfect fit for Bert because he’s got terrific sense of humor for this kind of material.” Thompson says. “Bert understands how to keep the characters realistic but magnified. Plus he really knows how to keep the laughs rolling!”
The cast of the nine is made up of primarily new faces to the CRT stage. In the leading role of Vienna is Chrysten Peddie, making her CRT debut, along with Scott Moreau as Johnny Guitar and Megan Rozak as Emma Smalls, Vienna’s arch rival. Playing The Dancin’ Kid is Jeffrey Victor who returns after having appeared in another CRT western musical: 2006’s Annie Get Your Gun in the lead role of Frank Butler. Also returning for a second show this summer is Chris Nickerson as Sheriff McIvers. Nickerson appeared as Senator Wingwoah in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas earlier this year. A previous CRT performing intern from the 2002 summer and Syracuse University grad Geoff Lutz joins the cast as the hot blooded young rustler, Turkey. Rounding out the cast playing multiple roles are Binghamton resident Matt Vavalle joining New York City based actors Danny Blaylock and Sean Riley.
Musical Director Ethan Deppe is in his third show this summer at CRT, having worked on 8 Track and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as well as previously on Great American Trailer Park and South Pacific. Deppe leads the ensemble band of local musicians including Shannon Cockbill on bass, Nate Wavle on percussion, and guitarists Dennis Goettal and Pete Hawley. Broadway scenic designer Jo Winiarski is back for her fifth CRT summer, having just completed the set design for A Few Good Men. Costumes are designed by Jimmy Johnsmeyer, who has designed a total of 16 shows over four years at CRT. Lighting elements are handled by Shawn Boyle, sound by SUNY Cortland designer Joel Pape and properties by season designer Rob Peck. Stage manager is Pamela Reichen, with assistance from Jessica Mykins.
Johnny Guitar - The Musical will be presented at the Edward Jones Playhouse, CRT’s home in Dwyer Memorial Park from August 20 - 30. Season Benefactor McNeil and Company is joined for this production by show sponsor Tompkins Trust Company, and show partners Albany International and J. R. Clancy. Parking is free, and the theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Tickets may be purchased at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland, by calling 800-427-6160 or online at www.cortlandrep.org. For more information about any of CRT’s shows or programming, please visit www.cortlandrep.org.
In the photo: Chrysten Peddie as Vienna, Scott Moreau as Johnny and Megan Rozak as Emma in CRT’s production of Johnny Guitar - the Musical.