Theatre of the Republic

Written by Kathryn Martin. Lighting Design by Brian Carter. Directed by Tim McGhee.

July 29-31 at 8:00 PM • August 1 & 8 at 3:00 PM • August 5-7 at 8:00 PM

All Seats $15.00

"Perfect Pairings" features Broadway's Best Duets

When "Perfect Pairings" hits the stage at The Main Street Theatre July 29, music lovers will hear beautiful Broadway show tunes done by perfectly paired duets. Director Tim McGhee said the show is a continuance of a series of Best of Broadway shows presented by Theatre of the Republic beginning three years ago. This year's show is scripted by Kathryn L. Martin, who was recently named a winner in the Carolinas' Contemporary Playwrights' Festival in Charlotte, N.C.

"We're drawing local writers into our productions to tie all the songs together with a script," McGhee said. He said this year's review is probably the most difficult review TOR has attempted and will bring close to 40 talented singers to the Conway stage. And, while there will be some familiar faces on stage, some new talent will also be debuted. "The result is a night of beautiful music, wonderful costumes and perfect pairings," McGhee said.

Lead characters are Fred Harris of Myrtle Beach as Nelson Eddy and Christine Beattie of Carolina Forest as Jeanette McDonald. The opening scene finds Eddy and McDonald in heaven reminiscing in song about the good old days on stage. With a little theatrical magic and the help of a "friend" (a character the audience will immediately recognize), the two get to return to earth and to the stage.

"The beauty about 'Duets' is that it involves two people telling a story, whether it is a love fest or a confrontation," says McGhee.

Some of the production's music comes from new Broadway shows such as "Parade," and Elton John's "Aida." Then there are the tunes from "Songs for a New World," "Mama Mia," "Scarlet Pimpernel," "Chess" and "The Wiz."

Comedic moments are derived from "Annie Get Your Gun," "Chicago," "Man of LaMancha" and "Annie."

Also featured in "Duets" are some songs from TOR's upcoming season. A local band, Uncle Dick's Hat Band, will make its debut live on the Main Street Theatre stage to accompany "No Lies," a duet from "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," which will be TOR's September production. The three-man group is made up of Brent Swain, Gary Long and Shane Hubbard.

Other 2004-2005 season shows to be previewed are October's "Jekyll & Hyde," April 2005's "The King and I," and May's "Ruthless--The Musical."

TICKETS ON SALE NOW:

For tickets call the "Stage Right" office at 488-0821.