APPLAUSE

June 3 – 26, 2005 – Hennepin Stages

Music – Charles Strouse
Lyrics – Lee Adams
Book – Betty Comden & Adolph Green

“Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy night!”  And with those famous words, this Tony Award-winning adaptation of the film classic ‘All About Eve’ takes off and never looks back!  Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Applause follows Margo Channing, a Broadway star, and Eve – her biggest fan.  Soon, however, Margo uncovers Eve’s attempt to systematically take over her career, her lover and her life.  Filled with the fascinating happenings of backstage Broadway, this rarely seen musical gem will leave you with a smile on your face and a good-old-fashioned musical theater song in your heart!  As Margo herself exclaims:  “Welcome to the theater!”

Director – Steven Meerdink
Musical Director – Kevin Hansen
Choreographer – Sharon Bach

Scenic Designer – Steven Meerdink
Costumes – Theatrical Costume Company
Sound Designer – Tom Bothof
Rehearsal Accompanist – Emily Hanson
Light Designer / Set Construction – Jay Schueller
Stage Manager – Robbie Droddy

Cast
Margo Channing – Karen Weber
Eve Harrington – Christine Nelson
Bill Sampson – Gary Keast
Buzz Richards – Phil Losacker
Karen Richards – Karen Wiese-Thompson
Duane Fox – Aaron Gabriel
Bonnie – Windy Bowlsby
Howard Benedict / Orrin – Marlin Rothe
Peter / Bartender / Gene – David Young
Stan Harding / Mike – Joe Botten
Danny Burns – Paul Whittemore
Debi – Kia Erdmann
Carol – Alison Mary Forbes
Joan – Emily Brooke Hansen
Bert / Sammy – Christopher Silsby

“Margo is the focal point of Applause and Karen Weber pulls off a grand star turn…The choral ensemble is strong.  They make the title song one of the evening’s highlights…The costumes, a mélange of miniskirts and Nehru jackets, are a camp delight. Steven J. Meerdink follows suit with witty direction that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”  – Minneapolis Star Tribune

“MMT rises to the occasion in a simple but glamorous production of Applause.  The costumes are gorgeous, the dancing energetic [and] the orchestra strong.  Under Steven Meerdink’s direction, the two female leads are strong. Slim and attractive Karen Weber projects Margo’s oversize personality and range of emotions. Weber sings and dances with a gleam in her eyes that speaks of joy in performance. She’s playful with boyfriend Bill, generous to Eve, and she billows anger like a flame thrower when Margo is drunk and jealous. Weber sings in a full voice and delivers the big notes. Christine Nelson sings the ambitious ingénue, Eve, in a clear soprano. Nelson acts well, effectively transforming from a subservient ingénue to a ruthless, bed-hopping schemer, as her career advances.”  – TalkinBroadway.com

“On its own merits, Applause is a satisfying musical [and] Applause is the slickest, most professional looking show MMT has ever done…filling the stage with bell bottoms, leisure suits, fringe and leather.”  – Living Out