110 In The Shade Opening June 6

I think it was stated so well when Betty Davis said, "Hold on it's going to be a bumpy ride."

I had no idea just how true this statement would be for the cast of "110 In The Shade" and all of us directing, assistant directing, musical arrangers etc.... This is my first musical to direct and all though I come from a long line of theatrical talent, I never anticipated all this but, as Tom Hanks put it, "If it were easy everyone would do it, it's the hard that makes all worth it." Let me tell you, this show is more than well worth it.

This musical also brings a lot of "firsts" to TCT stage; this will be my very first musical that I have directed. This will also be the first time a truly talented choreographer, Sara Morris, will be making her debut with TCT. We also welcome to the stage making their theatrical debut with TCT; Anna and Bella Dohnke, Ana and Merrick Lathrop, Greg O'Brien and Yolanda Martinez. With all these wonderful first time additions, I am truly thankful I have an assistant director, Ruthanne Jennings, who has been supportive and open to my directing ideas and creativity.

Now let me introduce to you the cast of "110 In The Shade."

Lizzie Curry - Opal Lawler, HC - Kenny Chugg, File - Thaer Irvin, Jimmy - Kasey Brockelsby, Snookie - Heather Simmons and Starbuck - Guy Martin. These talented lead actors are supported by a truly talented cast of "110 In The Shade" townspeople: Anna Dohnke, Ana Lathrop, Leslie Reynolds, Elmer Acevedo, Greg O'Brien, Ava Daniels, Spike Daniels, Bella Dohnke, Lily Bonham, Sophia Bonham, Gabby Kreager, Yolanda Martinez, Merrick Lathrop, Sean Lamonte and

Randy Kitt.

If your not sure what "110 In The Shade" is all about, then let me just start with saying it is the musical adaptation of the well known movie "The Rainmaker" starring, Katherine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster.

Synopsis: A small town, present day, much like Tehachapi, in a drought. A man named HC lives on his ranch with his three children. Lizzie, Noah and Jimmy. Lizzie is the oldest and has never been married and has lived her whole life taking care of her dad and two brothers. Noah, the oldest son, he runs the ranch and is a hardworking man. Jimmy, well he's the youngest, he's fun, lovable and but just not to bright.

Life is difficult during the drought, until one day along comes a stranger. A man who calls himself, Starbuck. He tells the people of the town, that for one hundred dollars he'll bring rain. The only person willing to give this con man a chance is HC, so HC pays Starbuck one hundred dollars and hopes that he just bet on a man that can do just that.

Everything seems to be going well for Starbuck, until File, the Sheriff of the town, lets everyone know that there is con man in the area. File lives by the letter of the law; he's also been telling everyone for awhile that he is a widower.

In fact, his wife left him a few years ago. File hears about HC giving Starbuck one hundred dollars and is dumbfounded by this. He can't believe HC would do such a thing, or that Noah would allow it, or that Lizzie, whom File secretly is fond of, would sit back and let her family throw away a hundred dollars on a stranger.

As the play unfolds, we begin to see the plain awkwardness of Lizzie change as she gets to know the charismatic, storyteller Starbuck. We also see the relationship between Lizzie and File grow into an unexpected love.

With a fun fresh set design by Jason Johnston and Leslie Reynolds, music arrangements by Gary Mazzola, Cambria Hynes, Guy Martin and Greg Hahn and wonderful dance numbers, that will get you up out of your seats, clapping and stomping, "110 In The Shade" brings more than just TCT's summer musical, it brings a rain of pure fun and enjoyment.

Check the TCT website, http://tctonstage.com for show dates and ticket availability.