May 28, 2010

Director assembles “triple threat” cast for “I Love a Piano” at the Morrisson Theatre

When director Michael Ryken sat down to audition potential cast members for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s “I Love a Piano” at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, a little statement from the playwright’s notes was first and foremost in his mind: “I Love a Piano requires six triple threat performers.” Ryken, who has attended auditions for years as a director, choreographer, and performer, knew exactly what challenges this would present. “Open-call auditions are always a surprise," he observed, "because you never know who’s going to show up, or what they can do. And here you need people who can sing and dance and act—and get along with each other.” But, after several rounds of auditions and callbacks, Ryken was delighted to be able to find just who the script needed.

Four of the cast members are Morrisson Theatre veterans. Kevin Euler, most recently seen in last year’s production of “A Chorus Line”(also directed by Ryken), will play Jim; William Giammona, who was in 2005’s “Camelot,” will play George; Zach Thompson, from 2009’s acclaimed “Forever Plaid Presents Plaid Tidings,” will play Alex; and Jenifer Tice, who was memorable in “The World Goes Round” in 2006, will play Sadie.

Rounding out the cast will be two newcomers to the Morrisson stage. Stacy Sanders, who has appeared locally in “Ragtime” at ACLO and “Fiddler on the Roof” at Broadway by the Bay, among others, will play Eileen, and Jenny Matteucci, who was recently featured in “Side by Side by Sondheim” at Tri-Valley Rep, will play Ginger. Matteucci was Val Diamond’s understudy in Steve Silver’s “Beach Blanket Babylon” some 19 years ago, during which time she gave birth to her two children. “Understudies at BBB are on call, ready to come at the beep of a beeper,” said Matteucci. “With 8 shows a week, it was quite an experience.”

“I Love a Piano” will open at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre on June 18, 2010. The theatre is located at 22311 North Third Street in Hayward, next to the Hayward Senior Center and the Japanese Gardens. Ticket prices are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $20 for students and juniors, and special rates are available for groups of ten or more. More information is available at www.dmtonline.org or by calling (510) 881-6777.