Blues in the Night - Now through May 30

"As usual, Tom Width directed the show like a master conductor." - Robert Parlier, Petersburg Progress-Index

"Brenda Parker gives us transcendent performances of Billy Strayhorn's breathtaking Lush Life and the winking Alberta Hunter song Rough and Ready Man. Parker is the embodiment of the blues." - Susan Haubenstock, Richmond Times-Dispatch

BLUES IN THE NIGHT - OPENING TONIGHT!

Blues in the Night
Conceived by Sheldon Epps
Music by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, & Johnny Mercer
Off-nights May 11 through May 30

The universal language of the blues wails out full and strong in this dynamite revue. Twenty-six hot and torchy numbers tell the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences that three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong. Alternately wistful, tender, and naughty with “bring down the house” blues songs.

Tickets: 804-748-5203 or www.swiftcreekmill.com

Seeking Group Sales Coordinator

Swift Creek Mill Theatre is seeking qualified candidates for Group Sales Coordinator. The Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and selling audiences for our live performances by target marketing to businesses and organizations for the purpose of group sales. The individual will act as a liaison to tour operators and group leaders. Some evening and weekend time is required. FT, Competitive Salary, EOE. Please send cover letter, resume and references to Group Sales Coordinator search to Swift Creek Mill Theatre P.O. Box 41 Colonial Heights, VA 23834 for information call (804) 748-5203. Search will begin immediately.

Altar Boyz

Here's a sneak peak at those fabulous Altar Boyz!

Many thanks to Michael Hawke and Brett Ambler!!!
Call 804-475-5203 for tickets. Or go to www.swiftcreekmill.com to purchase them online.

Altar Boyz Opening Saturday

We're not great bloggers here at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, but it's time to come out of hibernation to tell you that you do not want to miss Altar Boyz, which opens this Saturday night (April 4). We had over 100 people at the IDR last night and they loved it! You will, too!

2008-2009 Season

I couldn’t be more excited about the new season we’ve planned for you here at the Mill: two hilarious comedies, a classic drama, and three very diverse musicals! Indeed, diversity is what we have strived for – to bring you a season that will challenge, entertain, enlighten, and broaden you theatrical experience. You may be assured that I will do my best to bring the most talented performers, designers, and musicians to all of these productions. It’s going to be a wonderful journey – I hope you will come along for the ride!

Tom Width, Artistic Director

SIDE SHOW
Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell
Music by Henry Krieger
September 4 - October 25


A TUNA CHRISTMAS
By Ed Howard, Joe Sears, Jaston Williams
November 13 - January 10


OF MICE AND MEN
By John Steinbeck
January 29 - March 14


ALTAR BOYZ
Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker
Book by Kevin Del Aguila
April 2 - May 20


BLUES IN THE NIGHT
Conceived by Sheldon Epps
Music by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, & Johnny Mercer
offnights May 11 - May 30 (subscriber bonus)


ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
By Joseph Kesserling
June 18 - August 1

and he lived happily ever after

It was in April 1976 that the young and handsome Tom Width made his Swift Creek Mill Playhouse debut as Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, the hilarious musical version of the classic story, The Princess and the Pea. Thirty-two years later, almost to the day, Swift Creek Mill Theatre will once again present Once Upon a Mattress. Only this time around, the mature (but every bit as handsome) Tom Width is sitting in his now familiar director's seat.


Well, let me clarify. He's the Artistic Director for the theatre. But he's also the director, set designer, production manager, technical director, master carpenter, sometimes choreographer, and all-around heavy-lifter for 5 mainstage shows, four children's shows, and at least one bonus show every season. He also teaches the summer camp, and every now and then dons his actor's cap as well. But I digress.

To celebrate Tom's 32 year anniversary (not really - I just made that up), Swift Creek Mill Theatre will be presenting Once Upon a Mattress once again. This time the cast is headed up by Richmond's musical theatre sweetheart, Audra Honaker, as the not-so-delicate Princess Winifred, her real-life boyfriend and Mill star, Brett Ambler as Prince Dauntless, and Joy Williams as Queen Aggravain. Also included in this super-talented cast are Jason Marks, Katrinah Lewis, Matt Polson, Durron Tyre, Michael Hawke, Derek Phipps, Liz Blake, Taylor Baltimore, Audrey Snyder, David Janosik, Lucas Hall, Amy Kaeberle, and Steve Travers.

The official opening night for Once Upon a Mattress is April 5, with preview performances on April 3 and 4. For more information visit our website: www.swiftcreekmill.com/mattress

As a side note, I played Princess #12 in the 1992 Dogwood Dell production. I'll be paying close attention to Liz Blake to see if she has stolen any of my bits.


Robyn O'Neill