Capital Rep Announces cast for lead roles and Director for 33 Variations

Tony Award nominees, Barbara Walsh and Bob Stillman to appear in 33 Variations -
Gordon Greenberg to Direct.

Albany, NY (July 1, 2010) – Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, NY announced today that the roles of Dr. Katherine Brandt and Ludwig Von Beethoven are to be played by two-time Drama Desk Award nominee and Tony nominee Barbara Walsh and two-time Tony nominee Bob Stillman respectively in Moises Kaufman’s 33 Variations. The show launches Capital Rep’s 2010-11 30th Anniversary Season.  33 Variations, the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway hit, tells the parallel stories of obsession and self-discovery – Beethoven’s obsession of the 33 variations of a single piece of music and a present-day musicologist’s quest to understand his obsession – at the end of their lives. The show will begin previews on September 10 with opening night scheduled for September 15.

Barbara Walsh will play the role of Dr. Katherine Brandt, the musicologist determined to understand Beethoven’s obsession of a single theme while fighting for her own life.  Ms. Walsh was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Featured Actress in a musical for her roles as Joanne in Company (2007) and Trina in Falsettos (1992), for which she was also nominated for the 1992 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Other Broadway roles include: Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, Mrs. Baskin in Big, Mrs. Lyons in Blood Brothers, and Francesca in Nine.

Bob Stillman will play the role of Ludwig Von Beethoven, the infamous composer whose obsession with Diabelli’s theme plagues him to produce 33 variations. Mr. Sillman a veteran performer, composer and musical director, was nominated for two Tony Awards. In 2000 he was nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performances as Frank Wallace, Ed Hearn and others in Dirty Blonde and in 2003 for Best Original Score for Urban Cowboy. Other New York credits include: Grey Gardens (Broadway and Off-Broadway), Souvenir, Saturn Returns, The Last Season, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Grand Hotel, Legs Diamond, and The No-Frills Revue.

Gordon Greenberg will direct this production.  He directed Capital Rep’s production of Jacques Brel is Alive & Well & Living in Paris, which went on to play at the Zipper Theatre in New York City. Other directing credits include: Band Geeks (co-creator / Goodspeed Musicals), Pirates! Or Gilbert & Sullivan Plunder’d (Huntington Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Paper Mill Playhouse), and Happy Days (National Tour.)

The rest of the cast will be announced at a later date. 

For more information about Capital Rep and the 2010-2011 season, visit www.capitalrep.org or call 518-445-SHOW.

Capital Repertory Theatre Appoints New Managing Director

 Albany, NY 12/31/08 Capital Repertory Theatre has named Michele Desrosiers its new Managing Director as of December 1, 2008.  Ms. Desrosiers began working with the theatre one year ago, first as a marketing consultant.  She was named to the position of Marketing Director in March 2008.  Ms. Desrosiers replaces Elizabeth Doran who this past August, vacated the position to become Managing Director of The Actor’s Gang in Los Angeles, CA.

In naming Desrosiers to the post, John Privitera, President of the Board of Trustees, said, “After conducting a national search, we determined that Michele has the combination of leadership, business acumen and strategic marketing to further the theatre’s mission and develop our audience.  She has already forged a strong working relationship with Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, which is the foundation of success for that position.”  Privitera added “Everyone at Capital Rep is excited about this appointment.”

Desrosiers holds a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Southern California and an MBA in Marketing from National University in San Diego. Her extensive experience includes over 20 years of marketing and operations experience working in both advertising agencies and in corporate marketing.  Her work has included marketing in high technology, pharmaceuticals, consumer finance, tourism and economic development on national and international brands including Intel, IBM, Great Plains/Microsoft, Sprint and I Love NY.

Of the appointment, Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill said “Michele is a dynamic complement to the theatre’s goals - bringing together unique knowledge of high technology and the arts.   Her background will equip us to face the challenges in the current economy while preparing for the growth we are expecting in Tech Valley. I can’t imagine a better partner for moving the theatre into the future.”

Capital Repertory Theatre is in its 28th season and is the area’s premier professional theatre, producing its own shows here in the Capital Region.  The theatre’s repertory of award-winning comedies, dramas and musicals often includes regional premieres of works previously only available in New York City and other major cities.  

“Capital Rep has a long-standing brand loyalty from its subscribers and patrons.  There’s a reason for that.  It’s top-shelf, professional artistic product” said Desrosiers.  “I am both gratified and excited to be entrusted with the management of this incredible cultural asset.”