Cast: L-R Carollette Phillips, Andrew Papa, Dave Toomey Photo Credit: Alex Goodman

Detroit, MI - On Sept. 23, 2011 the Hilberry Theatre will open the doors for its 49^th season with the musical double feature, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine. The Tony-nominated musical, books and lyrics by Dick Vosburgh and music by Frank Lazarus, includes additional music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and Johnny Mercer.  The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Tommy Tune, and won the Tony Award for Best Choreography.  A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine runs four weeks until Oct. 15, 2011. Tickets are $12-$30 and are available by calling the Hilberry Theatre Box Office at (313) 577-2972, online at Hilberry.com, or by visiting the box office at 4743 Cass Avenue on the corner of Hancock.

A Day in Hollywood is an inspiring, red carpet musical tribute to the screen stars and productions of the 1930s. The first act takes place at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre and can be summed up by one of the  usher's exclamations, "a smile-a-minute, musical mirthquake!" The second act, A Night in the Ukraine, transports the audience to a black-and-white "film" loosely based on Anton Chekhov's The Bear. The result is the funniest musical the Marx Brothers never wrote, featuring all the usual, zany suspects.

The historic Hilberry Theatre is known for its classic play productions presented in rotating repertory. The decision to present a musical was largely based on audience feedback and the success of the 2009-2010 season opener, The Fantasticks. While a number of musicals have been produced at the Hilberry during its 49-year history, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine is the fourth to be featured in the regular season. Given the added demands of musical theatre, the production will be performed in a straight run.

The Hilberry cast members include Lorelei Sturm (Mrs. Pavelenko/Usher), Dave Toomey (Carlo/Usher), Carollette Phillips (Gino/Usher), Andrew Papa (Serge B. Samovar), Danielle Cochrane (Nina/Usher), Alec Barbour (Constantine/Usher), Sara Hymes (Masha/Usher), David Sterritt (Sascha/Usher) and Topher Payne (Usher). Production team includes Jill Dion (Choreographer), Michael J. Peters (Production Stage Manager), Pegi Marshall-Amundsen (Scenic Designer), Rudolph C. Schuepbach (Technical Director), Becky Garcia (Sound Designer), John D. Woodland (Costume Designer), Thomas H. Schraeder (Lighting Designer), Peter Schmidt (Properties Master), and Rebecca M. Pierce (Publicist).

About the Hilberry Theatre Company

The Hilberry Company is unique in that it is the nation's only graduate theatre company staffed by young up-and-coming professionals that also runs on a rotating repertory schedule.  About 40 graduate students are selected in national competition to receive fellowships to work in this theatre and study for advanced degrees. The company performs an annual season of six plays, including high school matinees for nearly 6,000 students. Through the years four Hilberry productions have been selected to appear at the American College Theatre Festival.

Tickets are $12-$30 and are available by calling the Hilberry Theatre Box Office at (313) 577-2972 or online at www.wsushows.com.  The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., with extended hours to 8 p.m. on performance evenings (Thursday-Saturday).  Group discounts and corporate packages are also available.  For more information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Box Office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Hancock in Detroit.  Performance information and tickets may also be obtained by visiting the theatre's website at www.hilberry.com.

The 2011-2012 Hilberry season is sponsored by CBS Outdoor, Between the Lines and Encore Michigan.

A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

A Day in Hollywood
A Night in the Ukraine
(a musical Double Feature)
Book and Lyrics by Dick Vosburgh; Music by Frank Lazarus

-Calendar Information-
September 23, 2011 - October 15, 2011
Wednesday 2 p.m. Oct. 5
Thursday 8 p.m. Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13
Friday 8 p.m. Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14
Saturday 2 p.m. Sept. 24, Oct. 15
Saturday 8 p.m. Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15