HCCT: 03-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEAVE IT TO THE NAVY! FEB. 13-MARCH 2 AT HCCT;
BOX OFFICE OPENING FOR MEREDITH MUSICAL AN ISLAND LOVE-FEST

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, love is breaking out…

COTTONWOOD SHORES, TEXAS (Jan. 24, 2003) – The Hill Country Community Theatre box office opens to patrons Feb. 3 (public, Feb. 6) for its Feb.13-March 2 run of Leave it to the Navy! The two-act service comedy, a veritable island love-fest, features great romantic musical numbers that will heat up the small South Pacific atoll of Macatea, as will as playgoers.

The production opens with a 7 p.m., Feb. 13th Gala performance featuring food and drink for an extra $10. The box office (830-798-8944) operates from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The playhouse is located at 4003 FM 2147 West in Cottonwood Shores, across from the Exxon station – between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay. Evening shows are at 8 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.

Jay Meredith, who now lives in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, wrote the rollicking original musical a half century ago. The post-World War II story is about a small Navy contingent sent to evacuate the residents of Macatea – who don’t want to go -- in preparation for a U.S. A-bomb test. A plane load of Army WACS, heading for some Hawaiian R&R, make an emergency landing on the beach, further complicating both official and romantic matters.

The show has elements of “The Mouse That Roared,” a battle of the sexes, and the spirit of such service comedies as “Teahouse of the August Moon.” The comedy, action and romance are complemented by music – romantic ballads, novelty numbers, an island dance and a rousing finale that will keep audiences humming and tapping throughout the show.

Meredith, a retired USAF colonel is expected to score another hit with this show, his second at HCCT in two years. “Like his musical Miss Julie, his shows are fun, the songs are memorable and you can hum to them,” says HCCT Executive Director Bruce Hennie, who has been rehearsing the large cast of six women, eight men, one little girl and chorus of 12 adults since the holidays.

Strong Cast & Stage Crew Announced

The cast includes Minnesota native and Winter Texan Melodie Lane as Jodie Mason, the WAC Captain, David Bend and Dale Brown of Marble Falls as Navy Commander Matt Peterson and his lieutenant, Andy Horner. Mark Fernandes of Granite Shoals plays the island chief, and Kevin Pool of Kingsland is the chief’s interpreter. Priscilla Castañeda of Marble Falls portrays Mahealani, the chief’s daughter

Kirk Tatum of Horseshoe Bay is CPO Dankowitz, an opportunistic “Sgt. Bilko’ type non-com who falls for man-hungry WAC Sgt. Violet Flowers played by Michelle Jett of Marble Falls. Other WAC-enlisted women are Dawniel Pool of Kingsland, Jennifer Romero of Round Mountain and Jessica Johnson of Lampasas.

Navy crew members include Michael Rapstine as Sam the radio operator, and David Owens, both of Granite Shoals, and Brian Jacobs of Horseshoe Bay. Islanders include Melissa Bishop and Johanna Hough of Marble Falls, and from Cottonwood Shores, Caitlin Whitis and Theresa Bishop, who plays the chief’s wife.

Four Horseshoe Bay residents are key members of the production team. Sarah Hays is stage-managing the show. Mary Dougherty, whose artwork graced this year’s season brochure, is in charge of set design. Ruth Meredith and Mildred Landrum are heading up the costume team.

Barbara Bend is acting as arranger and musical director, assisted by husband David as the vocal director. Monica Griffin is assisting David, and Cyndi Pool is choreographing the dance numbers.

For more information on the current performances or tickets, membership, volunteer opportunities (box office, costumes, make-up, props, lighting, set building and painting) or auditions, please contact the HCCT Box Office at 830-798-8944, or Executive Director Bruce Hennie at 830-693-2474.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS:
Preston F. Kirk, APR
HCCT Governor
Spicewood, TX
830-693-4447;
F 693-9898,
kirk@281.com

Bruce Hennie, Executive Director
Hill Country Community Theatre
Cottonwood Shores, TX,
830-693-2474
bruce@hcct.org