(Eustis, FL)…Bay Street Players will be holding open auditions for the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Driving Miss Daisy, Monday, Tuesday July 28 and 29. Driving Miss Daisy is a 1987 play by Alfred Uhry about the relationship of an elderly Southern Jewish lady and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke Colburn, from 1948 to 1973. Auditions will be held at the historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis, 109 North Bay Street. Performance dates for Driving Miss Daisy are September 26- October 19, 2008.

The play requires two men and one woman. The role of Hoke has been pre-cast. Artistic Director David Clevinger will be casting one woman in the role of Daisy (character age 72-97) and one man in the role of Boolie (character age range 40’s).

Driving Miss Daisy became an equally successful movie, winning best picture. Critics hailed this hit comedy for its sincerity, dignity, and honesty. Dealing with issues that plague all people—white or African American, northern or southern—the appeal of Driving Miss Daisy is universal.

Newcomers are welcome. Anyone not interested in performing onstage is invited to join our team of volunteers and to learn of backstage opportunities needed for this production.

Driving Miss Daisy is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida. Please contact the theatre at (352) 357-7777 or visit the web site at www.baystreetplayers.org for directions or for further information.

For Immediate Release
June 26, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

THE SOUND OF MUSIC OPENS AT BAY STREET PLAYERS JULY 11, 2008.

A stellar cast of 40 will showcase the most beloved musical ever written- The Sound of Music will play four weeks at the Historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis.

(Eustis, FL)… The Sound of Music, the final collaboration of Broadway legends Rodgers and Hammerstein, opens July 11 at the historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis. The stellar cast of 40 will perform this beloved musical four weekends closing on August 3. Tickets are on sale now.

The Sound of Music has been awarded an abundance of accolades: it won the best musical Tony Award when it had its Broadway debut in 1959 followed by a subsequent 1965 Academy Award winning movie musical adaptation. This quintessential showpiece of American Theatre brings to life much loved melodies including “My Favorite Things”, “Do, Re, Mi”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, and “Edelweiss”.

Artistic Director, David Clevinger, brings to life his vision of 1938 Austria just before the German invasion. The production team includes: Jim Rhinehart, Musical Director; William Dumas, Lighting Designer; Bonnie Swanson, Costume Designer; and Tara Whitman, Choreographer. Volunteers have generously given hundreds of hours of their time to create the 122 costume pieces needed for this cast of 40. Half of those costumes are for the Von Trapp children alone.

The cast includes Central Florida favorites, Ben Adams, Cameron Bartell, Gail Bartell, Ashley Richards, Debra Sussman, Ashley Willsey, and the talented children are: Whitney Abell, Colby Lutz, Genna Kanago, Nicolas Mazzini, Anneliese Moon, Kimilee Norman, and Jacqueline Scholl. The ensemble includes many Bay Street favorites.

Production dates for The Sound of Music are July 11-August 3, 2008. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 p.m. Patrons attending the opening night production July 11 are invited to celebrate with the cast immediately following the performance with a wine and cheese reception.

Tickets are $18.00 except on Wednesday or Thursday when they are $15.00. Call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org to purchase tickets online. Group discounts, season tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The Sound of Music is sponsored in part by BOWEN, RADSON, SCHROTH, P.A. and United Arts of Central Florida.