Local Entertainment

Everett and Issaquah, WA – Village Theatre produces the West Coast Premiere of CHASING NICOLETTE, a hilarious yet touching new musical that charts the love between a Christian count and a Muslim princess.

CHASING NICOLETTE will have one preview performance in Issaquah on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, and will officially open the following night, running September 17-October 25 in Issaquah, and October 30-November 22 in Everett.

            CHASING NICOLETTE was conceived by composer David Friedman with book and lyrics by two-time Tony award nominee Peter Kellogg (Anna Karenina). Friedman has composed hundreds of popular songs, notably for Diana Ross and Barry Manilow, and has been a frequent vocal arranger and conductor for Disney in the animated musicals Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Hunchback of Notre Dame.

            A hit at the Village Originals Festival of New Musicals in 2008, CHASING NICOLETTE boasts a book written completely in iambic pentameter. Kellogg (librettist) comments, “The rhymed couplets seem to fit the nature of the story: a classic, almost fairy tale, romance.  Also, I’m a big fan of Moliere’s plays.  I always wanted to try to write a musical in that style. Turns out it’s harder than you think.  But once you start playing with the rhymes, you realize the comic possibilities of the form.”

            Village Theatre brings together a creative team made up largely of artisans from last season’s popular new work STUNT GIRL to develop this new musical. Scenic designer Scott Fyfe’s ingenious rotating set device allows for nonstop physical comedy, while also being versatile. “One of the major challenges with any new work is the ever present possibility of changes,” Fyfe comments. “These are works in progress up until opening night, so as a designer I try to design a set that can adapt to a last minute added scene or location.”

Village Theatre’s production of Chasing Nicolette is directed by artistic director Steve Tomkins (Stunt Girl, Beauty and the Beast); assistant directed by Eric Polani Jensen (Beast in Beauty and the Beast); scenic design by Scott Fyfe (Stunt Girl, Million Dollar Quartet); lighting design by Tom Sturge (The Importance of Being Earnest); and costume design by Melanie Burgess (Stunt Girl, The King and I).

Pre-production photos are available online now; production photos will be available after September 15, 2009. For more information or to schedule individual interviews, please contact Michelle Sanders, Public Relations Manager at (425) 392-1942 x124 or msanders@villagetheatre.org.
 
CHASING NICOLETE Synopsis:
This hilarious yet touching new musical charts the love between a Christian count and a Muslim princess in a time of war, hatred, and prejudice — except that the year happens to be 1224. Based on the French Romance "Aucassin and Nicolette," Chasing Nicolette confronts the two lovers with endlessly hysterical obstacles: angry parents, murky dungeons, swashbuckling swordplay, a man-hungry convent school graduate, and one very put-upon servant. This must-see new work boasts a melodic score that is both romantic and quirky, with sharp, funny lyrics which accompany a surprising and clever book that will charm you with every word. Chasing Nicolette is a rollicking, romantic comedy you'll want to see again and again.
 
What:              Chasing Nicolette
Music by David Friedman
Book and Lyrics by Peter Kellogg
 
Where:            In Issaquah: Francis J. Gaudette Theatre
303 Front Street North
Issaquah, WA 98027
                      
In Everett: Everett Performing Arts Center
2710 Wetmore Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
 
When:             Issaquah Dates: September 17 - October 25, 2009 – ON SALE NOW
Wednesdays through Saturdays: 8:00 PM
Sundays and selected Saturdays: 2:00 PM
Selected Tuesdays: 7:30 PM
Selected Sundays: 7:00 PM
 
Everett Dates: October 30 - November 22, 2009 – ON SALE: 9/23/09
Wednesdays through Saturdays: 8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 2:00 PM
Selected Sundays: 7:00 PM
 
Tickets:           Issaquah:
$19-$59, Box Office (425) 392-2202 or (866) 688-8049
Everett:
$17-$52, Box Office (425) 257-8600 or (888) 257-3722
www.villagetheatre.org

Student & Military Rush: ½ price 30 minutes prior to curtain for any available seat. Group discounts available for groups of 10 or more.