PinnWorth Productions Presents SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at MCCC, Now thru 1/20

PinnWorth Productions invites audiences on a dramatic journey through Stephen Sondheim's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical "Sunday in the Park with George" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre.

Dates and times for this production are Fridays, Jan. 11 and 18 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Jan. 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Jan. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Jan. 11.

When her lover would rather paint dots on a canvas than pay attention to her, what's a gal to do? This visual and musical masterpiece tells the story of post-Impressionist George Seurat, and the creation of his masterwork, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." Loosely based on the artist's life, the story follows the painter's struggles between creating art and living life. This deeply moving love story between George and his mistress, Dot, connects the past to the future through passionate struggles both personal and universal.

"It's a story of art, passion and choices we make, told beautifully in the words and music of Stephen Sondheim," said Director Lou J. Stalsworth of Allentown, who was first captivated by the show when he saw a video recording of the Broadway production starring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. "While I don't know which I'm reacting to more - Sondheim's music or the story it tells - I've wanted to do the show ever since I first saw it."

Stalsworth adds that audiences will be thrilled with the visual effects in the show's opening number, as sweeping brushstrokes move across the stage in tandem with the opening chords of the first song, a concept originated by the British company The Chocolate Factory four years ago. "The effect is breathtaking," he said.

The cast features John Zimmerman of Hamilton as George, and Laurie Gougher of Newtown, PA, as his mistress, Dot.

Ensemble cast members include Dwayne Bailey of Hamilton, Susan Fowler of New Hope, PA, Melissa Geerlof of Mercerville, Susan Hoffman of Robbinsville, Pamela Jorgensen of Franklin Park, ElizaBeth Lackey of Hamilton, Julia Lupi of Freehold, Nicholas Pecht of Hamilton, Jim Petro of Hamilton, Donna Reed of Bordentown, John Shanken-Kaye of Doylestown, PA, Megan Sherow of Millstone, Dan Slothower of Plainsboro, Dave Walter of Allentown, and Jenny Weiner of Robbinsville.

Musical direction for the show is by Peter de Mets of Newtown, PA, with costumes by MCCC's Kate Pinner of Allentown, and sound and lighting design by Robert Terrano of East Windsor.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. For tickets, call the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333, or visit www.kelseytheatre.net. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.

Pictured: John Zimmerman of Hamilton as George and Laurie Gougher of Newtown, PA, as his mistress, Dot.