The Asolo Theatre Company NEWS
November 5, 2004
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Composer and Jazz Musician Ellen Mandel Arrived in Sarasota Today to Continue Work on Original Music She Created for the Asolo's Production of Peter Pan
SARASOTA, FL (November 5, 2004) – Celebrated New York composer and musician Ellen Mandel returns to Sarasota today to continue her work on the original musical compositions she has created especially for the Asolo Theatre Company’s production of Peter Pan. Mandel’s work with the Asolo is funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and Meet the Composer, Inc. As part of her work here, Mandel will interact with area students and teachers through workshops and lectures.
Ellen Mandel is resident composer at the Jean Cocteau Repertory in New York City, where she has composed music for Medea, On the Razzle, Lulu, Hamlet, Major Barbara, Travesties, The Wild Duck, and many others. She composed music for the Asolo's production of Twelfth Night, directed by Gus Kaikkonen, and for the Peterborough Players (NH) and Riverside Shakespeare (NYC), Boarshead Theatre (Lansing, MI), Arkansas Rep, Tennessee Rep, and Riverside Theater (Vero BeachFL). Ms. Mandel has written five film scores, and performs around NYC with her jazz quintet. She has released two CDs: Every Play's an Opera, a collection of her theatre music, and a wind has blown the rain away, her E.E. Cummings songs.
Mandel is excited to be part of this production and eager to speak with the press about her involvement with the production and the grant. She is available to meet with the press from November 4 - 19, as her rehearsal schedule allows. Please contact the Asolo’s public relations manager to schedule interviews.
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Peter Pan, The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, by J.M. Barrie, is performing at the Asolo Theatre Company from November 19, 2004 through January 1, 2005. Mandel’s original music for Peter Pan comes complete with pirate music for Captain Hook and his crew, and songs and music for the Indians, the Darling Family, and the Lost Boys.
It is important to note that this production is not the musical version of Peter Pan; rather it is the original stage play by J.M. Barrie. The original music composed by Mandel specifically for the Asolo's production of Peter Pan is an enhancement to the production. Peter Pan is presented by the Asolo on the cusp of Peter Pan’s 100th birthday. The opening night show is followed by the Asolo’s big season opening party with a “mingle with the stars” champagne reception in the lobby, which Ellen Mandel will attend.
To purchase tickets for Asolo Theatre Company productions including Peter Pan, please call the Asolo Box Office at 941-351-8000 or toll-free at 800-361-8388 or visit us on the Web at www.asolo.org.
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The Asolo is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, The Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Sarasota Arts Council. The Asolo Theatre Company’s Shakespeare productions are sponsored in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theater initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Additional funding is also received through the efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.