For Immediate Release: December 18, 2006
Media Contact: Charlene Thellmann, The Ritz Theatre Company, 856.488.9093

Not many musicals open with a high-kick'n, gloriously sung funeral, but our production of Purlie will do just that! Purlie has an outstanding musical score filled with gospel, jazz, pop, R &B and Broadway show style songs. It's a rousing, high-energy musical that gets your toes tapping from the opening gospel number, "Walk Him Up the Stairs," and yet it conveys the message of taking control of one's own life.

The musical is based on the play "Purlie Victorious" written by Ossie Davis. "The purpose of Purlie is to point a mocking finger at racial segregation and laugh it out of existence" says Davis. The music is by Gary Geld with lyrics by Peter Udell. Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell wrote the book.

Cast members include Jillian Pirtle of Phila., as Lutiebelle, Miguel Osborne of Phila. as Purlie, Chanta Layton of Phila. as Missy, Felicia Latoya Brown of Willingboro as Idella, Dwight Bazemore of Aston, PA. as Gitlow, Adam Altman of North Wales, PA. as Charlie, Jason Michael of Sinking Springs, PA. as Ol' Cap'n.

Directed by Ritz Producing artistic Director Bruce A. Curless. Musical director Kevin L. Parks of Camden. Vocal director Michael Makofsky of Cherry Hill. Choreography by Michele Sase of Williamstown. Costume design by Michael Kelly of Collingswood. Lighting by Terri Tomola of Upper Darby, PA.

Previews Thursday, January 11 at 7:30 PM &, Opening Night Friday, January 12 at 8 PM
Fridays, 8 PM: 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9 . Saturdays 8 PM: 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10
Sunday Matinees 2 PM 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4 . Wednesdays 7:30 PM 1/24, 2/7

Ticket prices are $17 - $30. Group rates available. All seats reserved. Advanced reservations : Ritz 24 hour ticket hotline (856) 858-5230. On the web at: www.ritztheatreco.org

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