KALLIOPE STAGE RECEIVES CIVIC INNOVATION LAB SUPPORT : Cleveland IMC (((i)))

CLEVELAND-May 4, 2004-Kalliope Stage has been honored with the support and mentorship of the Civic Innovation Lab. $30,000 has been awarded toward the upcoming production of CAROUSEL as well as support for ongoing marketing and education programs. John Polk, director of the Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship at John Carroll University, and Michael Cristal, president and CEO of consolidated risk management, will serve as the mentors.
"It is a tremendous honor," says John Paul Boukis, Executive Director of Kalliope Stage. "As a young organization, this vote of support comes at a critical time. We are delighted to be part of this innovative program, focusing attention on creative civic development, as we contribute to economic revitalization in the Cedar-Lee corridor."
Kalliope Stage is a new non-profit theater located at Cedar and Lee in Cleveland Heights, dedicated exclusively to the American musical. "Much of the support offered to Kalliope Stage will go towards our gala production of CAROUSEL opening May 14," says Boukis.
Artistic Director Paul F. Gurgol has assembled a thrilling cast to bring his dream show home to Cleveland. Aaron Ramey stars as Billy Bigelow. Mr. Ramey debuted on Broadway in the original cast of THOUROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. He starred as Chris in Papermill's MISS SAIGON and appeared nationally as the Beast in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. He comes to Kalliope from Baltimore Center Stage where he earned accolades as Anthony in SWEENEY TODD. Mr. Ramey is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association. William Clarence Marshall will be playing the role of Enoch Snow. Mr. Marshall has performed internationally as an actor, singer, and recording artist, including Carnegie Hall, the Aspen Music Festival, and PBS Great Performances. He starred as Joe in Hal Prince's SHOWBOAT, and has been widely acclaimed as Porgy in the Kennedy Center's PORGY AND BESS. His second CD After Hours will be released later this year. Marla Berg will be playing the role of Nettie Fowler. Ms. Berg is an accomplished opera singer, musical theater performer, and Cleveland favorite. She has appeared with the Cleveland Orchestra, St. Louis Bach Festival Orchestra, Denver Chamber Orchestra, and at Carnegie Hall. Artistic Director Paul Gurgol says, "It will be a rare opportunity to see artists of this caliber up close in our intimate 99-seat theater performing one of the greatest musicals of all time."
Kalliope Stage is the new professional musical theater at Cedar and Lee in Cleveland Heights. Individual tickets to Kalliope Stage’s CAROUSEL are now available online at KalliopeStage.com and by calling the box office at (216) 321-0870.

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