Miners Alley Playhouse presents “Dietrich & Chevalier” May 7, 2010

Miners Alley Playhouse presents

Dietrich & Chevalier
By Jerry Mayer

Directed by El Armstrong

Musical Director Donna Debreceni.

Miners Alley Playhouse presents “Dietrich & Chevalier” May 7 through June 20, with performances every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.; *Sunday, June. 20 will be at 2 p.m.—no evening performance on this date.* Opening night features a great, gala hors d’ oeuvres reception after the show; audience is invited to join the festivities and mingle with the cast. On Saturday, May 16, Miners Alley holds its "Second Saturday" talk back with the cast after the performance. Tickets are $25 ($26 online) and are available by calling 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com.

Director El Armstrong has cast Mari Carlin Dart as Marlene Dietrich and Paul Page as Maurice Chevalier.

Eric Mather performs as the eight supporting characters.

This is a highly entertaining romantic play with wonderful signature songs, laced with intriguing World War II history, written with infectiously charming style and much research. We are privy to the romance and challenges of two world entertainment giants. Having met in 1932 in Hollywood (each married to others) they would remain lovers and friends for life. "Dietrich, the stunning movie goddess of Germany, and Chevalier, the singing idol of France, had many wartime complications. As the inspiring and intimate true story unfolds, we learn as well as enjoy."

In the late thirties, Hitler wanted Dietrich to leave Hollywood and become the head of the Reich's film industry. Marlene hated Hitler. She stalled his request and became a U.S. citizen. She then embarked on USO tours that kept her entertaining her adoring G.I.'s throughout the war. Chevalier's wartime challenges are traced in parallel to Dietrich's He moved back to France and continued his first love, singing in the Casino de Paris. When Germany defeated France, he stopped singing. However, the Nazis wanted Paris to seem as gay as ever under their occupation and pressured Chevalier to continue singing with German soldiers in the audience. At the time, Chevalier's fiancé was a young Jewish dancer named Nita Raya. The Gestapo knew this and blackmailed him to keep singing. As the war ended, the French Underground accused Chevalier of collaboration and treason. During the trial, Dietrich (in G.I. uniform) makes a surprise appearance and her dramatic defense of Chevalier saves him from a guilty verdict.

A delightful evening of theatre.” Drama-Logue

Miners Alley Playhouse presents “Dietrich & Chevalier,” A play with music. May 7 - June 20 - Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m.; *Sun. 6 p.m. \ *Sunday, June. 20 will be at 2 p.m. There will be no evening show on this date. 1224 Washington Avenue (13th and Washington 2nd floor entrance on 13th). Tickets: $25 ($26 online)
Call 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com

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