Previews begin at the Shaw Festival for Jerry Herman's sparking musical Mack and Mabel

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, May 2007 … The Shaw Festival celebrates the start of its 46th season with a preview performance of Jerry Herman's musical Mack and Mabel today at the Festival Theatre.

From the composer and lyricist of classic Broadway musicals such as Mame, Hello, Dolly! and La Cage Aux Folles comes an exhilarating saga of the silent-film era. Based on the original book by Michael Stewart with revisions by Francine Pascal, Mack and Mabel centres on the tempestuous love story of legendary film director Mack Sennett and his brilliant protégée, comedienne Mabel Normand. Set during the heady days of 1920s Hollywood, this lively musical brings to life the energy and pioneer spirit of the time while telling the tumultuous love story of the two driven stars.

Featuring a host of memorable numbers including "Tap Your Troubles Away" and "I Won't Send Roses", Mack and Mabel boasts a vibrant, memorable score considered by many to be Jerry Herman's best.

At the heart of this Ensemble-driven piece are actors Benedict Campbell as Mack Sennett, Glynis Ranney as Mabel Normand, and Gabrielle Jones as Lottie. The cast also includes Kawa Ada, Neil Barclay, Catherine Braund, Katrina Reynolds, Jeff Irving, Patty Jamieson, Jane Johanson, Chilina Kennedy, Jeff Madden, Peter Millard, Mike Nadajewski, Melanie Phillipson, Kiera Sangster, Devon Tullock, Jay Turvey, Mark Uhre and William Vickers.

Mack and Mabel is directed by acclaimed director Molly Smith (currently with the Arena Stage, Washington), with musical direction by Paul Sportelli, choreography by Baayork Lee, dance supervision by Parker Esse, design by William Schmuck, lighting design by Jock Munro and sound design by John Lott. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Alison Peddie, and Assistant Stage Managers Beatrice Campbell and Dora Tomassi.

Mack and Mabel begins preview performances Tuesday, April 3; opens Saturday, May 12; and plays in repertory until Sunday, October 28. Mack and Mabel is sponsored by Lombard Insurance.


The 2007 season is proudly presented by HSBC Bank Canada/HSBC Bank USA.

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For more information, or to download pictures from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:



Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
905-468-2153 or
1-800-657-1106 ext. 222
odette@shawfest.com

Jennifer Murphy
Public Relations Co-ordinator
905-468-2153 or
1-800-657-1106 ext. 224
jmurphy@shawfest.com