For Immediate Release: May 17, 2006
Media Contact: Margie Royal, Hedgerow Theatre, 610.565.4211

June 9-July 2, the Hedgerow stage transforms into a cheerful, small town, 1920's parlor when station WGAL begins broadcasting good tunes and a good time! It's all part of the musical Radio Gals by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick, directed by Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed. Audiences will meet Arkansas native Hazel Hunt (played Hedgerow veteran Susan Wefel) who receives a Western Electric 500 watt radio transmitter as a retirement present and promptly begins a new career in broadcasting. Hazel’s radio show features small -town gossip along with swinging southern-flavored tunes performed live by her orchestra, "the Hazelnuts". Among the Hazelnuts are lovesick fortune-teller Gladys Fritts (played by Hedgerow alumnae and equity guest artist Micki Sharpe). Other Hazelnuts are played by Helen Clark of Tinicum, Gabrielle Enriquez, Hedgerow fellow Marilien Mogendorff, Pam Monaco of Wallingford and Martha Smylie of West Chester. Hazel's habit of "channel wandering" raises the suspicions of a Federal Radio Inspector (played by Newton Buchanan of Chester) who arrives to shut the station down. What will happen? Come and see! Guest artist Micki Sharpe was the original Sister Robert Ann in the cast of Nunsense, when it premiered at the Society Hill Playhouse. She has performed Off-Broadway, and, for over 25 years, has played leading roles in musicals, revues and plays in regional theatres throughout the East Coast. Ms. Sharpe began her career studying at the Hedgerow Theater with Rose Schulman and Ralph Roseman. When Radio Gals was originally produced in New York City in 1996, long-time Hedgerow actor, director and board member/president Ralph Roseman was its general manager. Mr. Roseman (1925-2005), had a long, successful career in New York City as a manager and theatrical producer all the while maintaining a home in Rose Valley and a lifelong Hedgerow connection. Show authors Mark Hardwick and Mike Craver created and performed together in the Oil City Symphony before doing the same with Radio Gals. Radio Gals opens Hedgerow Theatre’s summer season which in July and August will also include the theater’s sixth annual Ray Cooney farce, Out Of Order. Radio Gals performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m.; Sunday at 2 & 7:30 p.m. with a special Wednesday matinee June 28 at 2 p.m. Opening Night, June 9, includes a meet-the-cast post-show reception. On Sunday, June 11, the theatre will host a pre-show tea at 1:30 p.m. prior to the 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $25 Friday and Saturday, $22 Thursday and Sunday, with a $3 discount for seniors. Tickets are $10 for those under age 18. Hedgerow Theatre is at 64 Rose Valley Road, Media. For reservations, call 610-565-4211. Visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org for more information.

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