When the Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN tour stopped in Dallas, Haley and I had the distinct privilege to sit down with actor Brent Barrett who plays the mischievous Captain Hook. He not only gave us all the details on the show but on the iconic character as well. Needless to say it was quite an adventure listening to all the incredible things going on within this show and now it is time for the DSM fans to learn more about Brent Barrett and this remarkable show.

 Where did you go to college? Started at Fort Hayes State University, but transferred to Carnegie Mellon University

You opened Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular, starring in the title role for two years.  What’s it like to perform for Vegas audiences?

It’s great, it’s funny…  Everyone is sitting out in the audience with their sippy-cups or their really tall drinks [the drinks people buy out on the strip].  The production was so elaborate it was amazing to be a part of it.

*Boris [Brent’s dog] runs in*

What is your dream role / show to perform in?

I’d still really like to do Man of La Mancha

 We love you as Captain Hook, was there any specific inspiration for your take on such an iconic character?

Well, I just did Hannibal Lectorbefore this, so I think it was a progression [laughing]

Who is your Favorite director that you have ever worked with?  Michael Blakemore – Kiss Me Kate

 What’s it like to be terrified of a ticking crocodile?

Oh it’s silly and fun, so much fun.

*Boris is curled up asleep on the couch*

What made you want to be an actor?

Growing up in Kansas, I didn’t even know you could be an actor as a profession.  One night, the Ed Sullivan Show was on.  Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet were singing selections from Camelot, and I think that’s when I knew.  My aunt also owned a movie theater so I got to see movies all the time.

Pictured above are Brent Barrett and his dog Boris doing tricks in the auditorium.

 Brent and Boris were an absolute blast to hang out with and we were so thrilled for the opportunity to meet and chat with such an amazing actor. Have a great day DSM fans!!!

-DSM Luke

Hey DSM Fans!

We’re in our second week of Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN and we’re loving every second!  The show is spectacular.  And we know it’s spectacular because children are sitting completely still and adults are proclaiming their belief in fairies!  It’s the epitome of fun for the whole family.

The Darling Children
(From L to R, Back: Emily Emmett, Haley, Luke – Front: Colin, Julia, Cade, Krista)

We were so excited to hear that the Darling Children made time to sit down and talk to us!  Here’s what happened next:

Krista Buccellato (Wendy Darling)

Cade Canon Ball (John Darling), age 11

Julia Massey (Michael Darling), age 10

Colin Wilson  (understudy for Michael), age 8

Inside the theater, the four cast members settle into their very own velvety teal seat.  Cade, Julia and Colin gently test the limits of their chair’s rocking capability and appear to be very satisfied, saying, “We never get to sit out here.”

Where are you from?

Krista – Floral Park, NY

Cade – Lake Tahoe

Julia – Southern California

How do you go to school while you’re on tour with a Broadway show?

Krista Graduated from Emerson College with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Cade & Julia are happy to be on a summer break from the online learning program, K¹².

Cade, Julia and Colin tell us about Sonya, their devoted “tutor and wrangler.”  The kids fondly explain that Sonya makes sure they’re in the right place, at the right time, at all times!

Cade confidently adds that Sonya keeps him out of trouble.

What was the first Broadway musical you saw / you were in?

Julia: To see – Wicked

Cade:  To see – Disney’s Mary Poppins / to be in – Disney’s Broadway tour of Mary Poppins (as Michael Banks). What a coincidence!

Krista: To see – Annie – in which James Leo Ryan (Smee) played Rooster! Krista said it was very special to realize she was starring in a production with someone from the very first show she ever saw. (Another great coincidence!)

Who do you idolize? Who inspired you to become an actor?

Julia: “I know it may sound weird, but Bette Midler.  I love her.”

Cade: Jim Carey

Krista: Kellie O’hara and Cathy Rigby –“I grew up watching the video of Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, so to actually be on tour with her is surreal.”

Colin: Hagrid (played by Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter films).

Cade and Julia chime in to tell us about Colin’s Harry Potter Legos.

Colin is very proud of his collection, and he was also very excited to tell us all about his Harry Potter wand collection, which includes a wand he bought at Olivanders.

It’s summer in Texas.  What do you think of this weather?

All: It’s HOT.

Cade, is Canon Ball actually part of you real name?

Cade: Yes, I get asked that a lot!  When I go to auditions, I have to take a copy of my birth certificate because they never believe it’s really my name!

Krista, do you ever get all of the fairy dust out of your hair?

Krista: (laughing) No! There’s fairy dust everywhere.  It’s in my hotel room, it’s in my car, it’s even in my apartment back home. Sometimes we feel like monkeys because the cast and crew will come up to us and start picking it out of our hair, its funny.

Julia:  [In the 2^nd act] when I lay in the cradle, there’s a whole pile of fairy dust [waiting for Cathy to use minutes later] and sometimes I’ll sit up and the whole side of my face is covered in fairy dust. I’m like the Fairy Dust Monster.

Krista: Yeah, we all need a signal or something, like baseball players use (she moves her index finger from nose to chin and back, as if signaling) just to let someone know they have fairy dust all over their face.

Julia, when you lead the dancing in “Ugh-A-Wug,” I overheard the little boy behind me say, “Michaels my age! I could do that too!” 

Julia: (her eyebrows shoot up) Really?? Wow.

How does it feel to be a role model at 10 years old?

Krista, Cade & Colin smile proudly at Julia, eager to hear her answer

Julia: (Still in shock, her face lit up with a huge smile) I don’t even know what to say! It’s my first time to hear that!

Are you looking forward to any particular cities on the tour?

Cade: Dallas!  Because there’s a Six Flags here, right? And I really want to go to Six Flags.

Krista, Cade, Julia and Colin were a pleasure to talk to.  Their real-life sibling dynamic seems to mirror that of the Darling children, and it’s obvious that they care for each other.  They all have a very bright future ahead of them!  So come see The Darling Children with Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN, now through July 22^nd!

-DSM Haley & Luke

DSM Special Events and Community Outreach Media Contact:
Sharon Adams
ACPR
972.773.9289
Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Contact: Melissa Ogden
Director of Development
214-413-3961
mogden@dallassummermusicals.org

(Dallas, TX – July 9, 2012)  Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) announces The Dallas Foundation has given a generous donation to DSM in support of CATHY RIGBY IS PETER PAN, which plays Tuesday, July 10 through 22, 2012 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
“We are honored The Dallas Foundation is partnering with DSM in presenting this wonderful production.  Support from individuals, corporations, and organizations  like The Dallas Foundation help make it possible for DSM to bring world-class, family-friendly touring Broadway productions like PETER PAN to our community and keep ticket prices affordable and accessible to a diverse audience.”
“Dallas Summer Musicals is an ideal recipient for a grant from the Jean Baptiste “Tad” Adoue III Fund at The Dallas Foundation,” said Mary Jalonick, president of The Dallas Foundation.  “Mr. Adoue was active in theatrical and musical circles for four decades.  His passion for the performing arts in Dallas lives on through his philanthropic legacy including this grant to bring PETER PAN to Dallas audiences this summer.”
About PETER PAN: Tony^® Award nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production of PETER PAN! Discover the magic all over again of this two time Emmy Award winning and two-time Tony^® Award nominated production, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals and a grant from The Dallas Foundation.
PETER PAN is a unique, family friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy. The thrill of flying, timeless magical moments and a captivating hook will mesmerize young and old alike. The legend you thought you know, is now the adventure you never dreamed possible…Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN!
Tickets, priced from $15-$75, are on sale at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center in Dallas. Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com . For groups of 15 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.
Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.  There will be an additional matinee at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 19, and there is no evening performance Sunday, July 22.
DSM 2012 season shows continue with THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY, October 2-21, 2012.  For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals and the 2012 season, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org .
Please see the attached press release for more information on this production of PETER PAN.
For media information, including jpegs, B-roll, to schedule an interview, or request reviewer’s passes, please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com or 469-363-7371.

About Dallas Summer Musicals

As a non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theater, educate young audiences and create important community programs.
* DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony^®  Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Awards are given in 15 categories, as well as scholarships.
* DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children.
* DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program.
* Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theater arts training and scholarships to talented students in need.
* The Associate Producers is the young professionals group supporting DSM.
* The DSM Guild welcomes production cast and companies with a party in their honor after opening night and much more.
* Kids Club is a free event offering exciting activities, special events, backstage tours and informational exchanges about certain shows. Children gain an interest, knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts.
* Discover Theatre is specifically for children in grades K-6 and is designed to entertain, educate and empower young people in elementary school.

Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors.  Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Season sponsors are American Airlines, WFAA Channel 8 ABC, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News and metroPCS.

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