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Bells Are Ringing at Clearwater Theater
Francis Wilson Playhouse photo
Tired New Yorkers take the subway in "Bells Are Ringing" at Francis Wilson Playhouse in Clearwater. The play will begin its run Nov. 1.
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Published: October 27, 2007
CLEARWATER, Fla. - CLEARWATER, Fla. - A classic musical play from the 1950s will set a tone of nostalgia for Francis Wilson Playhouse audiences when it opens next week at the theater in Clearwater.
"Bells Are Ringing" is the story of switchboard operator Ella Peterson who adopts individual personalities and voices for each of the people who use her switchboard.
"It's an old-fashioned musical comedy, the kind they don't do any more," said the director, Jason Fortner.
He describes the musical as "funny, with heart-breaking moments."
With book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Jule Styne, "Bells Are Ringing" opened on Broadway in 1956 and ran for 924 performances.
The production was directed by Jerome Robbins and was choreographed by Robbins and Bob Fosse.
A film version of "Bells Are Ringing," starring Dean Martin and Judy Holliday, who won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway production, was directed by Vincente Minnelli was made in 1960.
Both productions featured such beloved songs as "The Party's Over" and "Just in Time."
The Wilson production sports a top-notch cast, said Fortner. "There are people in our chorus who often do leading roles in local theater."
The Wilson Playhouse production of "Bells Are Ringing" runs from Thursday, Nov. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 11. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. both days.
Tickets are $25 adult, $12 student. Reservations are recommended. Call 727-446-1360 weekdays, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
The theater is at 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, one block west of North Osceola Avenue (Alt. 19), near the Seminole boat docks.
Francis Wilson Playhouse is celebrating its 78th season as a community theater and has chalked up more than 7,000 performances.
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