'Trolls' at the Actors Playhouse

Trolls, a new musical with book and lyrics by Bill Dyer and music by Dick DeBenedictis, opens at the Actors Playhouse on the 19 May 2005, following previews from the 4 May, and runs through to the 10 Jul 2005.

Trolls, directed by Ole Kittleson, explores the lives of middle-aged gay men who realize that 'growing old isn't for sissies.' Through song and dance, laughter and tears, these 'trolls' not only celebrate a departed friend's life but also rediscover the ability to celebrate their own as they address the universal themes of aging, relationships and the undying kinship of true friends.

The cast features Bram Heidinger, Albert Insinnia, Barry McNabb, Brynn Neal, Dale Radunz, Tom Treadwell, James Van Treuren, and Christian Whelan.

The artistic team includes: set desgin by Matt Maraffi, lighting by Graham Kindred and choreography by John Hoshko.

Biographies:

Bill Dyer has written lyrics and special material for television including 'The Tony Awards', 'Ziegfeld', 'The Man and His Women', 'The Family Holvak', 'Dorothy', 'Columbo' and for the musical specials and concerts of Mitzi Gaynor, Melissa Manchester, John Denver, Lorna Luft, Ben Vereen and Diana Ross. He has received three Emmy nominations and co-produced the Broadway debut of Sir Derek Jacobi in 'The Suicide'. He has collaborated with composers Billy Goldenberg, Jonathan Tunick and Bob Prince.

Richard DeBenedictis began his career as dance music arranger for such Broadway musicals as 'Do I Hear a Waltz', 'Fade Out � Fade In', 'Bajour' and the Lincoln Center revivals of 'Annie Get Your Gun' and 'Show Boat'. In Hollywood, he created the dance music for 'The Night They Raided Minsky�s' and served as special consultant for 'Funny Lady'. He has been honored with nine Emmy nominations for his TV work that includes 'Diagnosis Murder,' 'Matlock,' 'Father Dowling Mysteries,�' 'Columbo,' among many others.

Ole Kittleson has directed productions of 'Once Upon a Mattress', 'Paint Your Wagon', 'Fiddler on the Roof', 'Mame', 'The Desert Song' with Ron Husmann, 'My Fair Lady' with Susan Watson, and 'The Sound of Music' for San Diego Civic Light Opera. He directed 'High Button Shoes', 'Camelot', 'Crazy for You', 'South Pacific' and 'Hello Dolly' for the Lawrence Welk Resort Theater.