“Ruthless! The Musical pushes all the right buttons, offering a bright script and bouncy music with clever and provocative lyrics. Altarena Playhouse gives it a rousing rendition that is enjoyable from start to finish. The casting and acting are superb, and the creative elements sparkle… The crack performances and sharp interplay drive the action at just the right pace.”
—Vic Cordell, Cordell Reports
“Ruthless! is ridiculous, but really really good. The wigs are ridiculous, but so so so good. The songs are ridiculous, but the singing is really and truly so so good… Go see Ruthless! The Musical, prepare to shake your head at how crazy terrific it is, but also be forewarned—when you wake up the next day you will still be smiling and think to yourself, oh wow, I may need to go see it again.”
—Gene Kahane, Alameda Post
“Ruthless! has great music, excellent acting, and phenomenal singing… I thoroughly enjoyed this witty, funny, and wise musical reflection on American life.”
—Rachel Norby, Theatrius
ABOUT THE PLAY
Ruthless! is the story of a naive 1950s housewife, Judy, and her adorable but sociopathic 8-year-old daughter Tina. Encouraged by her manager, Sylvia, Tina will do ANYTHING to get the lead role in her school play, “including murdering the leading lady!” Ruthless! spoofs Broadway musicals like Gypsy and Mame, and the movies All About Eve and The Bad Seed. Winner of the 1993 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical.
RUTHLESS!
Book and Lyrics by Joel Paley
Music by Marvin Laird
Tickets: Single Tickets are $40 Adult, $37 Senior, $37 for Students
When: March 24-April 30, Friday/Saturday 8 PM, Sunday 2 PM; also playing on Thursday, April 27, 8 PM
Where: Altarena Playhouse
1409 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501
THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
THE ORCHESTRA
PRODUCTION STAFF
Artistic Director: Katina Psihos Letheule
Director: Dana Anderson
Musical Director: Armando Fox
Choreographer: Laura Morgan
Technical Director: Brian Grove
Stage Manager: Nikki Eggett
Set Designer: Tom Curtin
Set Construction: Tom Curtin
Scenic Artisan: Elinoar Almagor
Lighting Designer: Sarina Renteria
Sound Designer: Daniel “Techno” Debono
Costume Designer: Janice Stephenson
Property Design: Susan Dunn
General Manager: Kari Warfield
Box Office Manager: David Saltzer
Graphic Designer: Jayme Catalano
Photography: Grizzly De Haro
Program Design: Laurel Wilton
Ushers: Bayview Women’s Club
Orchestra:
Armando Fox
Roberta Drake
John Greitzer
SEASON SPONSORS
C’era Una Volta
Kim & Dale Arrivee
Dona Fuller
Bill & Jackie Gibbs
Gary & Katherine Hoffer
Pat Macholl
Faye Wilson