Sting to Attend THE LAST SHIP Regional Premiere Tonight in Utah

Pioneer Theatre Company is hosting world-renowned musical icon, Sting, author of their production of THE LAST SHIP, in the audience for tonight's performance.

Patrons are advised that a small number of tickets are STILL AVAILABLE but we do expect to sell out. Call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit tickets.pioneertheatre.org to purchase.
Tickets are $40-$62, and $5 more day of purchase.

THE LAST SHIP is having its regional premiere exclusively at Pioneer Theatre Company, after its Broadway turn in 2014-2015. The musical runs through October 1, 2016.

The Last Ship is the semi-autobiographical lyrical musical by the world-renowned musician Sting, who wrote the music and lyrics. The book was written by the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning writers John Logan and Brian Yorkey.

The Last Ship is the story of Gideon Fletcher. Gideon is a young man who upon the death of his father returns to the small ship-building town he left years before. The musical tells of his efforts to come to terms with his past while grappling with the man he has become. Drawing on his own childhood memories, Sting has fashioned this moving musical about the town in northern England in which he grew up. Note: The production contains some strong language.

Bryant Martin and Ruthie Stephens make their debut as Gideon Fletcher and Meg Dawson. Martin's regional credits include Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Alabama Shakespeare Festivaland Lyric Stage of Irving. Stephens' recent credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, A Little Night Music and Les Misèrables.

Dan Sharkey and Anne Tolpegin debut at PTC as shipyard foreman Jackie White and his wife, Peggy. Sharkey appeared on Broadway in Amazing Grace, The Bridges of Madison County, SpiderMan-Turn Off the Dark and The Music Man. He also appeared as Herb Crocker on HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Tolepegin appeared on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Billy Elliot, A Tale of Two Cities, Ragtime, Mamma Mia! and Les Misèrables.

Broadway veteran John Jellison performs as Father O'Brien, the town's Parish priest. He has appeared on Broadway in Motown-The Musical, Memphis, All Shook Up, Phantom Of The Opera, Caroline Or Change, Oklahoma! Putting It Together, Anything Goes, On The Town, Paul Simon's The Capeman, Titanic, Crazy For You, Mastergate, Me And My Girl, Sunday In The Park With George, Nick And Nora, Wind In The Willows, Baby, Zalmen Or The Madness Of God and Sweet Bird Of Youth. This is his PTC debut.

Paul Castree returns to PTC, after appearing in 2013's Something's Afoot, as Arthur, the man who has loved Meg and helped raise her son while envisioning a new life for the shipyard. He was on Broadway in this year's Tony-nominated Disaster! as well as in 9 to 5, Young Frankenstein, High Fidelity, All Shook Up, Saturday Night Fever, Footloose, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Grease!.

The young characters are played by James Crichton (Tom, Meg's teenaged son), BAILee Johnson (Young Meg) and Seth Pike (Young Gideon). Crichton performed in the National Tour of Peter and the Starcatcher. Johnson returns to PTC after appearing in The Philadelphia Story and Annie. Pike is a senior at Skyline HS in Salt Lake City, and this is his PTC debut.

Equity actors Zachary Berger, Mary Fanning Driggs, Lenny Daniel, Jaymes Hodges PAUL-Jordan Jansen, William Mulligan and Kilty Reidy comprise the ensemble.

Local actors Bailey Cummings, Richie Call, Tamari Dunbar, Natalia Noble, Jamie Landrum, Arielle Schmidt and Cory Reed Stephens complete the cast.

PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg directs and choreographs this production in her fifth season. Helen Gregory returns as the show's musical director and conductor for her 8th production at PTC. Scenic design is by guest artist James Noone. Gregory Gale returns as Costumer Designer after last year's Cowgirls. Michael Gilliam, Lighting Designer, returns after designing last season's Two Dollar Bill. Sound design is by Resident Sound Designer Joshua C. Hight. Hair and makeup design is by PTC resident designer Amanda French. Alexandra Harbold is the Dramaturge for this production, and Sarah Shippobotham is the Dialect Coach.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride