Download tome` cousin to direct/choreograph asolo rep production of contact in

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOME’ COUSIN TO DIRECT/CHOREOGRAPH ASOLO REP
PRODUCTION OF CONTACT IN OCTOBER 2009
Asolo Repertory Theatre and Sarasota Ballet host Cousin and
associate Leeanna Smith for “Contact boot camp” in preparation.
Sarasota, Florida—Asolo Repertory Theatre announces Tome’ Cousin as Director/Choreographer for its
09–10 season production of Susan Stroman’s Tony winning musical, Contact. As Supervising Director for
Susan Stroman Productions of Contact, Cousin is the only person sanctioned by Stroman to direct the
production.
Asolo Rep announced earlier this month that the company is collaborating with the Sarasota Ballet on
Contact, which is set to open in October 2009. As one of the first steps in the collaboration, Cousin
and Associate Choreographer Leeanna Smith conducted a special “Contact Boot Camp” on March 27th
and 28th, for dancers of the Sarasota Ballet. The two days of intense training served as an introduction to
the dance musical and the first part of the audition process for the dancers. Rehearsals for Contact are
slated to begin in Sarasota on September 29, 2009.
“We’re so excited to have Tome’ Cousin here for this production; we couldn’t be luckier. After
watching Tome’ work with the dancers over the weekend, it is absolutely apparent why Susan
Stroman has chosen him to direct Contact. Tome’ is not only a gifted artist, but one who
understands this piece deeply, from the inside, through a direct connection with Susan Stroman’s
work. This enables him to be utterly specific in its interpretation, and as a result leave audiences
transformed by the experience – simply breathless.”
–Michael Donald Edwards, Producing Artistic Director
“It was great to see Tome’ and Leeanna again. During our Opera House season last November,
our dancers were enquiring about the people watching class and rehearsals. Four months later,
after an exhausting and exciting first hour of the boot camp on Friday, they now know!”
– Iain Webb, Sarasota Ballet Director
CONTACT Created by Susan Stroman and John Weidman
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical!
Runs OCT 24–NOV 22, 2009 on the Asolo Rep mainstage This romantic, breathtakingly
beautiful, and totally unique fusion of music, theatre, and dance was created by renowned
director/choreographer Susan Stroman. Contact’s three engaging stories depict the pursuit of life’s most
elemental connection with another human being: love. The sheer ingenuity of the choreography is
exhilarating and delightful. A major new production by Asolo Rep in collaboration with the Sarasota Ballet.
–more–
Tomé Cousin (Director and Choreographer) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Direction credits include
three companies of Contact and Thou Shalt Not for Susan Stroman Productions, Ruthless, One Mo' Time, A
Day In Hollywood a Night in the Ukraine, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song and Dance, Blues In The Night,
Cole, Ain't Misbehavin. Broadway performance credits: Contact, Dreamgirls (dance capt.), Off-Broadway:
Mabou Mines (A Song For New York), Martha Clarke's Belle Epoque (Chocolat), Ossie Davis's Bingo Long
(Red), Contact, Village Wooing (X). National Tours: The Wiz, Dreamgirls, My One and Only, The Me
Nobody Knows. International: Bob Fosse's Sweet Charity (Big Daddy), The Who's Tommy, La Cage Aux
Folles (Jacob), Tabaluga. Regional: Big River, Leader of The Pack, Chicago, Peter Pan, Swing, Evita,
Godspell, The Colored Museum. Dance: Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane Co., Pina Bausch's Tanztheatre
Wuppertal, Physical Theatre Project (founder), Bern Ballet (Switzerland), Meredith Monk and the House.
Film: The Jacksons An American Dream, Flashdance, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. TV: 9 seasons PBS
"Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" (Ragdoll Tomé), "The Tonight Show," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "The
Today Show," "The Tony Awards," "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," "Broadway on Bravo." Two full
evening cabaret vocal concerts: Some Kind of Wonderful and Dance Swif Me' both directed by Danny
Herman. BA: Dance History and Choreography, MFA: New Media Art and Performance. Thanks to Stro,
Weidman, Pappas, and Barry.
Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida’s premier professional theatre and one of the most important
cultural forces in the United States, crafting the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary, and
newly commissioned work all performed in the rarest form of rotating repertory. With an accomplished
resident company, complemented by distinguished guest artists, and the charming ambiance of its turn-ofthe-century mainstage theatre, Asolo Rep provides enchantment extraordinaire for visitors to the Sarasota
area. The 2008–2009 Season marked Asolo Rep’s 50th anniversary. Under the skillful leadership of
Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele this worldclass institution has gained national acclaim, yet remains dedicated to its core mission–Entertain, Engage,
and Inspire audiences of all kinds!
Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida’s premier professional theatre and one of the most important
cultural forces in the Southeastern United States. Having built a 50-year reputation as a center for theatrical
excellence, Asolo Rep crafts the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary, and newly
commissioned work all performed in the rarest form of rotating repertory. Featuring an accomplished
resident company – complemented by distinguished guest artists – Asolo Rep offers audiences a unique and
dynamic theatre experience. Under the skillful leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald
Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, this world-class institution has taken a bold step toward
the future, building landmark partnerships and collaborations which will add to its success over the next 50
years.
Media contact Julia Guzman at 941-351-9010 ext. 4800.
High resolution images and additional materials are available on request.
Interviews and appearances to be arranged through media contact.
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Asolo Repertory Theatre (AKA: Asolo Theatre Company, Inc.) is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department
of State, The Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the
Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Sarasota Arts Council. The Asolo Rep’s Shakespeare
productions are sponsored in part by Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theater initiative sponsored by the National
Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Additional funding is also received through the
efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of
individuals, corporations and foundations.