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Hollywood Premiere of "BLUE DOVE"

“BLUE DOVE” A New Musical About Personal Freedom
BY: Peter Wells

OPENED: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2004
CLOSED: TUESDAY, November 9, 2004
At the IVAR THEATRE
Directed by: Mark Papp

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 14, 2004) – Wells Productions presented the world premiere of Peter Wells’ BLUE DOVE directed by Mark Papp. The production is a coming of age musical about personal freedom based on the early life of J. Krishnamurti. Preview performances began Thursday, October 14 with an official press opening on Saturday, October 16 at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood (1605 Ivar Avenue).

BLUE DOVE tells the story of a boy who is discovered in India and designated “The Coming World Teacher” by the Theosophical Society leaders Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater. During several years of preparation the boy is taught to obey the occult “Masters,” as represented by the wizardly Leadbeater, and required to take a vow of celibacy. Later, as a young man, events conspire to complicate the Messianic mission and he must choose between obedience to the cause and his own feelings.

“I met Indian philosopher Krishnamurti in 1969 in New Delhi. He inspired me to take a personal journey to find my purpose in life,” said composer / lyricist / book-writer Peter Wells. He added, “BLUE DOVE is a fictional musical based on Krishnamurti’s early life. It is a love story, a story of personal freedom and about the power within us.”

Peter Wells was born in London, England and received his theatrical training at the National Youth Theatre under the direction of Michael Croft. Later, after a few minor movie roles, he was featured in the popular BBC television series, “Dixon of Dock Green.” However an acting career did not appeal to him and he wandered through Europe and eventually to the United States. It was not until he moved to California and lived on a remote ranch in the Coast Mountains that he began to “hear” music and to compose songs. And it wasn’t until he met the late Broadway producer Arnold Saint-Subber (Kiss Me Kate) in Mendocino that the idea for a musical, based on the early life of Krishnamurti, began to form. In addition to composing music, Wells is a partner of the Albion River Inn in Northern California.

Originally from NYC, director Mark Papp has been involved with theatre since the age of 6. He has performed in such productions as Pippin, A Chorus Line, The Secret Garden, and Blood Brothers. Mark’s directorial stage credits include: Annie, Evita, Chess, The Secret Garden, Godspell, and West Side Story. As a casting director, his credits include: Godspell, Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, The Secret Garden, Grease and Menopause The Musical.

Joining the creative team were musical director David O (multi-award-winning musical director of The Shaggs:Philosophy of the World)), choreographer Whitney Shannon (Alvin Ailey), scenic designer Jerry Buszek (Hell House and Funny Business), costume designer Ann Closs-Farley (Bat Boy and 99 Cent Show), lighting designer Alain Jourdenais (Homewrecker and Three Feet Under), sound designer Kevin Goold (Educating Rita and Chapter Two) and casting by Meredith Robinson (Jewtopia and Sneaux!).

The cast of BLUE DOVE includes:

Clifton Hall as Krishna
     (Broadway productions of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon)
Susan Brindley as Annie Besant
     (Appalachian Twelfth Night at the Globe Theatre)
David Allen Jones as Charles Leadbeater
     (Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway)
Parvesh Cheena as Nitya
     (Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre)
Sally Wells as Carolyn
     (“Songs of Blue Dove” Recording Artist)
Benjamin Sprunger as Beecham
     (Jesus’ Kid Brother at the Hudson Theatre)
James Meehan as Chumley
    (Cabaret at the Dorking Theatre in London)
Lori Scarlett as Lady Emily
     (Sneaux! The Musical at The Matrix Theatre)
Elizabeth Tobias as Ms. Hastings
     (Batboy: The Musical)
Alistair Tober as the Reporter
     (The Rock Band Sum of None)
David Holmes as Dr. Johnson
     (1776 and Guys and Dolls)
Andy Jelen as Young Krishna
     (Peter Pan at the McCallum Theater for the Performing Arts),
Jamen Nanthakumar as Young Nitya (credit)
Christopher Logan as Understudy for Krishna / Nitya
     (Saving Silverman)
Bethany Pagliolio as Understudy for Lady Emily / Ms. Hastings
     (National Tour of Mama Mia)
Yoganandu Tulsiram as Understudy for Young Krishna / Young Nitya
     (The Terminal)

BLUE DOVE was presented by Wells Productions and general managed by Frier McCollister.

NO NEW SHOWS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED.

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Rave Reviews...

Since our opening, we have got some awesome reviews...

"BLUE DOVE is a heaven sent musical! Its inexhaustible and emotionally alive cast invigorate the fascinating life of J. Krishnamurti."
-- Geri Garner, American Radio Network

"As a chorus, these people sing their hearts out and sound magnificent. In fact, it's difficult to leave this production without the title song or one of its sisters chiming in your ears."
-- Chelsea Brewer, NOHO LA

"Mark Papp directs a talented cast... This show has much meaning, content, great lyrics and good music to tell a touching tale... The large cast is solid in each role and features the skillful Cliffton Hall as adult Krishna."
-- Trish Ostroski, Tolucan Times -- Trish Ostroski, Tolucan Times

"...Alistair Tober stands out as the best performer of the show. He sings and dances his way around the entire stage with spectacular energy and has everything but tap shoes."
--Chelsea Brewer, NOHO LA

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