Findlay, Ohio, Oct. 11, 2001 — The University of Findlay will stage the world premiere revival production of "REX: The Richard Rodgers Musical" in April 2002.

"REX" was performed 49 times on Broadway in 1976 and has not been performed anywhere since it closed on June 5, 1976. This presentation is being done as a celebration of the 100th birthday of Richard Rodgers.

The show will run April 11-13, 15-16 and 18-20 at 8 p.m. in Egner Theatre. In addition, in conjunction with the Arts Partnership of Hancock County, the show will be performed for area high school students on April 10 and 17 at 8 p.m.

Many related events are being planned. A premiere reception is planned for April 11, and a black-tie gala event will be held on April 13. A lecture concert featuring musical outtakes from the show will be held on April 14.

John Shuffle from Dayton, Ohio, will be the guest actor portraying Henry VIII. A 30-piece orchestra will be part of the show. Auditions for the show, which features 26 roles and 20 chorus members, will be held in January 2002. Micheal F. Anders, professor of music at UF, is the show’s producer and music director.

"REX" chronicles the reign of King Henry VIII and his quest to have a male heir for the English throne at any cost. In Act I, Henry weds his first three wives, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, before finally being given a son. In Act II, 10 years after the birth of his son, Henry must confront the difficulties of being a father to his maturing children as well as accept his own impending mortality and the future of the British crown.

Many opportunities for corporate and individual sponsorship are available.

For more information or to get on the invitation mailing list, contact Anne Hermiller at 419-434-6610 or hermiller@findlay.edu.