Rob McQuay Stars in Musical Dr. Dolittle at Imagination Stage

A heart-warming musical full of talking animals and thrilling adventure, Dr. Dolittle takes the stage this winter, with Rob McQuay in the title role.

Dr. Dolittle runs in Imagination Stage's Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre November 22, 2011 through January 8, 2012. Appropriate for ages five and up, tickets are $10 to $22, and may be purchased online at www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available.

"I grew up reading the Dr. Dolittle stories. I loved the fantastical creatures and places that appeared in Hugh Lofting's writing, so it is a great thrill to be bringing his wild imagination to our stage," says Artistic Director Janet Stanford. "The show promises to be a delightful journey from Puddleby-on-Marsh to ocean voyages and the African jungle. Bring your pith helmets and your imaginations to the theater!"

Inspired by author Hugh Lofting's own life, the story begins in the trenches of World War I where Lofting is a lieutenant in the British Army. In his letters home to his son, rather than writing of the war, he instead tells exciting stories about the eccentric Dr. Dolittle-a man who can talk to animals. Dr. Dolittle's practice leads him to Africa where he and his young apprentice encounter clever monkeys, elephants, lion cubs, and even the wicked pirate Ben Ali. Through his unconventional methods, the doctor succeeds in bringing peace to the warring creatures. At the same time, Lt. Lofting ends his tour of duty and is reunited with his family.

Playing Dr. Dolittle (as well as Lt. Lofting) is Rob McQuay. Rob was last seen at Imagination Stage in Seussical. He has also contributed his talent to Imagination Stage's annual Gala for several years. His many acting credits include work at The Shakespeare Theatre, Rep Stage, Everyman Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Round House Theatre, and he has received multiple Helen Hayes Award nominations for his work.

Playing Dolittle's favorite companion, the parrot Polynesia, is Leigh Jameson. Leigh is new to Imagination Stage but was recently seen as Mary in On the Verge at Rep Stage. Newcomer Megan Graves portrays Dolittle's young assistant, as well as Lofting's son. The cast also includes Phillip Reid (Wilson/Guard) who was last seen in Imagination Stage's The Wind in the Willows; Christopher Mueller (Peters), last seen in Disney's Mulan; and Evan Casey (Captain) and Ricardo Evans (Banks/King), who both recently performed at Imagination Stage in Perseus Bayou.

The creative team, with Janet at the directorial helm, includes Music Director Debbie Jacobson, Sound Designer Chris Baine, Set Designer Tom Donahue, Costume Designer Deb Svigny, and Lighting Designer Cory Ryan Frank.

The 2011-12 season includes Aladdin's Luck (now - Oct. 30), Dr. Dolittle (Nov. 22 - Jan. 8), P.Nokio (Feb. 1 - March 11, world premiere), Rapunzel (April 4 - May 20), and The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (June 20 - Aug. 12, world premiere). Subscriptions and individual tickets are now available at 301-280-1660 or www.imaginationstage.org.