5th Avenue Productions

(703) 967-9166

Email: mail@rickbeyer.com

FURTHER INFO AVAILABLE AT THEIR WEBSITE : www.FatherBingo.net

2006 SEASON

DREAMS COME TRUE WHEN DETROIT HOSTS WORLD PREMIERE OF FATHER BINGO FEBRUARY 10-12, 2006

Detroit, MI, July 26, 2005...The poet Langston Hughes asked, "What happens to a dream deferred?" The dreams of youth are often deferred for practical reasons- earning a living or raising a family. But on February 10, 2006 one man's dream will take center stage when the musical comedy Father Bingo makes its World Premiere with a limited engagement at Detroit's Music Hall Center.

Father Bingo is a musical tale about risks and miracles. Set in Detroit, the musical tale comically weaves political intrigue and mistaken identity into the stories of several people looking for salvation. A parish priest fights to save his church; a mayor tries to win the hearts of his voters in support of casino gambling and a woman searches for the perfect match to end her loneliness. Overseeing these foils is the Big Guy Upstairs.

There are only four performances of the musical comedy with two evening performances at 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday February 10 and 11; and two matinees at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12 at Music Hall Center, 350 Madison Avenue in Detroit.

Ticket prices range from $49 to $19 and are available through TicketMaster online at www.ticketmaster,com, or by phone at (248) 645-6666 or through the Music Hall Box Office. The other story behind Father Bingo is the dream of a 76-year-old writer and composer and the love affair that gave him the courage to pursue that dream. Bill Nilsson, a Dearborn Height's resident, put aside his love of music for decades as he pursued his career. The teen trumpet player turned computer systems analyst found his inspiration later in life in his wife Mary Jane. Mary Jane (for whom a main character in the play is named) is an accomplished soprano and community theater advocate who also enjoys playing bingo.

"I received encouragement from many people; however the most inspiration I received was from my wife Mary Jane" Says Nilsson. After several years of accompanying Mary Jane to local community theatre performances, Bill noticed a recycling of the same type of shows. "I noticed very few original musicals were written and decided that I would take my chances and begin my journey." When his first visit to a Bingo Hall resulted in a $2000 prize- including bingo in the theme of the musical seemed obvious.

Nilsson began creating Father Bingo in 1996 and over the years has continued to refine the lyrics and orchestration for his fifteen original songs and script. His big break with Father Bingo came in 2002 when he was able to receive venture capital funding for the project. The result was a booking at Music Hall, one of Detroit's finest theatrical houses, and a professional team to work with Nilsson. "Over the past three years I have been able to work with many professionals who provided assistance with editing, scripting and music arranging", says Nilsson.

Father Bingo's production firm, Fifth Avenue Productions, Inc. of Washington D.C. has designated the musical as a philanthropic venture to benefit Detroit's Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, thus making real its mission of "doing good to others". The Music Hall will receive 100% of the net proceeds for the production and 100% of sponsorships and contributions from the receptions. Several options are being considered beyond the World Premiere in February.

Directing Father Bingo is Debbie Lannen who is affiliated with Michigan Opera Theatre. She brings fifteen years of directing, choreography and theatrical performance to her role. The Musical Arranger and Orchestrator is Andrew Ingersoll. Schooled at the university of Surrey in Guildford UK, Ingersoll utilizes his many years of specialized music training and experience touring with shows such as Footloose, Titanic and Music Man.

There are a number of special offers to coincide with Father Bingo's premiere. They include transportation packages, discounts for groups, special receptions and free copies of the original cast recording. Groups of ten or more can receive special discounts by calling Father Bingo at 313-563-2514. Bianco Tours has been named as the Official Tour Bus Operator for Father Bingo and are offering group theater packages that include meals and transportation. For more information on these packages contact Bianco Tours at (800) 835-8904. Metro Car is the Official Private Car Service for Father Bingo patrons. Private car transportation can be arranged by calling (800) 456-1701. Patrons who purchase the first 500 tickets from TicketMaster for main floor seating will receive a copy of the original cast CD. Special receptions featuring composer and cast take place after each production. The receptions feature refreshments and have varying ticket prices. Proceeds from the receptions go to Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. There remain a limited number of opportunities for organizations and corporations to participate in the Father Bingo World Premiere. These include sponsorships and special packages for the receptions with premier seating. Proceeds from these sponsorships also go to Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. General cast and musician auditions will be held in early October. Further information about roles will be available shortly. Members of the media are requested to contact Melissa Bunker for biographies or photos and to arrange interviews. Additional information about the production is available at www.fatherbingo.net

Detroit, MI, Nov. 2, 2005… Riding a heat wave of sales success, producers of the musical comedy Father Bingo announced the addition of the Original Vandellas to the cast of the World Premiere, debuting February 10-12, 2006 at Detroit’s Music Hall.

Rosalind Ashford Holmes and Annette Sterling Helton, the Original Vandellas, will play several roles in the musical including the Bingo Mamas. “Detroit has a history of launching musical hits - both in the recording studio and on stage. Holmes and Helton are originals and we are delighted to have them launch what we hope is another hit,” says Father Bingo executive producer Rick Beyer. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, the Vandellas hits include "Heat Wave" (#4 pop, #1 R&B, 1963) "Nowhere to Run" (#8, pop, #5 R&B, 1965), “I'm Ready for Love" (#9 pop, #2 R&B, 1966), "Jimmy Mack" (#10 pop, #1 R&B, 1967) and their biggest hit, "Dancing in the Street" (#2, 1964).

Father Bingo is generating a lot of heat among ticket buyers. “We are off to a good start, selling over 2,000 seats in the first two months,” executive producer Rick Beyer says. “ We have already sold out the main floor for both Saturday and Sunday matinee performances.” “Decades ago, original musicals were launched in the City of Detroit – like “Hello Dolly,” “Sweet Chariot” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” We believe that Detroit deserves a World Premiere in the tradition of the stage hits of the 1960’s that put this city on the entertainment map,” said Beyer. Father Bingo will premiere at the Music Hall Center for a limited engagement of four performances on February 10-12, 2006. The two evening performances take place at 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11. The two matinees are at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12 at Music Hall Center, 350 Madison Avenue in Detroit. Private receptions celebrating the World Premiere will feature local dignitaries, the composer, cast, professional and community theatre leaders, and take place after each performance as well as before the Friday February 10 Opening Night show. A limited number of tickets are available for $50. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Music Hall Center. Ticket prices range from $49 to $19 and are available through TicketMaster online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (248) 645-6666 or through the Music Hall Box Office. Group discounts, reception and corporate ticket packages are available through Father Bingo at (248) 981-7003.