EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Polec Leads Jim Steinman's THE DREAM ENGINE

• Pat Cerasaro

Grammy Award-winning songwriter Jim Steinman's THE DREAM ENGINE will be presented as a special event as part of Amherst College's 1969 class reunion festivities at the location where it all began, the Kirby Theater, with the Tony Award nominated director once again taking the reigns, Barry Keating.

Steinman's international chart-topping global smash hits include Meat Loaf's BAT OUT OF HELL albums as well as Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" and "Holding Out For A Hero", Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now", Barry Manilow's "Read 'Em And Weep" and Barbra Streisand's "Left In The Dark" as well as memorable musical contributions to the films A SMALL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, STREETS OF FIRE and THE SHADOW. Additionally, Steinman provided the score for the international blockbuster stage musical TANZ DER VAMPIRE. Most recently, Steinman provided book, music and lyrics for the West End, Toronto and German productions of BAT OUT OF HELL: THE MUSICAL. Of note, Steinman was presented with an honorary doctorate from Amherst College in 2013.

Leading the cast of THE DREAM ENGINE will be award-winning BAT OUT HELL: THE MUSICAL headliner Andrew Polec along with TV/film notable Mimi Kennedy plus several members of the original cast including Larry Dilg and current Amherst students in keeping with the youthful themes of the epic theatrical experience. Special guests to be announced.

Directed by Keating with creative consultation by Pat Cerasaro, associate direction by Ellen Parks and music direction by Drew Wutke, the 50th anniversary presentation of THE DREAM ENGINE portends to be a once in a lifetime experience like no other. Let the revels begin!

THE DREAM ENGINE will presented on May 30 at 8PM at the Kirby Theater at Amherst College. Ticket information is available at the official site here: https://engage.amherst.edu/event/registrations/index/820