Somerville Residents in Grades 6 – 12 sought for summer performance group; auditions to be held Monday, May 17. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Youth Arts Coordinator Jimmy DelPonte announced that the Somerville Sunsetters will return for the summer 2010 season. DelPonte,Sunsetters Director, also announced that auditions are set for Monday, May 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood School (177 Powderhouse Boulevard), and that all Somerville residents in grades 6 – 12 are eligible to audition for the 25-member group. The Sunsetters is a traveling performance troupe which performs classic show tunes and modern musicals in Somerville neighborhoods throughout July and August. All residents wishing to audition are asked to come prepared to sing "You're the One That I Want," from the musical Grease! to be considered for the group. "Under the direction of Jimmy DelPonte and Assistant Director June Knight, the 2009 Sunsetters provided terrific entertainment for the Somerville community, and truly showcased the talented youth that our City has to offer," Mayor Curtatone said. "After more than a twenty year hiatus, the Sunsetters are back in full force and with new and improved talent. I'm eager to see what the 2010 group has to offer, and encourage residents to call to book a performance, before all dates have been filled."

Auditions will be held on Monday, May 17 at 6:00 p.m. If selected, all individuals must commit to Monday -Thursday night rehearsals and performances from June 1st through August 20. Rehearsals will be held at the West Somerville Neighborhood School from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday – Thursday evenings, with performances beginning on Thursday, July 1st during the City's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Trum Field. Performances are scheduled at the request of city residents Monday – Thursday evenings in July and August, and at special City events including the Fireworks celebration, ArtBeat, and the Mayor's Senior Picnic.

"The youth groups I have been fortunate enough to work with during my time with the City of Somerville – KlassKlownz, Sunsetters, and Project STAR – have been tremendous, and I'm excited to start working on our 2010 performances," Del Ponte said. "The 2010 Sunsetters will be the best to date, with an updated repertoire, more of our own talented youth, and original songs. Somerville residents should prepare to be amazed!"

Interested youth should contact Jimmy DelPonte at jimmydel@rcn.com for song lyrics or additional information, or may download the lyrics and application by visiting the Communications page of the City's website, www.somervillema.gov. Students should also be aware that attendance at rehearsals and shows is strict, and any vacation or possible conflicts should be addressed with Jimmy upon auditioning.

To request a Sunsetters performance in your neighborhood, please contact Jackie Rossetti in the Mayor's Office at 617-625-6600 x2614, or JRossetti@somervillema.gov.