SEATTLE – The work of Seattle ’s “reigning queen of couture” Luly Yang is featured in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of MAME. As the iconic title character, Broadway star Dee Hoty dons 17 glamorous costumes throughout this irresistible musical, the majority designed by 2006 Tony Award-winner Gregg Barnes. The finishing touch comes at the end of act two, when Mame lights up the stage in the $30,000 finale gown of Luly Yang’s “Passage to Shanghai ” collection, a hand-embroidered red duchess silk satin robe with metallic organza sleeves, adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals. One of the largest, most complex designs Luly Yang has ever created, the gown took two months and more than 12 master seamstresses to construct.

Luly Yang is celebrated for her elegant and timeless bridal gowns and evening ensembles for ladies and gentlemen in luxurious silks and the finest fabrics. She has been named “ Seattle ’s Best Dress Designer” five years running by Seattle Bride magazine. Yang was honored as the 2007 Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year and recognized as one of Seattle Business Monthly’s Eight People to Watch in ’08.

MAME tells the hilarious story of an eccentric socialite in the Roaring ‘20s who finds her madcap Manhattan lifestyle turned upside down when she is appointed guardian of her orphaned nephew. Auntie Mame takes him on one whirlwind adventure after another, proving that “life is a banquet.” With a rogue’s gallery of memorable characters, MAME has touched the hearts and tickled the funnybones of audiences everywhere. The irresistible score by Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!, La Cage aux Folles) includes the title song, “If He Walked Into My Life” and “We Need A Little Christmas.”

Tickets to MAME are priced from $20 - $77. Tickets are available over the phone by calling 206-625-1900 (toll free 888-5TH-4TIX), online at www.5thavenue.org or in person at the box office in downtown Seattle . There is no service charge when purchasing tickets in person at The 5th Avenue Theatre Box Office.