Jerry Lewis' Broadway-Bound Nutty Professor Musical Begins Performances in Nashville

The world premiere musical adaptation of The Nutty Professor begins performances July 24 at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Based on the 1963 movie of the same name, the musical is directed by Jerry Lewis, the film’s original writer, director and star. Featuring music by Tony winner Marvin Hamlisch and a book and lyrics by Tony winner Rupert Holmes, the Broadway-bound production will play a limited engagement through August 19 at the James K. Polk Theater. Michael Andrew stars as Professor Julius Kelp.

In addition to Andrew, The Nutty Professor stars Tony nominee Mark Jacoby, Marissa McGowan, Klea Blackhurst, Alex David, Meghan Glogower, Blair Goldberg, Autumn Guzzardi, Sarah Marie Jenkins, Allison Little, Charles MacEachern, Lindsay Moore, Ronnie Nelson, Patrick O'Neill, Dominique Plaisant, Jamie Ross, Carly Blake Sebouhian, Jason Sparks, Christopher Spaulding, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Kyle Vaughn and Ryan Worsing.

The Nutty Professor is the story of Professor Julius Kelp (Andrew), an eccentric geek with a bright idea. After experimenting in his lab to find the cure for his social troubles, he creates a potion that transforms him into the smooth-talking Buddy Love. Buddy gets the girl that Julius has always dreamed of dating, Stella (McGowan). But there’s one small problem—the potion doesn’t last very long.

The creative team for The Nutty Professor includes music director Todd Ellison, choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter, set designer David Gallo, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward and dance arrangements by David Dabbon.

Click below for a video of Lewis and the cast discussing The Nutty Professor!