The Honeymooners, Directed by John Rando, Will Strike Rich at Goodspeed; Is Broadway Next?

Ralph and Ed are finally hitting the stage! The new musical based on the classic 1950s sitcom The Honeymooners will premiere at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut next year. Tony winner John Rando will direct. The production, which features music by Stephen Weiner, lyrics by Peter Mills and a book by Dusty Kay and Bill Nuss, will run from September 18, 2015 through November 29. With producer Jeffrey Finn attached, this is certainly one to keep an eye on for a potential transfer to the Great White Way.

As previously reported, an industry reading of the tuner (with Rando at the helm) will take place on November 7, starring Megan Hilty, Michael McGrath, Hank Azaria and Leslie Kritzer. The show was initially slated to premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe with director Jerry Mitchell in September 2013, but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

The Honeymooners began in 1951 as a recurring sketch on the variety show Cavalcade of Stars. After gaining popularity and a move to The Jackie Gleason Show, the show premiered as its own series in 1955. The Honeymooners follows Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton, a Brooklyn bus driver and a sewage worker, who continuously engage in get-rich-quick schemes, much to the chagrin of their wives.

While there is no word yet on a move to Broadway, many Goodspeed productions have transferred to the Great White Way in the past, including Tony winners Man of La Mancha and Annie, as well as 13, Shenandoah and the 1992 revival of The Most Happy Fella.

In addition to The Honeymooners, the 2015 Goodspeed season will include Guys and Dolls and La Cage aux Folles.