Smash's Joshua Bergasse Tapped to Helm Broadway-Aimed Hazel, Starring Klea Blackhurst

We previously reported that Hazel was in the works and it’s now been announced that the musical will make its world premiere in Chicago. Directed and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse (Smash, On the Town), the Broadway-aimed production will play March 31, 2016 through May 29 at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. Opening night is scheduled for April 6.

Based on the cartoon by Ted Key about a maid working for a middle-class family, the tuner will feature a book by Lissa Levin, music by Ron Abel and lyrics by Chuck Steffan. Klea Blackhurst (Everything the Traffic Will Allow), is set to take on the title role.

It’s the 1960’s, a time of great change for America, but not all of the Baxter family is on board. And what George Baxter finds not so funny about his wife joining the work force and his maid taking over his household and his life—is a laugh riot. Hazel asks the question: can a simple maid debone a turkey, save a marriage, uncover a matter of national security and lead a conga line? She can if she’s Hazel!

No word yet on whether Lucie Arnaz, who helmed a workshop of Hazel last year, is still involved with the project.