San Fran's Best of Broadway Series to Offer Numerous Pre-B'way Tryouts
Set in Dublin, Shining City tells the story of a man who comes to a counselor seeking help. He claims to have seen the ghost of his recently deceased wife. But what begins as an unusual encounter becomes a desperate struggle between the living and the dead--a struggle which will shape and define both men for the rest of their lives. The show ran last year at the Gate Theatre in Dublin and London's Royal Court and is scheduled to hit the Great White Way next season. It will have its American premiere in at the Curran Theatre this fall.
Lestat formerly titled The Vampire Lestat features music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin and a book by Linda Woolverton. It will draw material from three Anne Rice novels Interview With the Vampire, Queen of the Damned and The Vampire Lestat. Directed by Robert Jess Roth, the show will premiere in at the Curran Theatre in the winter and is expected to hit Broadway in spring 2006.
Ring of Fire is a musical tapestry, told through the music of Johnny Cash, that takes audiences on a journey through three stages in the extraordinary life of an everyman: The wide-eyed and naïve young man, who discovers that music is his driving force. The successful and overworked middle aged man, who discovers the dark side of life and all of its trappings. The mature man, who discovers meaning in life by rising above his own frailties and coming to grips with the greater good. Johnny Cash, June Carter, their families, friends and fans are not portrayed literally, but rather through characters that embody their spirit. The show was written and will be directed by Richard Maltby Jr. It will premiere in late 2006.
A Chorus Line, the legendary musical about a lineup of Broadway gypsies baring their souls for a grueling audition, features a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch who will orchestrate the revival and lyrics by Edward Kleban. A Chorus Line was originally conceived by director/choreographer Michael Bennett out of a series of interviews with Broadway dancers. The revival is expected to recreate the look and feel of Bennett's legendary bare bones staging for A Chorus Line. Bob Avian, who co-choreographed the original staging with Bennett, is directing. Also on board for the new production is original set designer Robin Wagner. A Chorus Line, which will hit San Francisco's Curran Theatre in late summer 2006, is scheduled to open on the Great White Way on September 21, 2006.
In addition, the Best of Broadway 2005-2006 season will include Wicked, White Christmas which premiered in San Francisco last year, Annie, Slava's Snowshow and Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. The Best of San Francisco 2004-2005 season is currently underway and world premieres as part of this season are still to come. Lennon will soon begin performances at the Orpheum and The Mambo Kings will bow at the Golden Gate Theatre this summer.