Showtune (musical)

Infobox Musical
name= Showtune
subtitle=


caption= Logo, 2003 New York Production
music= Jerry Herman
lyrics= Jerry Herman
book= Paul Gilger
basis=
productions= 1985 San Francisco
1998 London
2003 New York City
2003 Los Angeles
2008 Tokyo
awards=

"Showtune" is a popular musical revue celebrating the words and music of Broadway composer Jerry Herman. Its name was inspired by Herman's memoir of the same name.

The forty songs featured in "Showtune" come from the Herman Broadway musicals "Milk and Honey" (1961), "Hello, Dolly!" (1964), "Mame" (1966), "Dear World" (1969), "Mack & Mabel" (1974), "The Grand Tour" (1979), "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine" (1980), and "La Cage aux Folles" (1983). (Herman also contributed songs to "Ben Franklin in Paris" (1964).)

Conceived by California architect Paul Gilger, the songs in "Showtune" are juxtaposed into thematic scenes and song-cycles, placing a strong emphasis on Herman's lyrics and their optimistic messages. The song-cycle format creates dramatic sub-texts giving through-lines to the show, making "Showtune" unique among musical revues.

"Tune the Grand Up" in California

an Francisco, premiere

"Showtune" was originally titled "Tune the Grand Up", and premiered May 1, 1985 as a cabaret production at The 1177 Club on Nob Hill in San Francisco, California. It was directed by Paul Gilger and Barbara Valente, with choreography by Valente, musical direction by James Followell, and production management by Bill Perez. The production received unanimous rave reviews from 13 newspapers, including both the "San Francisco Chronicle" and the "San Francisco Examiner". The show ran for 2 years, winning 11 awards including 3 awards for Best Musical from Hollywood Drama-Logue, Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle, and the San Francisco Council on Entertainment. The original San Francisco cast was:
*John Nockels (Man 1)
*Darlene Popovic (Woman 1)
*James Followell (Man 2 and the Pianist)
*Alma Sayles (Woman 2)
*David Broussal (Man 3)
*Lise-Marie Thomas (Woman 3)
Cindy Herron joined the cast in the second year as Woman 3. Herron subsequently went on to star as one of the original four singers in the R&B female group "En Vogue".

an Diego

In March 1987, a second company of "Tune the Grand Up" opened at the Lyceum Space Theatre in San Diego, California, also receiving rave reviews, including "Variety". The San Diego cast was:
*John Nockels
*Darlene Popovic
*James Followell
*Mimi Unser
*Tim Connell
*Cindy Herron

acramento

In 1996, New York producer Jennifer Strome optioned the rights to "Tune the Grand Up" and has produced all subsequent productions of the revue, beginning with the successful 1996 production in the Delta King Riverboat Theatre in Sacramento, California. The Sacramento cast was:
*John Nockels
*Mary Gannon
*Barry Lloyd
*Rachel Songer
*Ric Iverson
*Jennifer Russell

an Francisco, encore

During the holiday season of 1996, "Tune the Grand Up" returned to San Francisco at the Alcazar Theatre. The production was supervised by Jerry Herman, directed by Jay Manley, choreographed by Barbara Valente, with musical direction by Barry Lloyd. It won critical acclaim and a number of Hollywood Drama-Logue Awards, including one for each member of the cast:
*Pierce Peter Brandt
*Michelle E. Jordan
*Barry Lloyd
*Jane Wasser
*Dan Johnson
*Marsha Mercant

"The Best of Times" in London

Fringe

In 1998, the revue was produced twice in London, by Strome in association with Sharleen Cooper Cohen, with a new title, "The Best of Times". It was directed and choreographed by Bill Starr, with musical direction and band orchestrations by Fiz Shapur. The cast of the first London production at the Bridewell Theatre was:
*Garth Bardsley
*Melanie Marshall
*Barry Lloyd
*Lindsay Hamilton
*Jamie Golding
*Karen Evans

West End

The successful Bridewell production was transferred in late 1998 to the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End theatre district, again receiving rave reviews, including London's "Sunday Times", "Financial Times", "Evening Standard", and "Time Out London". The West End cast was:
*Garth Bardsley
*Kathryn Evans
*James Followell
*Sarah Payne
*Jamie Golding
*Lindsay HamiltonGarth Bardsley went on to write the Anthony Newley biography, "Stop the World".

"Showtune" in New York

NY Tryout

In fall of 2002, the revue, now christened "Showtune", had its New York out-of-town tryout at the Helen Hayes Theatre in Nyack, New York. The production was directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely, with musical direction by James Followell, set design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Tracy Christensen, lighting design by Brian Nason, sound design by Peter Fitzgerald, stage managed by Renee Lutz, casting by Cindi Rush, and general management by Peter Bogyo. The cast was expanded from six to seven:
*Martin Vidnovic (Man 1)
*Donna McKechnie (Woman 1)
*Paul Harman (Man 2)
*Sandy Binion (Woman 2)
*Tom Korbee (Man 3)
*Russell Arden Koplin (Woman 3)
*Bobby Peaco (Man 4 and the Pianist)
*James Sasser (Understudy)
*Jill Geddes (Understudy)

Off-Broadway

In February 2003, "Showtune" opened off-Broadway at the Theatre at St Peter's in the Citicorp Center Building, receiving numerous rave reviews, including Variety, United Press International and the Associated Press. Once again the revue was produced by Strome, in partnership with film producer David Brown. McKechnie was not available for the off-Broadway production due to prior commitments. The original NY cast and production staff were the same as the tryout, with Karen Murphy replacing McKechnie.

ubsequent Premieres

Los Angeles

In June 2003, "Showtune" had its Los Angeles premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse, again to rave reviews, including the "Los Angeles Times". The production was directed by Bill Starr and Sheldon Epps, with choreography by Starr, and musical direction by James Followell. The LA cast was:
*Martin Vidnovic
*Mary Jo Mecca
*Robert Yacko
*Merle Dandridge
*Christopher Corts
*Stephanie Lynge
*Bobby Peaco

Florida

In December 2003, "Showtune" had its Florida premiere at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton. The production was directed by Michael Hall, with choreography by Barbara Flaten and musical direction by Bobby Peaco. The Florida cast was:
*Martin Vidnovic
*Lourelene Snedeker
*Steve Wilson
*Connie SaLoutos
*Benjamin Schrader
*Stephanie Lynge
*Bobby Peaco

Tokyo

In 2008, the Umeda Arts Theatre Co. LTD will present the Japan premiere of "Showtune" at the [http://www.nagata.co.jp/e_sakuhin/hall.html#s012 Tennozu Galaxy Theatre] in Tokyo on November 14th, and then subsequently at the [http://www1.gcenter-hyogo.jp/sysfile/center_e/e_top.html Hyogo Performing Arts Center] in Nishinomiya, Hyogo on November 28th. The Japanese-languaged production is directed by [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Miki+Akio Miki Akio] with the Takarazuka Revue Company, with musical direction by Yoshida Masako, and choreography by Aoki Miho, Honma Norikazu, and [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Maeda+Kiyomi Maeda Kiyomi] . The Japan cast is composed of alumni from the all-female Takarazuka Revue Company, performing both male roles "(otokoyaku)" and female roles "(musumeyaku)". The cast, listed with their prior Takarazuka troupe affiliations, are:

"Otokoyaku performers:"
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Hatsukaze+Midori Hatsukaze Midori] 1988-1997 Flower, 1997-2000 Moon, 2000-2005 Senka
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Ooma+Miran Ooma Miran] 1999-2006 Star
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Tsurugi+Miyuki Tsurugi Miyuki] 1978-1990 Moon "(Takarazuka Top Otokoyaku Star 1985-1990)"
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Asaji+Saki Asaji Saki] 1983-1986 Moon, 1986-1998 Star "(Takarazuka Top Otokoyaku Star 1994-1998)"
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Kaede+Saki Kaede Saki] 1990-1998 Snow, 1998-2002 Flower"Musumeyaku performers:"
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Izumo+Aya Izumo Aya] 1983-1997 Star, 1998-2005 Cosmos, 2005-2006 Senka, 2006-2008 Moon
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Mebae+Haruka Mebae Haruka] 1998-2005 Cosmos
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Kazahana+Mai Kazahana Mai] 1990-1999 Moon "(Takarazuka Top Musumeyaku Star 1996-1999)"
* [http://www.takarazuka-revue.info/tiki-index.php?page=Yukina+Tsugumi Yukina Tsugumi] 1999-2001 Moon

Licensed Productions

"Showtune" has been licensed for numerous productions throughout the United States and overseas, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre at the University of Miami.

Cast recording

In 2004, a cast recording of "Showtune" was produced in New York City with most of the New York cast.

cene and song list

;Act I"Scene 1"
*It's Today! ("Mame")
*Big Time ("Mack & Mabel") "Scene 2"
*We Need a Little Christmas ("Mame")
*Put On Your Sunday Clothes ("Hello, Dolly!")"Scene 3"
*Little More Mascara ("La Cage aux Folles")
*The Man In The Moon ("Mame")
*I Am What I Am ("La Cage aux Folles") "Scene 4"
*Song On The Sand - Prelude ("La Cage aux Folles")
*I Won't Send Roses ("Mack & Mabel")
*Ribbons Down My Back ("Hello, Dolly!")
*Dancing ("Hello, Dolly!")
*It Takes A Woman ("Hello, Dolly!")
*Wherever He Ain't ("Mack & Mabel")
*Hundreds Of Girls ("Mack & Mabel")
*So Long Dearie ("Hello, Dolly!")
*It Takes A Woman - Reprise
*And I Was Beautiful ("Dear World")
*Kiss Her Now ("Dear World")
*And I Was Beautiful / Kiss Her Now - Counterpoint
*Time Heals Everything ("Mack & Mabel")"Scene 5"
*Before The Parade Passes By ("Hello, Dolly!")
*One Person ("Dear World")
*Open A New Window ("Mame")
*Counterpoint March
*Before The Parade Passes By - Reprise ;Act II
*"Hello, Dolly!" - Entr'acte ("Hello, Dolly!")"Scene 1"
*Movies Were Movies ("Mack & Mabel")
*Look What Happened To Mabel ("Mack & Mabel")
*That's How Young I Feel ("Mame")
*Look What Happened to Mabel - Reprise
*My Best Girl ("Mame")
*Nelson ("A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine")
*Just Go To The Movies ("A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine")"Scene 2"
*It Only Takes A Moment ("Hello, Dolly!")
*What Do I Do Now? ("Mame")
*Tap Your Troubles Away ("Mack & Mabel")"Scene 3"
*Bosom Buddies ("Mame")"Scene 4"
*I Don't Want To Know ("Dear World")
*Song On The Sand ("La Cage aux Folles")"Scene 5"
*Shalom ("Milk and Honey")
*I'll Be Here Tomorrow ("The Grand Tour")
*If He Walked Into My Life ("Mame")
*I Promise You A Happy Ending ("Mack & Mabel")
*Mame ("Mame")
*The Best of Times ("La Cage aux Folles")
*It's Today! - Reprise"Curtain Call"
*Hello, Dolly! - Encore

ee also

*Musical theatre

External links

* [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEFDF173AF930A25753C1A9649C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all "Showtune" article New York Times]
* [http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jun/29/entertainment/ca-isenberg29 "Showtune" article Los Angeles Times]
* [http://www.playbill.com/news/print.asp?id=78115 "Showtune" article Playbill.com]
* [http://www.nodanw.com/shows_s/showtune.html "Showtune" synopsis page at The Guide to Musical Theatre] , United Kingdom website
* [http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2003/03/19/Revue_of_Jerry_Hermans_songs_pure_delight/UPI-60731048075200/"Showtune" review United Press International]
* [http://www.curtainup.com/showtune.html "Showtune" review CurtainUp.com]
* [http://www.wolfentertainmentguide.com/pub/theatersearch.asp?record=2118 "Showtune" review Wolf Entertainment Guide]
* [http://www.theatrescene.net/ts%5Carticles.nsf/MC/8542AABEA8025B6885256CE0001572DC?OpenDocument "Showtune" review TheaterScene.net]
* [http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4384337-1.html "Showtune" review Back Stage West] , Los Angeles production
* [http://www.entnews.com/Archives/Dec5Dec11/newperformance.html "Showtune" review Entertainment News & Views] , Florida production
* [http://www.jerryherman.com/showtune.htm "Showtune" page JerryHerman.com]
* [http://www.jorgeplace.com/JerryHerman/JerryHermanPictures_Showtune.htm "Showtune" page JorgePlace.com]
* [http://www.mtishows.com/show_home.asp?id=000258 "Showtune" page Music Theatre International] , United States licensing
* [http://www.josef-weinberger.com/weinberger/jwthindex.html "Showtune" page Josef Weinberger] , United Kingdom licensing
* [http://www.halleonard.com.au/catalogue/itemview.html?item_id=388 "Showtune" page Hal Leonard] , Australia licensing
* [http://www.newimi.com/ShowsETop.php "Showtune" page New International Musicals Inc.] , Japan and Far East licensing