BroadwayWorld.com has received word that 'Frank Wildhorn & Friends' which was scheduled to play a very special series of performances at Las Vegas' Judy Bayley Theater to benefit The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV has been cancelled.
Performer Linda Eder posted the following update on her official web site, while the other stars have relayed the same news both online and off. Eder wrote:
Hi Everyone,
I just found out a few moments ago that the Vegas gig has been cancelled. After sitting around for a day in a holding pattern, I just got the phone call.
It is not my own show so I can't speak with any authority about the details, but I think we can all safely assume that it comes down to money. Somehow, somewhere something fell through and we all lose in the process.
I wish I had more information for you, but I just don't.
I'm sorry for those of you who made travel plans to Vegas. I am also sorry that this show won't happen, Jake was really looking forward to seeing his parents perform together on stage, but hopefully it will resume sometime soon with different producers at the helm.
Sadly,
Linda"
The benefit performances were to take place on Friday, September 4th at 8pm, Saturday, September 5th at 8pm and Sunday, September 6th at 7pm. The evening was to feature Wildhorn himself at the piano plus a 32 piece orchestra.
Acclaimed composer Frank Wildhorn will present a starry evening of his thrilling songs performed by the very best theatrical talent in the world. Linda Eder, Lea Salonga, Rob Evan and Douglas Sills will guest star in the event with musical direction by Koen Schoots. 'Frank Wildhorn & Friends' will be directed by Jeff Calhoun.
In 1999 Frank Wildhorn (composer, Bonnie & Clyde) became the first American composer in 22 years to have three shows running simultaneously on Broadway: Jekyll & Hyde, Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Civil War, which altogether garnered eight Tony nominations. Wildhorn also wrote additional songs for Broadway's Victor/Victoria and was a producer and co-creator of Harlem Song at the legendary Apollo Theater. Most recently in the United States, Wildhorn's For the Glory: The Civil War Musical opened at the Majestic Theater in Gettysgurg, PA. He has enjoyed International success with Never Say Goodbye (written with Shuichiro Koike) performed by Takarazuka Revue in Takarazuka, Japan; Rudolf - The Last Kiss (written with Jack Murphy & Nan Knighton) opening in Budapest, Hungary and in Vienna, Austria and multiple productions of Jekyll & Hyde: In Concert.
Wildhorn is currently getting ready to debut three new musicals, WONDERLAND, Bonnie & Clyde and Havana.
Frank Wildhorn & Friends is an intimate concert that highlights selected songs from his many works. Presenting as Frank Wildhorn puts it "some of the finest voices in the industry", Wildhorn will once again return to the stage to play the piano as his talented friends take the spotlight.
