Casey Nicholaw Talks Upcoming ROBIN AND THE 7 HOODS at the Old Globe

In a recent article by the LA Times discusses the upcoming production of "Robin and the 7 Hoods," at The Old Globe which celebrates the songwriters Cahn and Van Heusen.  The duo won three Oscars and was nominated for 8, but never won a Tony.

"Robin and the 7 Hoods" opens Friday and The Old Globe and will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.

Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Michael Ritchie said of Nicholaw, "At the early meetings and first rehearsal, Casey articulated absolute clarity of vision. And then, as the work went forward, I witnessed someone who was never negative or a martinet - he generated an atmosphere of openness and collegiality in the room, and built on that to set a high level of expectation for those working for him."

"As long as I'm in this job, the Center will happy to be part of any project Casey wants to work with us on."

Nicholaw, born in Santa Monica in 1962, grew up in the San Diego area.

At 16 (though claiming to be 18) he won a role in an Old Globe production of "The Robber ridegroom," starring Brian Stokes Mitchell. He played "Goat," and had two songs.

In 1981, after a year and a quarter at UCLA, Nicholaw moved to New York.

"His first Broadway break came when choreographer Susan Stroman hired him into the corps of the 1992 adaptation of Gershwin songs, "Crazy for You." Nicholaw danced in seven Broadway shows, among them "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Victor/Victoria," according to the LA Times.

"I'm not the big planner, I was just happy to get those jobs," said Nicholaw. "But my whole life in shows, I kept watch on the choreographers and directors - what they did, what worked, what didn't, what I would have done if I was them."

In 2005 he choreographed on Broadway for the first time for "Monty Python's Spamalot," directed by Mike Nichols. A Tony nomination followed and in 2006 he choreographed and also directed on Broadway for the first time, with "The Drowsy Chaperone." Tony nominations for choreographer and director followed.

He describes his approach to directing in by saying, "It's being creatively critical all the time, through every detail, while never losing sight of the show's bigger goals. I like doing the creative work more than the paperwork, but both is what the job takes. I think I'm best at urging talented people on and I never resent having to hold their hand sometimes."

As for the new story of "Robin and the 7 Hoods", "we've basically kept the title and the rogues with names from the Robin Hood tale, but that's about all," said Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes, who wrote the book for the musical.

In this new take on the story, characters live in the early '60s and the men sport "Mad Men"-style suits. The costume design is by Tony winner Gregg.

"The story's target is to serve the tone and style of these great songs," said Holmes. "They're breezy, upbeat. I promise this will not be a story with weighty insights into the inner psyches of Chicago mobsters - we're here for a good time."

"But not a cartoon-y thing," said Nicholaw. "I want it to be buoyant. And sexy, it has to feel sexy. And have a musical theater quality to it, not just be a musical comedy."

For the full article, click here.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.