FIRST YOU DREAM Kander & Ebb Musical Review Replaces Kennedy Center's PAL JOEY this Summer

As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, a casting notice from Actor's Equity revealed that The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has cancelled both auditons for and its planned production of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart's Pal Joey, which was to feature a new book by Terrence McNally. No reason had been given for the last minute change in the season.

The Kennedy Center has just now updated its website, which states: "The Kennedy Center production of Pal Joey, originally scheduled to run June 2 through July 1 in the Eisenhower Theater, will be postponed indefinitely due to scheduling conflicts."

In its place, the Kennedy Center will present First You Dream: The Music of Kander and Ebb, which was first performed at Signature Theatre in 2009. This musical review tribute will be directed by Eric Schaeffer and feature a 19-piece orchestra and a cast of six. Each musical in John Kander and Fred Ebb's five-decade partnership is included. The production will play the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater from June 8 to July 1.

Casting to be announced at a later date. Single tickets go on sale March 5.

The Kennedy Center will otherwise continue with its season as planned, which include productions of Billy Elliot, La Cage aux Folles, The Addams Family, and Memphis. The theater season will also include the Sydney Theatre Company production of Uncle Vanya starring Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving, a 10th anniversary concert of the Center's Sondheim Celebration, and the Mabou Mines production of Dollhouse. Barbara Cook will return to perform in the fifth season of her Spotlight series.

For more on the Kennedy Center's 2012 season, visit http://www.kennedy-center.org.

Opening its doors on September 8, 1971, the Center presents the greatest performances of music, dance, and theater; supports artists in the creation of new work; and serves the nation as a leader in arts and arts management education. With its artistic affiliate, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Center's achievements as a commissioner, producer, and nurturer of developing artists have resulted in more than 300 theatrical productions, and dozens of new ballets, operas, and musical works.

 

 

 

 

 

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