East of Doheny has announced that it will present a special invitation-only reading of the new musical Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm today, Monday, November 3, 2008. The musical, based on the classic novel by Kate Douglas Wiggin and the 1938 Twentieth Century Fox film of the same name, features music by Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam) and book by Daniel Goldfarb (Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me). Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) directs and choreographs.
"Life is tough for Rebecca Winstead. She’s lost both her parents, and she is being raised by her no-good stepfather and then by her puritanical and cranky aunt. And if that’s not tough enough for a little girl, it’s the middle of the depression! But you’d never know it to look at Rebecca.
Rebecca’s sweet voice and the radio bring Rebecca closer to her mother. Her can-do spirit is infectious and her talent immense. When Rebecca sings, America listens. You see, Rebecca is one very self-reliant ten-year-old. With a potent combination of charm, street smarts, gumption, a sense of humor and one glorious voice, Rebecca turns her life around as she triumphs on the radio as a most unlikely “Lucky Little Radio Girl.” Empowering for young girls and kids of all ages – Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm celebrates that most American of beliefs: hard work and an open heart are an unstoppable combination.
Actors appearing in the presentation include
Jill Abramovitz,
Brooks Ashmanskas, Wendi Bergamani, Brigid Brady,
Alexandra Berro, Stephen Bienske,
Nicole Bocchi,
Brianna Gentilella,
Adam Heller,
Cady Huffman,
Marc Kudisch,
Dick Latessa,
Gabby Malek,
Alli Mauzey,
Katie Micha,
Catherine Missal,
Mary Beth Peil,
Seth Rudetsky,
Asa Somers and Nikayla Tucker.
Photo of Marc Kudisch by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
