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Peter Schneider Will Direct Re-Conceived Version of PAL JOEY at Arkansas Rep, 9/4
By: Christina Mancuso Aug. 09, 2013
Taking the stage in September is a re-conceived version of the Rodgers & Hart 1940 classic Pal Joey. After an enthusiastically received concert reading at Pasadena's prestigious Boston Court Theatre last year, Director Peter Schneider was encouraged by the esteemed Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization to move forward with a fully realized production.
Edgy for its time, Pal Joey is perhaps best known for the film version starring Frank Sinatra. Peter Schneider's production breathes new life into this classic tale and brings new relevance to the story that unfolds amidst this richly romantic score.
"Arkansas Repertory Theatre is the perfect environment for the artistic collaborative process required to reinvent a musical," says Director Peter Schneider. "I am thrilled to partner with Arkansas Rep and Bob to present the world premiere of this exciting new version of Pal Joey.
Peter Schneider is the Tony-Award-winning producer of the internationally acclaimed Broadway musical, The Lion King. He produced the award-winning documentary, "Waking Sleeping Beauty," about Disney Animation from 1984 - 1994, and served as President of Animation and Chairman of the Studio for the Walt Disney Company for 17 years.
The new score has been enhanced with other memorable songs from the Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart catalog, such as "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Sing for Your Supper," and "Glad To Be Unhappy" intermingled with gems from the original 1940 show like "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and "I Could Write a Book."
Also included is the song "What is a Man?" This Pal Joey answers that question in the most provocative and unexpected ways, exploding on stage with timeless jazz favorites, stunning tap dance numbers and plenty of sparkle while exploring morality, race, class and the timeless relationship between power and sex.
For more information, visit: http://www.therep.org/
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