Rupert Headlines Durang's Adrift in Macao in Philadelphia, Oct. 19-Nov. 20
By: BWW News Desk Oct. 17, 2005
In addition to Rupert, the musical will feature Rachel deBenedet, Jennie Eisenhower, Michael M. Malone, David McDonald, Orville Mendoza, Michele Ragusa. Sheryl Kaller will direct the piece, which is "is a funny and irreverent musical parody of film noir…mixing together farce, camp and tongue-in-cheek wit (that) spins the tale of five quirky characters stranded in a Casablanca-like locale in the Orient," according to notes. Rupert will play Rick in the show, which is expected to move to New York after its Pennsylvania run (Susan Dietz and Ina Meibach are said to be its prospective producers).
Rupert is a Tony Award-winner for his performance in the 1986 revival of Sweet Charity; he was also nominated for his work in The Happy Time (his Broadway debut) and Falsettos. Other Broadway credits include Ragtime, City of Angels, Mail and Pippin. Durang, who is a playwright of both popular and critical acclaim, is known for works that blend wacky and surreal comedy with pathos. They include The Marriage of Bette and Boo, Laughing Wild, Beyond Therapy, Betty's Summer Vacation and more. A 1978 musical revue called A History of the American Film also boasted lyrics as well as a book by Durang. The playwright, whose new New York-bound work Miss Witherspoon was recently produced at the McCarter Theatre, was also one of the performers in the original 1993 production of the Sondheim revue Putting It Together.
An earlier version of Adrift in Macao was seen at Vassar College's Powerhouse Theatre in summer of 2002; it was presented as part of New York Stage & Film's summer season that year.
For more information, visit www.phillytheatreco.com.
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