THE ROAD TO QATAR Makes World Premiere at Lyic Stage Tonight, 10/9
By: Jessica Lewis Oct. 09, 2009
The world premiere production of The Road to Qatar, starring Brian Gonzales and Lee Zarrett begins tonight, October 9th at the Lyric Stage of Irving Texas. The show is written by Stephen Cole (After the Fair, The Night of the Hunter) and scored by David Krane. The musical was inspired by Cole and Krane's real-life experience that involved writing a new musical for Middle Eastern audiences. Performances run through Oct. 24.
The production will be directed by Phillip George. David Caldwell musical directs. Scenic and costume design is by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, lighting design is by Susan A. White and sound design is by Bill Eickenloff.
Brian Gonzales (Fiorello, Spelling Bee) appears as Michael (Cole) and Lee Zarrett (Spelling Bee) as Jeffrey (Krane) with Jill Abramovitz (Funny Girl, Fame Becomes Me), Bill Nolte (The Producers) and Bruce Warren.
The Road to Qatar retells the true story of Cole and Krane who simultaneously commissioned via e-mail to create a musical about the Middle East. Both Cole and Krane are Jewish American.
According to press notes, the musical showcases the "true journey that introduced the two 'short Jews' to an alien world of camels, deserts and crazy Egyptian theatrical producers. During the course of this sensational Arab adventure, Stephen and David starred in their own personal Bob Hope-Bing Crosby 'road picture' that took them to Dubai, Qatar, London, Bratislava and back to the USA after writing and presenting a huge original musical for the Emir of Qatar and one thousand of his invited guests. When they returned, they had no other choice but to write their story in the only way they knew how: as a musical! The names have all been changed, but the story is totally true."
Krane wrote incidental and dance music for the films of "Chicago" and "Nine," as well as for Broadway's Kiss of the Spider Woman and the revival of Oklahoma!
Performances take place at the Irving Arts Center's Dupree Theater. For tickets, performance schedule and general information, call (972) 252-2787 or visit LyricStage.org
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