ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, begins previews on August 9 with a limited number of "Pay What You Can" tickets that will be available on that date after 2 pm at the Box Office. Previews continue on August 10, 11 and 12. Bay Street is offering a way to double the fun and re-experience the thrill of live theatre. Anyone who buys a ticket during these four preview days can return to see the show during the last week of the run for just $10. The tuneful show based on the early life of Carl Reiner runs through September 4. The show features a book by the legendary Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), music and lyrics by Stan Daniels ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Taxi").
ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, features an Actor's Equity cast of Broadway and television favorites including
Jill Eikenberry ("L.A. Law," Into The Woods),
Josh Grisetti (Broadway Bound),
Richard Kind (The Producers, Sly Fox),
Kate Shindle (Wonderland) and
Michael Tucker ("L.A.Law"). Others in the cast include
Paul Binotto,
Betsy DiLellio,
Ray DeMattis,
Erick Devine,
Eric Mann (non equity),
Gerry McIntyre,
Gina Milo and
Emily Shoolin. ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical is produced and presented by
Bay Street Theatre by special arrangement with
Dan Whitten (
Jacques Brel...,
Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Jersey Boys) and Tiger Theatricals in Association with
Carl Reiner (Grammy Award and twelve-time Emmy Award-winner; (Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen) who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel on which the musical is based.
The celebrated production, with direction and musical staging by
Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid, Radiant Baby), music direction by
Phil Reno (Promises, Promises and The Drowsy Chaperone) and music arrangements and orchestrations by
Matt Castle. The show is produced by special arrangement with
Dan Whitten and Tiger Theatricals in Association with
Carl Reiner, played a critically-acclaimed run at Off-Broadway's York Theatre in 2008 with The New York Times raving "Hilarious!
Josh Grisetti delivers a smashing comedic performance with a gung-ho supporting cast, nutty songs and witty staging. It works so well." The Daily News said "I cannot remember when I have laughed as hard and as uncontrollably," and the New York Post calling it "The funniest tuner to hit town since The Producers. You may not enter the theatre laughing, but once there you're guaranteed not to stop."
After the initial limited Off-Broadway production returned to The York for a second limited engagement, producer
Dan Whitten announced that he will bring the show to Broadway. The production plays at
Bay Street Theatre before continuing on its journey to Broadway.
Joseph Stein first adapted Reiner's novel in 1964 when it enjoyed a successful Broadway run starring
Alan Arkin. The musical adaptation was originally presented on Broadway in 1976 starring
Robert Morse with the title So Long 174th Street.
Set in 1930's, ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical tells the story of young, hapless David Kolowitz, a shop boy from the Bronx who pursues his dream of becoming a leading man on stage while facing mounting pressures from his despondent girlfriend, dismissive boss, distracted best friend, disgusted acting coach and disapproving parents. The
Bay Street Theatre production of ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical will also feature
Gina Milo,
Erick Devine, Eric
Mann,
Paul Binotto,
Gerry McIntyre, Betsy DiLello,
Emily Shoolin,
Ray DeMattis and
Phil Reno. The production features scenic design by
James Morgan (Molly Sweeney), costumed design by
David Toser (Oh Coward!), lighting design by Tony Award winner
Ken Billington (Chicago), and sound design by
Tony Melfa (Talley's Folly).
"I started laughing one minute after the curtain went up on Enter Laughing, The Musical, and continued laughing for hours after the curtain came down," says
Carl Reiner. "I deeply appreciate the creative talent who succeeded in immortalizing my youth."
"Working with
Carl Reiner and
Joe Stein has been a wonderful and humbling experience," says producer
Dan Whitten, "I'm very grateful that two men of their legendary talents can be so human, approachable and supportive."
More information can be found at
www.EnterLaughingTheMusical.com or
www.BayStreet.org.
Photo Credit: Jerry Lamonica
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