Banana Shpeel celebrated it's opening night yesterday, May 19 at 7:00pm at the Beacon Theatre. Previews began on April 29 and performances are scheduled until August 29. BroadwayWorld was there to capture the starry arrivals.
Banana Shpeel is the latest show from producer extraordinaire Marty Schmelky and features a colorful array of slapstick comedy, eclectic dance and unique acrobatic acts. The larger-than-life personality presents the diverse talent he has gathered from around the world, as zany characters spread chaos throughout the theatre.
In his long and illustrious career, Schmelky has created such unforgettable hits as The Phantom of the Banana; Annie Get Your Banana; Fiddler on the Banana; The Best Little Banana in Texas; Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Banana; and Gentlemen Prefer Bananas.
Banana Shpeel Writer and Director David Shiner started out as a mime in Paris. His career took off in 1984 when he was discovered at the renowned circus festival Cirque de Demain. Shiner later teamed up with Bill Irwin to create the wordless two-man show Fool Moon, which played from 1992 to 1999, including three Broadway runs. Fool Moon picked up numerous prizes, including a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award. In 2007, Shiner directed his first Cirque du Soleil production, the big top touring show KOOZA.
May 21 - August 29, 2010: Tickets range from $45 to $110, with a limited number of premium seats. The show plays Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm, Thursday & Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm and Sunday at 2pm & 6pm.
Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Josette Wiggan, Schmelky (Danny Rutigliano) and Kassie Brown
Josette Wiggan, Danny Rutigliano and Kassie Brown
Josette Wiggan, Danny Rutigliano, Daniel Lamarre (President of Cirque) and Kassie Brown
Danny Rutigliano and Daniel Lamarre
Marcia Gay Harden gets her children ready for the Yellow Carpet
Marcia Gay Harden and family
Christopher Meloni and Son
Saul Rubinek and Daughter
Saul Rubinek and Family
Jake T. Austin and Sister
Jake T. Austin
James Gandolfini and Family
James Gandolfini and family
Shereen Hickman (Margaret), James Gandolfini and Danny Rutigliano
Shereen Hickman and Danny Rutigliano
"Real Housewife of New York" Sonja Morgan
Matthew Settle, Shereen Hickman and Danny Rutigliano
Danny Rutigliano, Corbin Bleu and Shereen Hickman
Shereen Hickman, Corbin Bleu and Danny Rutigliano
"Real Housewife of New Jersey" Danielle Staube
"Real Housewife of New Jersey" Danielle Staube
"Real Housewife of New York" Countess LuAnn de Lesseps
Luke Hawkins and DeWitt Fleming Jr.
Luke Hawkins and DeWitt Fleming Jr.
Luke Hawkins and Max Von Essen
The Creative Team of Banana Shpeel: Simon Carpenter, Eleni Uranis, Bruno Rafie, Jasmine Catudal, Shereen Hickman, Serge Roy, and Dominique Lemieux
Constantine Maroulis
DeWitt Fleming Jr., Shereen Hickman, Constantine Maroulis, and Luke Hawkins
DeWitt Fleming Jr., Shereen Hickman, Constantine Maroulis, and Luke Hawkins
Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis
Luke Hawkins, Shereen Hickman, Constantine Maroulis, and DeWitt Fleming Jr.
Luke Hawkins, Shereen Hickman, Constantine Maroulis, and DeWitt Fleming Jr
Luke Hawkins, Jared Grimes (Choreographer) and DeWitt Fleming Jr.
"Real Housewife of New York" Kelly Killoren Bensimon
"Schmelky" off to start the show
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