The Prince Music Theater celebrates two Broadway masters – John Kander and Fred Ebb – in a newly re-imagined production of THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND, the smash hit Off-Broadway show that explores the entire career of one of Broadway's most extraordinary creative teams. Previews begin on September 20 and continue through October 12, 2008 with press opening on Friday evening, September 26 at 8pm.
THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND is a sophisticated panorama that features hits from the Kander & Ebb cannon like "New York, New York" and "All That Jazz" from CHICAGO, as well as less familiar jewels from shows including WOMAN OF THE YEAR, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, and HAPPY TIME. New to this production is a recent song from Kander & Ebb music drama THE VISIT, slated for Broadway next season, along with other changes developed with the direct involvement of legendary composer
John Kander.
Directed by
Daniel Kutner, a Philadelphia-trained artist who is the assistant of
Harold Prince and a rising star, this new version of THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND began in Pennsylvania's Gettysburg Festival in June 2008, where director Dan Kutner had the first chance to delve into the material with input from the composer. Prince Producing Director Marjorie Samoff saw that show and wanted to see the work develop further. "It was thrilling to see the Gettysburg audiences stand and cheer for Dan's stirring production," she commented. "With only four performances in Gettysburg, the chance to bring the show to Philadelphia and see this concept develop further was compelling." "It's been 17 years since this show first premiered, and we've gained so much knowledge and insight into the world of
John Kander and
Fred Ebb," said Kutner. "I leapt at the chance to continue the process of exploring this work, adding new songs and new arrangements."
The powerful cast includes
Rashidra Scott (
Avenue Q on Broadway),
Jessica Wright (Candide, New York City Opera),
Jaclyn Huberman (Roberta, Musicals Tonight),
Adam Armstrong (The History Boys, The
Ahmanson Theatre), and
Ted Keegan (
The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway and national tour). The music director is Collin Maier (
Walnut Street Theatre, Act Two Playhouse), the music supervisor is
Stan Tucker (Aida, LoveMusik) the choreographer is
Wendy Seyb (Such Good Friends, The New York Musical Theater Festival), and the associate choreographer
Keith Coughlin (Radio City Christmas Spectacular Detroit Company). The designers for the production include set designer
Beowulf Boritt (Tony Award winning
Jay Johnson: The Two And Only), costume designer
Rebecca Lustig (The Happiness Lecture,
Philadelphia Theatre Company), lighting designer
Joel E. Silver (A Night of Jazz, Apollo Theater) sound designer Dave Pisani (Bright Lights, Big City at the Prince), casting director
Mark Simon (Broadway's 13).
The World Goes 'Round opens to press Friday, September 26, and runs through October 12, with preview performances September 20 – 23. Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm, with matinees on Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm. All tickets are $30 except for Saturday evenings, which are $40. Tickets may be purchased now through UpStages by calling 215 569 9700 or visiting the
Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street or via our website,
princemusictheater.org.
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