 |
Dreamgirls
September 12 – 21, 2008
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyer
Music by Henry Krieger
Director
Ron Kellum
Choreographer
Marvin Thornton
Musical Director
Don LeMaster
|
September 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 - 8:00 p.m.
September 14, 21 - 2:00 p.m.
Dreamgirls is loosely based on Diana Ross and “The Supremes”, with the R&B style that helped America get through the turbulent 1960s and early 70s. It follows the rise of a trio of women – Effie, Deena and Lorrell – who have formed a promising group called “The Dreamettes.” At a talent competition, an ambitious manager names Curtis Taylor, Jr. offers them the opportunity of a lifetime: become back-up singers for headliner James “Thunder” Early. Curtis gradually takes control of the girls’ look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as “The Dreams.” That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether.
Though the Dreams become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined. Dreamgirls won six Tony Awards in 1982, and four Drama Desk Awards. The motion picture was released in December of 2006 featuring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, and American Idol’s Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for playing the role of Effie!
2009 Season
January 16-25, 2009
Book, Music & Lyrics by Willy Russell
Director - Nick DeGruccio
Musical Director - Don LeMaster
Blood Brothers, written by the author of Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, is a haunting rags to riches tragedy of our times. A woman with numerous children to support surrenders one of her new born twins to the childless woman she cleans for. The boys grow up streets apart, never learning the truth but becoming firm friends and falling in love with the same girl. One prospers while the other falls on hard times. A narrator warns that a price has to be paid for separating twins: the life of the blood brothers who die on the day they find out they are related. Whether it is a child's inherent nature or the way he is nurtured that determines his fate is at the crux of the storyline. Nominated for 6 Tony Awards.
"There are so many good things to shout and sing about in this new musical." -Daily Mail.
"Deeply moving." -London Broadcasting. "Totally beguiling." -City Limits.
"A full bodied musical, a wonderful melodrama that is also a thoroughly modern ballad opera." -Wall Street Journal.
May 8-17, 2009
Book & Lyrics by George Haimsohn Music by Robin Miller
Dames at Sea is an engaging, tap-dancing musical comedy satire, which affectionately spoofs the 1930's Busby Berkeley backstage films. The original production was an Off-Broadway sensation propelling its leading lady, Bernadette Peters, into musical theatre stardom. The plot parodies such classic films as 42nd Street. A would-be chorus girl arrives in New York with only a pair of tap shoes in her suitcase and a prayer in her heart - to win stardom in a big Broadway show. Love blooms, taps fly, and confusion reigns as the show leads to a hilarious climax. "Broadway Baby," "Good Times are Here to Stay," "Dames at Sea," and "Let's Have a Simple Wedding" are among the hit songs of this fun musical.
"An instant hit." -UP "A winner! A gem of a musical!" -N.Y. Times
Outer Circle Critics Award as best musical of the year.
Chosen best musical of the year by Time, Look, Newsweek, and N.Y. Post.
September 25– October 4, 2009
Music & Lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock 'n' roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized '50's setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, these classic tunes defined the golden age of rock with hits from Elvis, the Drifters, Dion, the Coasters, Ben E. King and many other pop legends. Smokey Joe’s Café isn't just great pop music - it's compelling musical theatre. Join us as the rollicking song and dance party at Smokey Joe’s Café rocks onto the stage at San Diego Musical Theatre. Winner of 5 Tony Awards
"Leiber and Stoller are the Rodgers and Hammerstein of rock'n'roll." -Cousin Brucie, WCBS-FM
"To the baby-boom generation, the songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are as sacrosanct as George Gershwin is to their parents." -The New York Times
"Blissful!" -WABC-TV "Smokin'!" -Star Ledger "Wildly infectious!" -New York Daily News
