Wednesday, May 18, 2005
"As Thousands Cheer" opens The New Harmony Theatre's 2005 season
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With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and sketches by Moss Hart, "As Thousands Cheer" was the hit musical of the 1933 Broadway season. The fast-paced revue opens The New Harmony Theatre’s 2005 season Friday, June 10. Its light-hearted take on tabloid journalism and the American obsession with celebrity is no less topical – or hilarious – in 2005 than it was in Depression-era New York. "As Thousands Cheer" combines some of Berlin’s greatest songs, including “Easter Parade,” “Heat Wave,” and “Suppertime,” with Hart’s sharp and witty sketches in an innovative newspaper format, with headlines such as “Prince of Wales Engaged,” “Rockefellers Build Radio City,” and “Josephine Baker in Paris.” Stars of the 1930’s romp through the headlines, and no page is left unturned: Hart’s topics range from world affairs to photos of the rich and famous, from comic strips and the weather page to advice for the lovelorn. Of a 1998 Drama Dept. revival, Playbill wrote: “Moss and Berlin’s satirical look at publicity-hungry people who manipulate their public image may have been written in 1933, but it certainly looked as if it were written in 1998 and, we wager, will look contemporary far into the future.” Berlin’s song, “Through A Keyhole” bears that out with a lyric that perfectly applies to 21st century tabloid journalism: “If you'd like to get the in on the latest bit of sin, have a look/Life is like an open book through a keyhole/If you'd like to get a view, view of who is cheating who, have a look…” “It was Hart’s idea to exploit the newspaper and tabloid fever of the day,” Artistic Director Scott LaFeber writes in his program notes. “Berlin happily agreed and the show, today, displays both men’s genius – not only for great writing and songs, but supporting that common cliché, ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same.’” The ensemble cast includes Dennis Clark, Taryn Eisenberg, Markeisha Ensley, Aaron Kaburick, and Glenn White. This is White’s third season at The New Harmony Theatre. Audiences will remember him from NHT’s popular production of "Godspell" in 2001. He and the rest of the cast will portray Depression-era personalities such as Joan Crawford, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, socialite Barbara Hutton, and President Herbert Hoover. Music director and pianist James Bassi, scenic designer Mary Kay Samouce, costume designer Shan Jensen, light designer Jessica Trundy, sound designer Andrew Moberley, and production stage manager Sarah Bierenbaum make up the artistic team. Production underwriting for As Thousands Cheer was provided by Fifth Third Bank. Earl S. and Bridget M. McDaniel provided underwriting for ensemble member White. Underwriting for music director/pianist Bassi was provided by John H. and Linda Willis. Robert A. and Carole D. Rust provided underwriting for scenery. Wal-Mart provided costume underwriting. As Thousands Cheer runs June 10-26 at The New Harmony Theatre, Murphy Auditorium, 419 Tavern Street, in New Harmony, Indiana. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays. There will be an additional matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Tickets are $24, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups. For tickets, call 877/NHT-SHOW or go to www.newharmonytheatre.com. NHT’s 2005 season also includes the world premiere of a new play by Thom Thomas, "A Moon to Dance By," July 8-24, and Neil Simon’s "The Odd Couple" July 29-August 14. Season tickets are $55 with discounts for seniors, students, and groups. |
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