Baby - Next Neglected Musical
Neglected Musicals will present the Maltby and Shire musical BABY at Hayes Theatre Co playing four performances from Monday 20 June, 2016.
Directed by Neil Gooding this 1983 Tony Nominated Broadway Musical is about three couples, each newly expecting a child, with very different but familiar reactions
Neglected Musicals presents musical theatre that has never or rarely been seen in Australia. Presented with scripts in hand, and with piano accompaniment after only a day’s rehearsal.
“I am enormously excited to finally get the chance to explore this fantastic musical,” said director Neil Gooding. “It is a show that I have always loved, with some iconic songs that became beloved anthems to an entire generation of performers. Whilst it is a show of its time, its themes are still relevant, and it is truly due for another outing. I can’t wait to see what this incredible cast are going to be able to produce on stage”
The Broadway production, directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. and choreographed by Wayne Cilento, opened on December 4, 1983 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 241 performances and 35 previews.
Lizzie and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, have had some trouble conceiving. Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do, contemplating a termination, while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby. Throughout the show these characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, the desperate lows and the comic highs that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.
The cast will feature Bronte Florian (CROSSxROADS, Company) as Lizzie, Luke Joslin (Les Misérables, Annie) as Nick, Katrina Retallick (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Ruthless) as Arlene, David Whitney (Fiddler on the Roof, Love Child) as Alan and Rowan Witt (Les Misérables, Dog Fight) as Danny.*
“I played the original Broadway cast (on cassette tape) of BABY until it snapped and when I revisited the songs for this production they are all still there in my head – every word,” said producer Michelle Guthrie.
“There are musicals like BABY that were so popular in their time and then disappear; I am so grateful that we get to see this show again.”
Previous Neglected Musicals presentations; NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY, GIRL CRAZY, SEE SAW, MY FAVORITE YEAR, SHE LOVES ME, NICK AND NORA, ON THE 20TH CENTURY, LUCKY STIFF, VARIATIONS, SUPERMAN, DEAR WORLD and THE GOODBYE GIRL.
Neglected Musicals is not for profit, where the participants are volunteers. All proceeds from ticket sales fund the next Neglected Musical.
BABY
Based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz
Originally Directed on Broadway by Richard Maltby Jr
Produced on Broadway by James B Freydberg and Ivan Bloch
Kenneth John Productions Inc., Suzanne J Schwartz
In association with Manuscript Productions
Presented by Neglected Musicals Pty Ltd
By Arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia
Directed by Neil Gooding
Musical Director Steven Kreamer
Producer Michelle Guthrie
Monday 20 June at 2pm & 7.30pm
Tuesday 21 June at 7.30pm
Wednesday 22 June at 7.30pm
Four performances only
at Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point
Tickets $42
Bookings via the Neglected Musicals website, Hayes Theatre Co website or by calling 02 8065 7337
*cast is subject to change