The Group Rep presents
THE GHOST OF GERSHWIN
A new old-Fashioned Musical
Music by Wayland Pickard
Book by Doug Haverty based on an idea “The Ghost of Gershwin” by Wayland Pickard
Lyrics by Laura Manning & Wayland Pickard
Directed by Jules Aaron
In the Group Rep’s closing production of its 40th Season, we are lucky to have the world premiere of a fantastic new musical, THE GHOST OF GERSHWIN, directed by the fabulous Jules Aaron. With wonderful new music by Wayland Pickard, the award-winning composer, actor, director, producer and entertainer, the book by uber talented Doug Haverty, and lyrics by Laura Manning, Wayland Pickard and Doug Haverty, whew, what more could we ask for!!!
It’s current day Brooklyn and we meet Grant (Andrew Bourgeois), a music aficionado who can write a new song at the drop of a hat, but who is haunted by the music of George Gershwin. Not only is he haunted by the music, but when an old piano is found in the basement of the building where Grant lives, (which is purported to be one that Gershwin used to play), George Gershwin (Daniel Lench) actually appears. Or the Ghost of Gershwin appears. Gershwin’s advise: “Life is what matters. Take time to develop relationships. We don’t know how much time we really have.”
This romantic musical brings us back to the music of the 1930s and 1940s. There are song and dance numbers galore that remind us of that period of our history when actors and artists lived in apartment buildings together and would burst into song. Coronelia (Suzy London) is our building manager who finds the piano and is forced by management to pressure Grant to pay his rent, and Mel (Jean Altadel) is the feminine “handywoman” who has “eyes” for Grant. But Grant only has eyes for Nessa (Emma-Jayne Appleyard) the blond bombshell who is Grant’s ex-girlfriend who left him at the alter. She, however, ran away with and married, Grant’s Manager, Dennis (Gregory Guy Gorden). Wilfred (Kyle Bares) choreographer extraordinaire, guides Nessa through audition after audition. Everyone sings and dances through the storyline. How fun is that??? Great fun and thoroughly entertaining.
Each and every actor in this great new musical gives us everything we want in a musical, and with the direction by Jules Aaron, amazing music and lyrics by Wayland Pickard, Laura Manning and Doug Haverty, fantastic storyline by Doug Haverty, AND terrific choreography by Michele Bernath, we have a perfect evening. Once again, Chris Winfield, along with Jules Aaron creates a fabulous set. Each member of this crew brought their A game. All this talent in one show!
Singing and dancing…you will be singing these new songs all the way home, and dancing your way back to see THE GHOST OF GERSHWIN again and again. This show is on its way to becoming a classic. Another great evening of theatre in the NoHo Arts District. Congratulations, to the Group Rep for a wonderful 40th season of fantastic theatre. Onward to your 41st Season.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!
Cast: Jean Altadel, Emma-Jayne Appleyard, Kyle Bares, Andrew Bourgeois, Gregory Guy Gorden, Daniel Lench, and Suzy London
Director: Jules Aaron
Choreographer: Michele Bernath
Producers for the Group Rep: Richard Alan Woody & Leah Shaw
Musical Director / Orchestrator: Wayland Pickard
Assistant Director: Lloyd Pedersen
Assistant Musical Director: Paul Cady
Set Design: Chris Winfield & Jules Aaron
Lighting Design: J. Kent Inasy
Costume Design: Angela M. Eads
Sound Design: Steve Shaw
Public Relations: Nora Feldman
Marketing: Ben Goldberg
Graphic Design: Art & Soul Design
Program: Drina Durazo
The Lonny Chapman Theatre
10900 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Runs: May 9 – June 22, 2014
Plays: Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sunday Matinees at 2pm
Talk-back Sundays with cast after show – May 18th & June 22nd
Tickets/Info: www.thegrouprep.com or 818-763-5990
Tickets: $15 - $22 (Admission: $22; Senior/Student: $17; Group 10+: $15)
Running Time: 1 hr. 50 mins. There will be one 15 intermission
Parking: Ample street parking on Burbank Blvd. and on Cleon Ave south of Burbank Blvd.