Article Source: Glasgow Music Theatre
Last Updated: 18 January 2017 15:39
This rare Broadway classic has charmed and delighted audiences for generations, and now makes its way to Glasgow for the first time in years.
With only twenty-four hours of shore leave, earnest sailor Gabey (Andi Denny), his cocky companion Ozzie (Kris Morrison) and their disciplined friend Chip (Ross McNally) have just two things on the brain: exploring Manhattan, and finding love. Joined by sassy cab driver Hildy (Christina Leon) and paleontologist bombshell Claire (Julie Henery), the boys scour the city for adventure and Gabey’s dream date: the seemingly glamorous ‘Miss Turnstiles for June’, Ivy Smith (Hazel Mears).
Inspired by Jerome Robbins’ ballet FANCY FREE, ON THE TOWN features breathtaking, intricate choreography by Dance Glasgow’s Marion Baird, whose previous work includes Glasgow Music Theatre’s lauded productions of A CHORUS LINE, SUNSHINE ON LEITH, and COMPANY (***** The Skinny). Both dance and dialogue are set to composer Leonard Bernstein’s soaring and energetic score, one which rivals his much-loved work on WEST SIDE STORY. Featuring show-stopping classics LUCKY TO BE ME, I CAN COOK TOO, LONELY TOWN and, of course, NEW YORK, NEW YORK (A HELLUVA TOWN), the soundtrack is one of Bernstein’s best.
Following its Broadway success, ON THE TOWN was adapted for the big screen, with Oscar-winning results. The film, starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, is often considered one of the greatest films of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and one of the best cinematic musicals of all time.
Performer and playwright Andi Denny steps into Gene Kelly’s shoes as Gabey, a role he has dreamed of since his schooldays in Dumbarton and Motherwell.
“I’ve been a big fan of old musicals since I was a little boy, and On the Town always stood out. That first production was legendary for being so fearless and progressive. Even now, the show’s like an Old Hollywood fever dream: it has a sophisticated energy and charm about it that you don’t see often enough these days. We’ve never needed that more than in 2017.”
Despite over a decade in theatre and professional training, Denny attributes his progress to Glasgow Music Theatre, the production company that first cast him in WEST SIDE STORY six years ago.
“I was an actor,” he insists. “I was not a dancer, or a singer, and I was a bit of a nervous wreck. If you’d told me then that I’d be following in Gene Kelly’s footsteps, even for a week, I would have laughed, and then probably cried in fear. But GMT is all about finding potential and nurturing it, so that’s what they did.”
“Watching this incredibly talented cast in rehearsals, though, I can’t see a single weak link,” he laughs, “which means it’s probably still me.”
Tickets £10 - £15, available from the Box Office: www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk
For more information, visit www.glasgowmusictheatre.co.uk
www.facebook.com/glasgowmusictheatre
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