Arena Stage Presents Maureen McGovern in A Long and Winding

As part of the Arena Presents series, Maureen McGovern comes to Arena Stage with A Long and Winding Road, an entertaining and introspective theatrical concert based on her recent album of the same name. Co-conceived and written by McGovern and director Philip Himberg, with musical direction by Jeffrey D. Harris and production design by Clifton Taylor, A Long and Winding Road is a tribute to the early works of Jimmy Webb, Carole King, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Paul McCartney and other ground-breaking singer/songwriters from the 1960s and ‘70s.

Produced in cooperation with Huntington Theatre Company, this powerful performance features the songs "The Times They Are A-Changin'," "The Circle Game," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?," "Imagine," "Fire and Rain" and many more. A Long and Winding Road runs March 27-April 12, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The press opening is Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.

"At this time in my life, looking back, what interested me most were those introspective singer/songwriters who influenced my musical coming of age on the way to ‘The Morning After,'" says McGovern. "I started out as a folk singer in the late ‘60s, so it was an emotional journey for me to go back and explore this particular section of my musical influences. The concert takes us on a vivid journey back to a time when everything was possible and people set out to change the world."

Artistic Director Molly Smith observes, "Maureen McGovern has the kind of voice you never forget. In this intimate show, she shares her personal perspective on her years growing up and into her talent. These songs and stories take us back to a time many will remember dearly, and it's a true pleasure to share an evening with her."

These songs have become "the second half of the Great American Songbook," notes The New York Times, which praises A Long and Winding Road as "a captivating musical scrapbook from the 1960s to the early ‘70s. Ms. McGovern is blessed with a vocal technique second to none."

Maureen McGovern's 37-year career includes Grammy nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Best Traditional Pop Vocal," Grammy Award for "Best Musical Recording for Children," Oscar-winning Gold Records "The Morning After" (Billboard #1) and "We May Never Love Like This Again." In addition to the current PS Classics release A Long and Winding Road, other critically acclaimed musical tributes include her Gershwin, Arlen, Rodgers, Marilyn and Alan Bergman CDs. Broadway credits include: Little Women, The Musical (2005 Drama Desk Award nomination as Marmee), The Pirates of Penzance, Nine, 3 Penny Opera and the recent first national tours of Little Women, The Musical and The King and I. Off-Broadway: Brownstone (originated the role of Mary). Regional: Elegies, Dear World, Letters From 'Nam (originated the role of Eleanor Bridges), The Lion in Winter, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Of Thee I Sing, Let 'Em Eat Cake, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, I Do! I Do! and The Bengal Tiger's Ball (composed the music, co-created and starred). Features: Airplane! (guitar strumming nun) and The Towering Inferno. Video: DreamWorks animated Joseph: King of Dreams.

For more information, please visit www.maureenmcgovern.com and the Maureen McGovern "Works of Heart" Foundation at www.worksofheartfoundation.org.

 

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi

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