Conrad Prebys News

Broadway veteran Obba Babatundé is set to star as Sammy Davis, Jr. in the world premiere of Sammy, Old Globe Executive Producer Lou Spisto announced today. The new musical is based on the life of Davis with book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, and additional songs by Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The First Wives Club - A New Musical will extend its run by an additional week due to popular demand. The Broadway-bound musical features a book by Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes and a score by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. Directed by Francesca Zambello with choreography by Lisa Stevens and music direction by Ron Melrose, The First Wives Club will now run through Aug. 30.

The Tony Award-winning Old Globe will host its annual Gala on Saturday, August 1, in celebration of the world premiere musical The First Wives Club. The event is co-chaired by Sandra Redman and Debra Turner and is the Globe's largest annual fundraiser, celebrating the achievements of the year as well as supporting the institution's education programs.

Executive Producer Lou Spisto announced that the Edgerton Foundation's New American Play Award has been granted to The Old Globe in support of the world premiere of Sammy. The $75,000 award will allow for an extension of the rehearsal period of Sammy, a new musical based on the life of Sammy Davis, Jr. with book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

Executive Producer Lou Spisto today announced that the Edgerton Foundation's New American Play Award has been granted to The Old Globe in support of the world premiere of Sammy. The $75,000 award will allow for an extension of the rehearsal period of Sammy, a new musical based on the life of Sammy Davis, Jr. with book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Directed by Keith Glover, Sammy will run in the Old Globe Theatre Sept. 19 ? Nov. 8, 2009. (The cast and creative team have not yet been announced.)

Executive Producer Louis G. Spisto today announced the appointment of Adrian Noble as Artistic Director of The Old Globe's 2010 Shakespeare Festival celebrating the theater's 75th anniversary season. One of the theater's most respected and sought-after directors, Noble will oversee the Festival and direct two of the three productions presented in repertory. Noble succeeds Resident Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak who will leave his post in September to pursue independent directing opportunities. The annual festival will run from June 12 through September 26, 2010.

The Old Globe Executive Producer Lou Spisto has announced the cast and creative team of Charles Ludlam's gothic spoof, The Mystery of Irma Vep. Jeffrey Bender and John Cariani are a 'cast of thousands,' taking on the roles of Lady Enid, Lord Edgar, Nicodemus Underwood - and a mummy - among many others. Directed by Henry Wishcamper.

Lou Spisto, Executive Producer of the Tony Award®-winning Old Globe, is pleased to announce the grand opening gala for the new Conrad Prebys Theatre Center on December 7, 2009. The evening will include a special performance by South Pacific stars, Kelli O'Hara and Paulo Szot, with musical direction by Ted Sperling, and will officially open the new Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre.