CARSON - THE MUSICAL Workshop Set for September; Creator Henry Bushkin Wins Book Lawsuit

Showbiz411 writes that CARSON - THE MUSICAL creator Henry Bushkin won a lawsuit today brought by Bruce Singer, Sharon Stone's brother-in-law, who had claimed he was owed money from sales of Bushkin's book about Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show.

Singer argued in court that he and Bushkin were partners, but the judge ruled they were not.

"Bruce and I were great friends," Bushkin said, expressing regret about the incident.

Showbiz also reports that Bushkin's CARSON - THE MUSICAL, based on his book about the late-night host, is getting ready for a workshop in September. No word yet on casting.

An equity listing from last year confirmed that Doug Katsaros is writing the music and lyrics with Jamie Malanowski. Malanowski will also write the book with Bushkin. Tricia Brouk is set to direct and choreograph, with Joe Maker offering musical direction.

As previously reported, Joan Rivers is among the 22 other roles to be cast, as well as Bushkin, Carson, Carson's wife Joanna, producer Freddie de Cordova, Ed McMahon, and guests Carl Sagan and Don Rickles. The Equity listing further revealed that Carson's family and subsequent wives will also be included in the lineup of characters, as well as Fred Silverman, Arthur Clouseau and more.

NBC's TONIGHT began in 1953 with host Steve Allen. Johnny Carson hosted THE TONIGHT SHOW for 30 years, having received six Emmy Awards, the Governor's Award and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987 and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992, seeing a Kennedy Center Honor the following year. Carson stepped down as host in 1992, when he passed the torch to Jay Leno.