The classic 1953 M-G-M movie musical, "The Band Wagon," will have a special new shine on its shoes when it premieres in March 2008 in San Diego as a Broadway-aimed stage musical, Dancing in the Dark.
Librettist Douglas Carter Beane (The Little Dog Laughed, Xanadu) told Playbill.com that the one-time Fred Astaire vehicle — about a washed up movie hoofer returning to the stage — is being dramatically deepened for its new life: Characters are fleshed out; additional songs from the catalog of composer Arthur Schwartz and lyricist Howard Dietz have been added; and the retooled plot is a grand homage to the craft and showbiz savvy of late screenwriter-librettists Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
"The difference between this and Xanadu is total," Beane said. "I went into Xanadu going, 'I really dislike this movie — let me try to make it something wonderful,' but with 'The Band Wagon,' I really revere this movie. It's really a beautiful movie musical. And, yet, because I'm a writer and look at it that way, I see that there are faults in it."
Comden and Green wrote the picture's screenplay, but, said Beane, their studio contract ended before work was finished. As adaptor for Dancing in the Dark, Beane draws on the film's existing screenplay; Comden had sent him a copy before she died.
"The thing that drew me to it was the chance to further something of Comden and Green, and really give them their due because I love them so much," Beane said.
Gary Griffin (The Color Purple) will direct the 1952-set Dancing in the Dark (the title is drawn from the famous song by Dietz and Schwartz), to bow at The Old Globe in San Diego March 4-April 13, 2008. Barry and Fran Weissler plan to shepherd it to a commercial future.
The stars — including those playing the respective Astaire- and Cyd Charisse-created roles of Tony Hunter and ballet dance Gabrielle — have yet to be officially announced, though Tony Award winner Beth Leavel recently said she'll play musical comedy writer Lily Marton (created by Nanette Fabray). Adam Heller (Make Me a Song) is expected to play composer-husband Lester Marton (created by Oscar Levant).
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
I hope he includes "Two-Faced Woman" in the show. It's a great number that was, sadly, cut from the movie.
I'm sure many of you have seen "That's Entertainment Part III" where they showed Charisse's deleted version (dubbed by India Adams) side-by-side with Joan Crawford's version from the film "Torch Song" (also dubbed by India Adams). I don't remember who the commentator was for that part but they said the wrong number was cut and I, totally, agree. Crawford's was horrible!
I'd love to see what they can do on the stage with this number and also the "Girl Hunt" on a Broadway stage.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
For me the most notable aspect of this film is its great sense of humour. It is easily one of the funniest movies ever made. I hope that aspect of the film is retained. Of course the score is wonderful too, and--being a great fan of Dietz and Schwartz--I look forward to additional songs from their output.
Good, a screen to stage musical I can be excited about from the onset. I love this movie and I can't wait to see the stage version. Beth Leavel will be perfect in that role.
I killed the boss, you don't think they're gonna fire me over a thing like that!!!!
Interestingly, another Broadway-workshopped DANCING IN THE DARK (with a very different story, not based on THE BANDWAGON) was done at the now-shuttered Lamb's Theater in 1999. It starred (pre-PRODUCERS) Jeffry Denman & Michael Baresse, and had a very tantalizing and interesting premise. I'm very sorry not to have seen it.
I wouldn't consider anybody other than Denman for this new BANDWAGON based DANCING IN THE DARK.
I think the new title seems mis-leading. There's also a Bjork movie with the same title. I think they should just switch it back to the old title, or pick something else that's less - uh...cheesy?
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
Neddy, I wouldn't call Griffin's direction "pedestrian". He is a competent director but hasn't showed much inspiration with his direction of Color Purple and Apple Tree. Since this is a dancing show, I can only hope the Weissler pick a first rate choreographer for the task - although I'm not sure who's available...
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
If Beth Leavel goes to Broadway with this show, that means she probably won't get to originate Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot on Broadway... and she would be SO SO freaking fantastic at that role.
I would be SHOCKED if Hayden Gwynne is not asked to reprise her role as Mrs. Wilkinson on Broadway. Her performance was one of the best musical theatre performances I have seen in recent years. Beth Leavel should stick to Dancing In The Dark where she gets to originate another role rather than reprise a role that was originated by someone else, albeit in London.
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
It would be nice to see Christopher Gattelli get a shot at this. Although he's been working alot lately, they're mostly shows with "musical staging", and i think he has much more to offer. I'd love to see him spearhead a great big dance musical !
Beth Leavel- writer/ actress Lily Patrick Page- director Jeffrey Adam Heller- writer Les Sebastian LaCause- choreographer Paul Mara Davi- dancer/ actress Gabrielle
I'm so glad Beth is landing new gigs already post-DROWSY.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Scott Bakula has been announced as the lead. I know he can sing but can he dance? This is a Weissler produced show so there is reason to worry (These are the same Weisslers who cast Melanie Griffith as Roxy!)
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
The idea sounds like it could be marvelous, but in some way, it seems to negate the whole point of The Bandwagon- Adding too much drama and reading far too much into what is intended to be a lighthearted and fun piece just winds you up in disaster.
It's like writing "Norma Shearer for the win!" in a Joan Crawford biography.