YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, TUTS' Free Summer Treat, Set for 7/17-22

As the temperatures keep climbing and the days inch closer to July, the Houston Theatre Scene is starting to buzz with anticipation of Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) annual summer treat, their FREE production at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. This year, TUTS is presenting a musical, Yankee Doodle Dandy, based on the life of George M. Cohan, who was notoriously known as "the man who owned Broadway."

George M. Cohan is one of the most important figures in the development of the musical genre-an American art form. In fact, he more-or-less invented what modern audiences think of when they think of musical theatre. He was born on July 3, 1878 in Providence, Rhode Island. His parents were Jeremiah and Helen "Nellie" Cohan, vaudeville actors. He and his sister eventually become partners in their parents vaudeville act, performing as "The Four Cohans." While a teenager, George M. Cohan wrote vaudeville songs and skits, but by 20 he performing, writing, and managing his family's business. Cohan went on to write over 40 musicals and plays, which have been performed on Broadway. He also composed and wrote lyrics for over 500 songs, produced 128 theatrical productions, appeared in five films, and 3,400 live performances. One of his greatest achievements was receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1941 for his patriotic anthem "Over There." He passed away on November 5, 1942.

The book for the rousing Yankee Doodle Dandy is written by David Armstong, Executive Producer and Artistic Director of Seattle's celebrated 5^th Avenue Theatre, and James A. Rocco, Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director for St. Paul's Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The score to the show is made up of George M. Cohan's best known numbers, including hits such as "Give Me Regards to Broadway," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and "Over There," with additional music and lyrics written by Albert Evans.

The show, originally titled Yankee Doodle Dandy!, had its premiere at the 5^th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington in 2004. It was reworked and performed in 2008 at the Ordway Center for the Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both of the previous productions were cherished and celebrated by theatre patrons, who enjoyed the high-energy tap dances and the familiar tunes. However, critics were lukewarm to the productions, noting that it is aesthetically pleasing and bound to be a commercial success, but lacking in the artistry of musical theatre. One critic in St. Paul complained that scenes were simply designed as hooks for the musical numbers, but lauded that the most compelling and interesting parts of the show were the accurate biographical portrayals of George M. Cohan.

Since its last production in 2008, its writers have worked the show on again. They have prepared a book that is full of heart while maintaining honesty and integrity. Unlike the 1942 James Cagney film by the same title, David Armstrong and James A. Rocco do present the low points of George M. Cohan's life, which only serve to make the high points that much sweeter and more remarkable. From everything I have read, it seems that Armstrong and Rocco have a deep adoration for Cohan and pull their story from the biographies they have read, which is why they capture a more honest portrayal of the man than the film does.

Having been allowed to read a working script for the upcoming reworked production, all I can say is that TUTS will be delivering a powerhouse blockbuster of a hit this summer at The Miller Outdoor Theatre. The show reads well, maintaining solid pacing and keeping entertainment value at its heart.  The book authentically allows for the lead actors the opportunity to dazzle audiences with stellar dance numbers and vibrant vocals. The show also seems to adeptly employ the use of a narrator, which I personally feel will make the show that much more interesting. Most importantly, it is abundantly obvious that this will be a show the whole family will enjoy and love!

Yankee Doodle Dandy will run at the Miller Outdoor Theatre from July 17 to July 22, 2012. FREE tickets are available at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office on the same day as the performance between 10:30am and 1:00pm. Any remaining tickets will be available one hour before curtain. If you can't get a ticket, bring a cozy blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show from the Miller Theatre lawn! Or, if waiting in line for a ticket is not something you want to do, for each $50 tax-deductible donation to TUTS, the organization will set aside two reserved tickets under the covered pavilion. Please be aware that any unfilled seats will be released to the general public at 8:00pm each night. To make a donation and have a reserved seat, please contact Seth Malin at 713-558-2656 or seth@tuts.com.

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