Broadway Bound ENTER LAUGHING Featuring Jill Eikenberry, Richard Kind, Kate Shindle, et al. Opens at Bay Street 8/9

ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, the hilarious Broadway-bound production, will be the third Mainstage show of Bay Street Theatre's 20th Season from August 9 - September 4, in Sag Harbor. Featuring a book by the legendary Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), music and lyrics by Stan Daniels ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Taxi").

ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, features a cast of Broadway and television favorites including Jill Eikenberry ("L.A. Law," Into The Woods), Josh Grisetti (Broadway Bound), Richard Kind (The Producers, Sly Fox), Kate Shindle (Wonderland) and Michael Tucker ("L.A.Law"). ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical is produced and presented by Bay Street Theatre by special arrangement with Dan Whitten (Jacques Brel..., Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Jersey Boys) and Tiger Theatricals in Association with Carl Reiner (Grammy Award and twelve-time Emmy Award-winner; (Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen) who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel on which the musical is based.

The celebrated production, with direction and musical staging by Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid, Radiant Baby) and music direction by Phil Reno (Promises, Promises and The Drowsy Chaperone) is produced by special arrangement with Dan Whitten and Tiger Theatricals in Association with Carl Reiner, played a critically-acclaimed run at Off-Broadway's York Theatre in 2008 with The New York Times raving "Hilarious! Josh Grisetti delivers a smashing comedic performance with a gung-ho supporting cast, nutty songs and witty staging. It works so well." The Daily News said "I cannot remember when I have laughed as hard and as uncontrollably," and the New York Post calling it "The funniest tuner to hit town since The Producers. You may not enter the theatre laughing, but once there you're guaranteed not to stop."

After the initial limited Off-Broadway production returned to The York for a second limited engagement, producer Dan Whitten announced that he will bring the show to Broadway. The production plays at Bay Street Theatre before continuing on its journey to Broadway.
Joseph Stein first adapted Reiner's novel in 1964 when it enjoyed a successful Broadway run starring Alan Arkin. The musical adaptation was originally presented on Broadway in 1976 starring Robert Morse with the title So Long 174th Street.

Set in 1930's, ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical tells the story of young, hapless David Kolowitz, a shop boy from the Bronx who pursues his dream of becoming a leading man on stage while facing mounting pressures from his despondent girlfriend, dismissive boss, distracted best friend, disgusted acting coach and disapproving parents. The Bay Street Theatre production of ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical will also feature Gina Milo, Erick Devine, Eric
Mann, Paul Binotto, Gerry McIntyre, Betsy DiLello, Emily Shoolin, Ray DeMattis and Phil Reno. The production features scenic design by James Morgan (Molly Sweeney), costumed design by David Toser (Oh Coward!), lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington (Chicago), and sound design by Tony Melfa (Talley's Folly).

"I started laughing one minute after the curtain went up on Enter Laughing, The Musical, and continued laughing for hours after the curtain came down," says Carl Reiner. "I deeply appreciate the creative talent who succeeded in immortalizing my youth."

"Working with Carl Reiner and Joe Stein has been a wonderful and humbling experience," says producer Dan Whitten, "I'm very grateful that two men of their legendary talents can be so human, approachable and supportive."

More information can be found at www.EnterLaughingTheMusical.com or www.BayStreet.org.

Tickets for ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical are available by calling the Bay Street Theatre Box Office at 631-725-9500 or log on to www.baystreet.org. Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm with matinees Wednesdays at 2 pm (8/17, 8/24, 8/31) and Saturdays at 4 pm (8/20, 8/27). Tickets are $65 - $75. The first preview performance on 8/9 is "Pay What You Can," which will be available at the Box Office after 2 pm.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to innovative educational programs that highlight the power of live theater. It is our mission to be an artistic haven for an extended family of artists and audience, while continuing to provide a gathering place to share in the unique collective theatrical experience.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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