TV: Mary Poppins Composer Richard Sherman's Pazzazz!

The world premiere of the supercalifragilistic new original full-scale musical production of Pazzazz! will open at Santa Barbara's Grand New Performing Arts Center on June 21st. The production will star Dale Kristien, Adam Wylie and Alan Rachins with words and music by Milt Larsen and Oscar winning composer Richard M. Sherman (Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).

"Set in colorful New York during the turn of the last century - The story depicts a very young George M. Cohan (Wylie) before he became the 'King of Broadway' and his relationship with two influential vaudeville comedians, whose theatre - The Weber and Fields Broadway Music Hall - was the home to the greatest stars of the day such as Lillian Russell (Kristien) and where New York's social elite were to see or be seen," state press notes. "The success of the Music Hall fused the ruthless syndicate of the time with envy and a desire to put them out of business."

BroadwayWorld's James Sims sat down with Pazzazz! creators Richard Sherman and Milt Larsen at Hollywood's Magic Castle to talk about this brand-new musical and hear a few of the songs, accompanied by Erma, the ghost pianist in residence at the Magic Castle.

Pazzazz! will play the Haugh Performing Arts Center, located at 1000 West Foothill in Glendora from June 13-15 and then at the Granada Theatre, located at 1222 State Street in Santa Barbara from June 20-23. For more information, visit www.pazzazzthemusical.com. And for more from James Sims visit www.simsscoop.com.