Ray Roderick News

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, a production coming to PPAC March 19 - 22, held auditions on October 25, 2008 to find six local children to appear in the chorus of the show for its Providence run. The audition included learning a dance from the show - taught on-site - in addition to each child singing a song of their choice; more than 80 talented children turned out for the audition, which took place at PPAC. The show's producers have selected Andrew Purdy, of Franklin, MA; Eric Halvarson, of Cranston; Rebekah Philip, of Rehoboth, MA; Carolina King and Virginia King, of Clayville; and Fifer Horwitz of Tiverton as the regulars, and Daniel Perkins, of Bellingham, MA and Maddie Crump, of Norfolk, MA as the boy and girl alternates.

Goodspeed Musicals, under the leadership of Michael P. Price, is pleased to announce the 2009 musical season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn. The 46th season includes three extraordinary musicals that are sure to delight theatregoers: the dazzling Broadway song and dance extravaganza 42nd Street will run from April 17 - June 28; the second production, the Tony Award-winning Camelot will run from July 10 - September 19; and completing the season is the zany adventure A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, featuring such memorable classics as 'Comedy Tonight,' which will run from September 25 - November 29.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, the fantasmagorical Broadway musical, launches its First National Tour at Ft. Lauderdale's Broward Center for the Performing Arts for a limited two week run November 19 through November 30, 2008.

Based on the novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features the music and lyrics by the Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins. The national tour also features an original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick.

Using 64 of Berlin's enduring and popular favorites, I Love A Piano captures the spirit of America from the ragtime era of the early 20th century through the swinging elegance of the 1920's and 30's. From the songs that inspired a nation through the Great Depression to the innocent optimism of the 1950's, I Love A Piano embarks on an enduring journey through musical heaven. Timeless classics, such as 'Puttin' On The Ritz,' 'There's No Business Like Show Business,' 'Change Partners,' 'How Deep Is The Ocean,'God Bless America,' and 'White Christmas,' do more than identify the music of a generation, they define the music of our country. The show will be presented by Eva Price of Maximum Entertainment, Off-Broadway Booking, and Lawrence Toppall.

Based on the timeless novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features the music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins. The national tour also features an original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG boasts a score, including 'Truly Scrumptious,' 'Toot Sweets,' 'Hushabye Mountain,' and the Oscar nominated title song, 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.'

Transport Group, the winner of a special 2007 Drama Desk Award and a 2007 Obie Award, has announced its 2008-09 season: Bury the Dead, written by Irwin Shaw and directed by Joe Calarco, and Being Audrey, music and lyrics by Ellen Weiss, book by James Hindman, additional book and lyrics by Cheryl Stern, developed with Jack Cummings III and Adam R. Perlman, and directed by Jack Cummings III.

'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' to launch national tour on November 18th.

Westchester Broadway Theatre's production of the colorful circus musical Barnum opens on May 11th

Threepenny Opera star Jim Dale, the original Tony-winning star of Barnum, stopped by rehearsals of the upcoming Westchester Broadway Theatre production of the musical

The Westchester Broadway Theatre will present the brassy Cy Coleman/Michael Stewart musical Barnum from May 4th through July 8th, with an opening set for May 11th