Now that elections are over, we can shift our focus to more pressing national matters, like theater! This week’s Countrywide Guide shines the spotlight on a superb Chicago production of Sunday in the Park with George, a world-premiere musical by Julie Andrews, a Dreamgirls revival and more.
CHICAGO, IL
Jason Danieley & Carmen Cusack Don Their Sunday Best
Broadway favorite Jason Danieley teams up Wicked tour alum Carmen Cusack in a riveting new interpretation of Sunday in the Park With George at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Anchored by their insightful, original and beautifully sung performances as George and Dot/Marie, Gary Griffin's production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical is immensely moving and fresh. The extended run ends on November 11, so act quickly!
HOLLYWOOD, CA
Loretta Swit and Harry Hamlin Survive A Big November Crash
Two-time Emmy winner Loretta Swit (M*A*S*H) and Golden Globe nominee Harry Hamlin star as a sister and brother who survive a plane crash in the world premiere of One November Yankee. The play, which pieces together the siblings' story from past to present, is written and directed by Joshua Ravetch. Don’t miss your chance to see these two sex symbols live at NOHO Arts Center, November 13 through January 5, 2013.
ARLINGTON, VA
Love, Love Me Baby! Dreamgirls Lights Up the Stage
The smash hit Broadway musical-turned-Oscar-winning motion picture Dreamgirls begins a limited run at Virginia’s Signature Theatre on November 13. Dreamgirls charts the ups and downs of a Motown-era girl group in the 60s and 70s and features the unforgettable tunes “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and more. Led by local star Nova Y. Payton as big-voiced diva Effie White, the production is set to run through January 6, 2013.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Jennifer Hope Wills and Jeffrey Coon Find Love in The Music Man
Fall in love anew with charming con man Harold Hill and Marian the Librarian in Walnut Street Theatre's revival of the Tony-winning classic The Music Man. Philly actor Jeffrey Coon teams up with Broadway leading lady Jennifer Hope Wills (The Phantom of the Opera) for a production featuring two teams of local children as Hill’s marching band. The Music Man and his 76 trombones will dazzle audiences through January 6, 2013.
CHESTER, CT
Julie Andrews Directs The Great American Mousical
Watch out Mickey and Minnie, there are new mice in town! Oscar winner Julie Andrews returns to Goodspeed to direct a developmental production of The Great American Mousical, a musical based on her children's book. This love letter to musical theater features a script by Tony nominee Hunter Bell and stars Tony nominee Emily Skinner as Adelaide, the mouse diva in an acting troupe that inhabits a famous Broadway theater. This family-friendly tuner runs at the Norma Terris Theatre November 8 through December 9.