Jimmie Rodgers, a new country musical featuring the songs of "Singing Brakeman" Jimmie Rodgers, set to open at Seattle Repertory Theatre in February 1997, has been cancelled.
The musical, with a book by Mark Harelik, was supposed to star Keith Carradine, famed lead of The Will Rogers Follies.. But "legal entanglements" between the show's originators scuttled the project, and now Seattle Rep will be presenting the Graham Greene-based comedy, Travels With My Aunt, instead.
Artistic director Daniel Sullivan put the typical best face on the situation. "While it is with sadness that we must replace Jimmie Rodgers, The Rep looks forward to future artistic partnerships with long-time Rep friend, Keith Carradine." Of Giles Havergal's piece, Sullivan said, "After the incredible journey through the epic drama of The Cider House Rules, patrons will find much pleasure in the complimentary humor of Graham Greene's adventurous comedy."
David Saint will direct the comedy of a timid English banker and his wild Aunt Augusta, beginning Feb. 22 and opening Feb. 26. The run is scheduled through March 29, 1997.
It's the second major change in the Seattle Rep lineup in the last two weeks. It was announced recently that Tommy Tune had withdrawn as director-choreographer for The Royal Family of Broadway, a new musical opening there in April 1997. Another replacement is being sought. For tickets and information on Travels With My Aunt, call (206) 443-2222.
-- By David Lefkowitz
