Directed by Kent Gash, the Sondheim-John Weidman musical will begin previews at the Massachusetts theatre Aug. 26 with an official opening set for Aug. 28. The production — which has already played the Cincinnati Playhouse and Atlanta's Alliance Theatre — will run through Sept. 14.
Raul Aranas heads a company that also includes Ronald M. Banks, Eric Bondoc, Billy Bustamante, Steven Eng, Natalie Gray, Mikio Hirata, Jason Ma, Allan Mangaser, Tony Marinyo, Alan Muroka, Zany Pohlel, Randy Reyes and Erwin G. Urbi. The creative team comprises M. Michael Fauss (musical director/conductor), Darren Lee and Francis Jue (choreographers), Neil Patel (scenic designer), William Grant III (lighting designer), Paul Tazewell (costume designer), Gerard Kelly (wig designer), John A. Stone (sound designer), Yutiko Doi (cultural advisor/movement coach) and Drew Fracher (fight choreographer).
In a statement North Shore Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell said, "It is a rare pleasure to be part of the creation of an original production of Pacific Overtures. By forming a partnership with Cincinnati Playhouse and the Alliance Theatre, we have been able to work with experts in Eastern culture, movement and theatre to give NSMT audiences the unique opportunity to experience this style of musical theatre. If anyone is interested in musical theatre, they will be interested in this production."
Pacific Overtures debuted at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre on January 11, 1976, and ran for 193 performances. Originally directed by Hal Prince, the work features a book by John Weidman and additional material by Hugh Wheeler. Pacific Overtures was voted Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics' Circle and also earned nine Tony nominations, winning two: Best Costume Design (Florence Klotz) and Best Scenic Design (Boris Aronson). Sondheim's score includes "The Advantages of Floating in the Middle of the Sea," "There Is No Other Way," "Four Black Dragons," "Chrysanthemum Tea," "Poems," "Welcome to Kanagawa," "Someone in a Tree," "Lion Dance," "Please Hello," "A Bowler Hat," "Pretty Lady" and "Next."
Tickets for Pacific Overtures — $26-$63 — are available by calling (978) 232-7200. The North Shore Music Theatre is located at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA. Visit www.nsmt.org for more information.
