Think of the delay as a kind of assurance that the fairway will be in proper condition. The creators of the Off-Broadway musical revue are continuing to refine the show.
"We're getting incredible response and encouragement from audiences and the golfing community," said producer Eric Krebs, in a statement. "We're taking advantage of previews by adding, dropping, rearranging and shuffling around songs and skits to get the production where we want it. This is a very important process in creating a show that satisfies musical theatre buffs as well as golf pros and enthusiasts of the sport."
The revue that "celebrates the fun, frustration, elation and humor of the popular sport" has music and lyrics by Michael Roberts, with direction and choreography by Christopher Scott. Previews began Oct. 8.
The cast includes two-time Tony nominee Joel Blum (Steel Pier, Show Boat) as well as Trisha Rapier (tours of Forbidden Broadway, The Who's Tommy), Christopher Sutton (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) and Sal Viviano (The Full Monty, Chicago). The show's musical director is Ken Lundie.
Golf: The Musical plays Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM at The John Houseman Theater Center's 74-seat downstairs Studio Theater A at 450 W. 42nd Street. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased in person, at www.telecharge.com or by phone at (212) 239-6200.
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Among songs heard in previews are "A Show About Golf," ""The History of Golf," "Who Plays Celebrity Golf?," "Scratch Golfer," "Plaid," "The Golfer's Psalm," "Tiger Woods," "A Great Lady Golfer," "Let's Bring Golf to the Gulf," "My Husband's Playing Around," "The Golfing Museum," "The Road to Heaven," "No Blacks, No Chicks, No Jews," "The Ballad of Casey Martin," "Pro Shop Polyphony," "Golf's Such a Naughty Game," "Presidents and Golf," "The Beautiful Time," "I'm Going Golfing Tomorrow."
Songwriter Roberts has composed scores for documentaries and the feature film, "Love Walked In." A protégé of Rupert Holmes, Roberts worked with Holmes to create music for the AMC television series, "Remember WENN." In addition, he has toured with Herman's Hermits, Bobby Sherman, Joan Rivers, Lesley Gore and currently serves as musical director for The Broadway Kids.
Designers are James Joughin (set), Bernard Grenier (costume) and Aaron Spivey (lighting).
Director Christopher Scott acted on and Off-Broadway in productions of Meet Me in St. Louis, The Fantasticks, Bent and Twilight of the Golds. His directing credits include numerous productions for AMAS Musical Theatre, Theatreworks/USA, NYU/Collaborative Arts Project CAP21 Studio and The Broadway Kids.
