Two hobos, snobby Sir and capable Cocky, play "The Game Of Life" in The Roar Of The Greasepaint, The Smell Of The Crowd, Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse's 1965 musical. Along the way, the authors take satirical jabs at politics, religion, economics, race relations and love.
Now Park Forest audiences can play the game right along with them, as Illinois Theatre Center revives this concept musical, Dec. 5-21. Familiar tunes in the eclectic score include "Who Can I Turn To?" and "On A Wonderful Day Like Today."
Alan Ball stars in Greasepaint as Cocky, while David Six, an ITC veteran, portrays Sir. Also in the cast are Christine Ronna, Ty Perry, Carly Morgan, Kari Ball, Kevin Heckman, Rob Janas, and Sarah Pace.
Pete Thelen directs and choreographs, with musical direction by Jonathan R. Billig.
Newley & Bricusse's first Broadway hit was Stop The World -- I Want To Get Off. They went on to do the film scores for Willie Wonka And The Chocolate Factory and Doctor Dolittle. Bricusse is the librettist/lyricist for the Frank Wildhorn musical, Jekyll & Hyde. For tickets and information on The Roar Of The Greasepaint -- The Smell Of The Crowd at the Illinois Theatre Center in Park Forest call (708) 481-3510.
-- By David Lefkowitz