Since the heyday of The Magic Show and Merlin, Broadway stage illusions have essentially submerged into whatever big-budget musical required dazzling special effects. But now, producers are readying a new musical that will again put magic front and center.
As reported by Theatrical Index and confirmed by the Boneau/Bryan-Brown press office, Blackstone, based on the life of magician Harry Blackstone Sr., will have a brief road tour with the hopes of arriving on Broadway August 2000. Rehearsals reportedly begin March 5, 2000.
The musical will feature a book by Ivan Menchell, author of the Broadway comedy The Cemetery Club, and lyrics by Side Show's Bill Russell. Grant Sturiale, who penned the tunes for Patricia Birch, who choreographed Parade and choreographed and co-directed Band in Berlin, will choreograph Blackstone, to be directed by Leslie Reidell.
Teri Mitze will produce.
-- By David Lefkowitz
