The South Coast Repertory (SCR) production of songwriter Randy Newman's new musical, The Education of Randy Newman, has been extended through July 9. Previews began May 26 for the world premiere musical, a through sung work conceived by Newman, composer-arranger Michael Roth and dramaturg Jerry Patch. The show opened June 2 and was originally scheduled to run through July 2.
Myron Johnson will direct the show, based on Henry Adams' turn-of-the century book, "The Education of Henry Adams," as its model. The story follows a Newmanesque Everyman from childhood in Louisiana to his arrival and adult years in Los Angeles.
The cast for includes Jordan Bennett, Gregg Henry, Sherry Hursey, John Lathan, Allison Smith, Scott Waara and Jennifer Leigh Warren. With the exception of Gregg Henry, the production marks the SCR debut for the entire ensemble.
The creators of the show have cobbled together those selections of Newman's catalog that they felt best depict the "life of an American artist in the last half of the 20th Century." With words and music by Randy Newman, The Education of Randy Newman was conceived by Michael Roth (who provides musical direction, vocal arrangements and orchestrations), Jerry Patch and Newman.
The design and production team comprises set designer Ralph Funicello, costume designer Judith Dolan, lighting designer Donald Holder, projection designer John Boesche, and sound designer Francois Bergeron. The piece features an operatic style, yet incorporates such Newman standards as "Dixie Flyer," "Follow The Flag," "Jolly Coppers on Parade," "Roll With The Punches," "Love Story," "Rednecks," "Birmingham," "Louisiana 1927" and "Kingfish."
The musical had a four-day workshop at South Coast in April 1999. Performers who took part in the workshop included Billy Porter, Kathleen Wilhoite, Jennifer Leigh Warren, Paul McCrane (Roundabout's The Country Girl), Gregory Jbara (Damn Yankees, Victor/Victoria), Cortes Alexander and Sherry Hursey.
Composer Newman has also written film scores for "Ragtime," "The Natural" and "Toy Story" and has recorded many pop albums including "Sail Away," "Twelve Songs" and "Land of Dreams."
Newman's previous musical, Faust, has seen several incarnations at such venues as La Jolla Playhouse, in 1995, and the Goodman Theatre, in 1996. Michael Greif directed both productions. The Kennedy Center planned to mount a new version of it in February 2000, but those plans fell through.
Tickets range from $23-$52. South Coast Rep is located at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, one block east of the South Coast Plaza at the Bristol Street exit of the San Diego (405) Fwy. For tickets call (714) 708 5555.
-- By Murdoch McBride
