The score (at least in early previews) begins with the title tune, "Bounce," which is reprised twice during the show. It also includes a song called "Gold!," one of the former titles of the musical. The biggest chorus number appears to be the second act's "Boca Raton," which is sung by painter Salvador Dali, golfer Bobby Jones, opera singer Enrico Caruso, film star Mae West and various sportmen, fashion models and yachtsmen.
The song list follows:
Act I
"Bounce," Wilson and Addison Mizner
"Opportunity," Papa, Addison, Wilson, Mama
"Gold!," Prospector Wilson, Mama, Addison, Alaskans
"Gold!," Poker Players
"What's Your Rush?," Nellie
"Next to You," Addison, Wilson, Mama
"Addison's Trip Around the World," Addison, Salesman, Guatemalans, Servants
"What's Your Rush?," Wilson, Mrs. Yerkes
"Alaska," Mrs. Yerkes, Wilson
"New York Sequence," Wilson, Nellie, Reporters, Photographer, Ketchel, Armstong, Jockey, Gamblers, Policeman, Wilson's Women
"The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," Wilson, Nellie
"Isn't He Something?," Mama
"Bounce," Addison
Act II
"The Game," Addison, Nellie, Wilson, Promoter
"Talent," Hollis
"You," Addison, Hollis, Aristocrats
"Addison's City," Hollis, Wilson, Addison, Nellie
"Boca Raton," Boca Girl, Sportsmen, Fashion Models, Yachtsmen, Caruso, Salvador Dali, Wilson, Addison, Nellie, Hollis, Prospector, Varmints, Bobby Jones, Mae West, Princess Ghika, Chorus
"Last Flight," Addison, Wilson
"Bounce," Wilson, Addison
* For the generations who learned from Sondheim and Prince that musicals could be as ambitious and experimental — and entertaining — as your imagination allowed, the reunion of the duo after an artistic separation of more than 20 years is akin to a pop-music fan's fantasy of, say, the return of Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Beatles, Elvis and Buddy Holly (all in one concert). Sondheim and Prince's last collaboration was 1981's Merrily We Roll Along.
Bounce is inspired by the lives of the colorful American capitalists and con artists, the Mizner brothers. John Weidman (Sondheim and Prince's collaborator on Pacific Overtures) wrote the libretto of the musical, which has been in development for several years under different producers and in different versions.
The Bounce company of 19 actors, singers and dancers is led by Gavin Creel, Richard Kind, Herndon Lackey, Howard McGillin, Michele Pawk and Jane Powell in the principal roles. The Goodman Theatre production opens June 30 (with a press preview June 29) and continues performances to Aug. 10.
The show is a said to be a genuine musical comedy, a broad-strokes vision of American ideals and passions, much of it centered on the idea of reinventing yourself (and earning dough).
"Bounce launches its characters into a turn of the century American whirlwind, a time of limitless adventure and boundless opportunity for those who have the energy and audacity to seize them," according to Goodman production notes. "Bounce follows the adventures of brothers Addison (played by Richard Kind) and Wilson (played by Howard McGillin) Mizner, taking to heart the advice of their papa, Lansing Mizner (played by Lackey), a man who never missed an opportunity, and Mama Mizner (played by Powell), who bankrolled their first chance to get rich quick. It's the story of American men and women willing to take risks to grab their piece of the dream, of women like Nellie (played by Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk), a Gold Rush dance hall girl who marries well, again and again. It's the story of resilience and invention, of America's ability to 'bounce.'"
The ensemble includes Sean Blake, Marilyn Bogetich, Tom Daugherty, Jeff Dumas, Deanna Dunagan, Nicole Grothues, Rick Hilsabeck, Jeff Parker, Harriet Nzinga Plump, Jenny Powers, Craig Ramsey, Jacquelyn Ritz and Fred Zimmerman.
Designers are Eugene Lee (sets); Miguel Huidor (costumes); Howell Binkley (lighting); Duncan Edwards (sound). Musical director is David Caddick. Michael Arnold is choreographer. Robert Nassif handles dance arrangements.
The Goodman Theatre's world premiere of Bounce plays the Goodman's Albert Theatre. Tickets range $40-$60 and may be purchased at the Goodman Theatre Box Office, 170 N. Dearborn, or may be charged by calling (312) 443-3800. For more information, visit www.goodman theatre.org.
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The musical will play the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, in November. The two-stop trajectory of the show is likely leading to a Broadway bow sometime in 2003-04.
