What Did Critics Think of New William Finn Musical The Royal Family of Broadway? | Playbill

The Verdict What Did Critics Think of New William Finn Musical The Royal Family of Broadway? Harriet Harris, Laura Michelle Kelly, Will Swenson, and Chip Zien star in the world premiere that opened June 13 at Barrington Stage.
Arnie Burton, Laura Michelle Kelly, Hayley Podschun, Harriet Harris, Holly Ann Butler, Will Swenson, and Kathryn Fitzgerald Daniel Rader

The Royal Family of Broadway, the new musical from composer-lyricist William Finn and book writer Rachel Sheinkin, officially opened June 13 at Barrington Stage. The project reunites the writers who previously collaborated on The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee, which premiered at Barrington prior to its Broadway arrival.

The world-premiere musical is adapted from George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber’s 1920 play The Royal Family, which concerns three generations of Cavendishes—a theatrical family loosely based on the legendary Barrymore family.

Directed by Tony winner John Rando and choreographed by Tony nominee Joshua Bergasse, performances continue through July 7.

Read reviews below. Check back for updates.

The Berkshire Eagle (J. Peter Bergman)

The New York Times (Jesse Green)

The Times Union (Steve Barnes)

The Wall Street Journal (Terry Teachout)

The Westfield News (Mark G. Auerbach)

The company is headed by Arnie Burton (Machinal) as Bert, Kathy Fitzgerald (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Kitty Dean, Alan H. Green (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Gil, Tony Award winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Fanny, Olivier Award winner Laura Michelle Kelly (Mary Poppins) as Julie, Hayley Podschun (Hello, Dolly!) as Gwen, AJ Shively (Bright Star) as Perry, Tony nominee Will Swenson (Waitress) as Tony, and Chip Zien (Falsettos) as Oscar.

A Sneak Peek at the World Premiere of The Royal Family of Broadway

 
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