By Matthew Blank
11 Mar 2008

Dancing in the Dark, a new stage adaptation of the MGM picture The Band Wagon, kicked off its world-premiere production March 4 at The Old Globe in San Diego.

With an official opening scheduled for March 13, the show features music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Howard Dietz, drawn from their songbook of tunes written for various films and revues in the 1930s. The original screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green has been revamped for the stage by playwright Douglas Carter Beane.

Dancing in the Dark stars Tony Award nominee Scott Bakula in the Fred Astaire role of Tony Hunter. The principal players also include Sebastian LaCause as modern-dance choreographer Paul Byrd, Mara Davi as modern dancer Gaby and Patrick Page as artsy legit director Jeffrey Cordova. Tony Award winner Beth Leavel and Adam Heller are featured as the musical comedy writing team of Lily and Lester Marton. Gary Griffin directs.

The Old Globe is located at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. For more information visit www.TheOldGlobe.org.

Here is a glimpse at the production, which runs through April 13:

Patrick Page, Mara Davi and Scott Bakula with the ensemble

Beth Leavel and Adam Heller

Scott Bakula and Mara Davi (center) with the ensemble

Mara Davi and Scott Bakula

All photos by Craig Schwartz