|
 |
"One White Dress": New Fierstein-Bucchino Musical A Catered Affair Opens on Broadway
By Andrew Gans
17 Apr 2008
 |
|
Leslie Kritzer and Faith Prince in A Catered Affair.
|
| photo by Jim Cox | A lavish wedding ceremony is the cause of family turmoil in the new Harvey Fierstein-John Bucchino musical A Catered Affair, which officially opens at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre April 17.
Previews began at the Kerr March 25 following an acclaimed, extended engagement at San Diego's Old Globe.
The production — directed by Tony-winner John Doyle — began previews at the San Diego venue Sept. 20, 2007, with an official opening Sept. 30; originally scheduled to run through Oct. 28, the limited run was extended several times, eventually ending Nov. 11. The California engagement garnered the new musical seven San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Awards, including one for Outstanding New Musical.
Fierstein, who was last on Broadway in the revival of Fiddler on the Roof, stars in the small cast of Catered Affair as Uncle Winston. He is joined by Tony winner Faith Prince as Aggie Hurley (mother of the bride), Tom Wopat as Tom Hurley (father of the bride), Leslie Kritzer as Janey Hurley (the bride) and Matt Cavenaugh as Ralph Halloran (the groom). Also in the company are Philip Hoffman (Mr. Halloran and Sam), Katie Klaus (Alice and Army Sergeant), Heather MacRae (Delores and the Caterer), Lori Wilner (Mrs. Halloran) and Kristine Zbornik (Myra and the Dress Saleswoman). Jennifer Allen, Britta Ollmann and Matthew Scott are understudies.
|  | |
Tom Wopat, Faith Prince and Harvey Fierstein
|
| photo by Jim Cox |
The marriage-minded musical (based on the Paddy Chayefsky TV film and movie) is directed by Tony winner Doyle, who helmed the actor-musician Broadway revivals of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Company. Constantine Kitsopoulos is the show's musical director; orchestrations were penned by Jonathan Tunick.
The design team comprises David Gallo (sets), Ann Hould-Ward (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lights), Dan Moses Schreier (sound), Zachary Borovay (projections) and David Lawrence (hair).
According to press notes, "Funny, heartbreaking and oh so human, A Catered Affair reveals relationships strained to their limits when a couple must decide whether to spend their life savings on a family business or to launch their only daughter's marriage with a lavish catered affair. Harvey Fierstein's book and John Bucchino's score seize the opportunity to explore the meaning of family and the need for love, both new and reawakened."
The musical is based on the Turner Entertainment motion picture distributed by Warner Brothers and written by Gore Vidal, and the original teleplay by Paddy Chayefsky.
The cast recorded the show's score April 7 for the PS Classics label. A May 27 release date for the CD, which is being produced by PS Classics co-founder Tommy Krasker, is expected. Song titles include "Partners," "Ralph and Me," "Married," "Women Chatter," "No Fuss," "Your Children's Happiness," "Immediate Family," "Our Only Daughter," "One White Dress," "Vision," "Don't Ever Stop Saying 'I Love You'," "I Stayed" and "Coney Island."
A Catered Affair is produced on Broadway by Jujamcyn Theaters, Jordan Roth, Harvey Entertainment/Ron Fierstein, Richie Jackson, Daryl Roth, John O'Boyle/Ricky Stevens/Davis-Tolentino, Barbra Russell/Ron Sharpe in association with the Frankel-Baruch-Viertel-Routh Group, Broadway Across America, True Love Productions, Rick Steiner/Mayerson-Bell-Staton-Osher Group, Jan Kallish, Stacey Mindich and Rhoda Mayerson.
Show times are Monday-Saturday at 8 PM with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM. Beginning May 5 show times will be Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday-Saturday at 8 PM with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.
Tickets, priced $29.50-$119.50 with premium seats for $179.50 and $199.50, are available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com.
The Walter Kerr Theatre is located in Manhattan at 219 West 48th Street.
 |
|
A Catered Affair stars: (clockwise from front) Matt Cavenaugh, Leslie Kritzer, Lori Wilner, Harvey Fierstein, Philip Hoffman, Tom Wopat and Faith Prince.
|
| photo by Jim Cox |
Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy
Send questions and comments to the Webmaster
Copyright © 2008 Playbill, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|