Dream a Little Dream, Mamas and the Papas Musical, Resurfaces in FL; Casting Announced
By Kenneth Jones
30 May 2008
Dream a Little Dream, The Nearly True Story of The Mamas and The Papas, the new musical about one of the most influential singing groups of the '60s, will make its East Coast premiere starting June 26 in a production by Florida Stage in Manalapan in Florida.
"The musical group that created and defined the Folk Rock sound comes to life in this funny, sad, uplifting and heartbreaking story" co-written by Denny Doherty (of The Mamas and The Papas) and Paul Ledoux.
Performances continue to Aug. 31.
Michael Barnard directs with musical direction by Christopher McGovern.
According to Florida Stage, "Dream a Little Dream chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of one of the most important singing groups of contemporary times. A group that created a new style, interweaving gorgeous melodies and tight intricate harmonies with a melding of traditional folk music and the new sounds of '60s rock 'n' roll. The Mamas and The Papas were the first group to knock The Beatles from the number one spot on the Billboard charts."
Expect to hear "California Dreamin'," "Monday Monday," "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Words of Love," "Creeque Alley," "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and more.
Dream a Little Dream, according to production notes, was first conceived as a one-man show starring Denny Doherty and directed by Paul Ledoux. It premiered at White Point Resort in White Point Nova Scotia in fall 1996 and was produced in Toronto, Ontario, by Dream a Little Dream Productions, in association with Lou Adler in 2001 and then in an Off-Broadway production produced by Eric Nederlander in 2003.
The new large-cast, fully staged production premiered at Phoenix Theatre in Phoenix, AZ, directed by Michael Barnard in 2007. The Florida Stage production is the second production of the "fully realized" piece.
The cast includes Alisa Schiff as Cass Elliot; Christine Hope as Michelle Phillips; Kyle Harris as Denny Doherty; Michael Sample as John Phillips; Stephen G. Anthony as Doherty; Shane Jacobsen (ensemble), Liz Kimball (ensemble) and Eli Zoller (Ensemble).
The creative team include scenic designer Mark Pirolo, lighting designer Michael Eddy and costume designer Connie Furr-Soloman.
Doherty (co-writer) rose to fame as the lead singer of The Mamas and The Papas. He was a proud Canadian, returning to his home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to host the CBC variety series "Denny's Sho." He stayed and launched a new career in theatre, film and television including his role as The Harbormaster in the internationally acclaimed children's series, "Theodore Tugboat," and his collaboration with Ledoux on the solo musical Dream a Little Dream. He toured the show extensively from 1996 until 2007. The Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Ledoux (co-writer) is one of the most produced creators of musical theatre in Canada. Among his 37 produced plays are Fire (with David Young), The Secret Garden, Hot Flashes, Still Desire You (with David Young and Melanie Doane) and Paris Before The Crash (with John Roby), a new musical about The Lost Generation.
For more information call the Florida Stage box office at (561) 585-3433 or (800) 514-3837 or visit www.floridastage.org.
*
Florida Stage "develops and produces new plays in a passionate, intimate and caring environment, adhering to a standard of uncompromising excellence."
Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy
Send questions and comments to the Webmaster
Copyright © 2008 Playbill, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|