By Ernio Hernandez
12 Jul 2004

Randy Skinner, the hoofer behind Broadway's current 42nd Street, has signed on to direct and choreograph a Calamity Jane musical based on the 1953 film starring Doris Day.

Producers Gerald Goehring and Paul Francis Burchett, in association with Douglas C. Evans, have acquired the rights from Tams-Whitmark Music Library, Inc., Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, the Trust of Sammy Fain and Webster Music Company to present the stage musical Calamity Jane stateside and other territories across the globe.

Calamity Jane will feature music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. Skinner will revise the book originally adapted for the stage by Charles K. Freeman, from James O'Hanlon's screenplay.

The story of Calamity Jane tells the tale of Deadwood, South Dakota legends Martha "Calamity" Jane Canary and James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickock. The musical will include such songs as "The Deadwood Stage," "Windy City," "Higher Than a Hawk," "The Black Hills of Dakota" and "Secret Love."

Skinner, a dance assistant on the original staging, provided new choreography for the 2001 revival of 42nd Street. He also worked on Broadway with State Fair (co-direction and choreography) and Ain’t Broadway Grand (choreography). Other credits include Pal Joey, Hello, Dolly! and Strike Up The Band.

For more information on the show, visit www.calamityjaneonbroadway.com.