New Musical The Road to Qatar Premieres in TX Oct. 9

By Adam Hetrick
October 9, 2009

Brian Gonzales and Lee Zarrett star in the world premiere of The Road to Qatar, which begins performances at the Lyric Stage of Irving Texas Oct. 9.

Stephen Cole (After the Fair, The Night of the Hunter) penned book and lyrics for the musical that features a score by David Krane. The musical was inspired by Cole and Krane's true-life saga of writing a new musical for Middle Eastern audiences.

Phillip George directs the production with musical direction by David Caldwell. Performances run through Oct. 24.

Brian Gonzales (Fiorello, Spelling Bee) appears as Michael (Cole) and Lee Zarrett (Spelling Bee) as Jeffrey (Krane) with Jill Abramovitz (Funny Girl, Fame Becomes Me), Bill Nolte (The Producers) and Bruce Warren.

The Road to Qatar tells the true story of Cole and Krane, who simultaneously received e-mails stating, "We want you write musical. How much?" The e-mails were only the beginning of the journey of two Americans commissioned to pen a musical aiming to premiere in the Middle East.

According to press notes, the musical offers the "true journey that introduced the two 'short Jews' to an alien world of camels, deserts and crazy Egyptian theatrical producers. During the course of this sensational Arab adventure, Stephen and David starred in their own personal Bob Hope-Bing Crosby 'road picture' that took them to Dubai, Qatar, London, Bratislava and back to the USA after writing and presenting a huge original musical for the Emir of Qatar and one thousand of his invited guests. When they returned, they had no other choice but to write their story in the only way they knew how: as a musical! The names have all been changed, but the story is totally true."

The Road to Qatar has scenic and costume design by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, lighting design by Susan A. White and sound design by Bill Eickenloff.

Composer Krane penned incidental and dance music for the films of "Chicago" and "Nine," as well as for Broadway's Kiss of the Spider Woman and the revival of Oklahoma!

Performances take place at the Irving Arts Center's Dupree Theater, located 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. For tickets phone (972) 252-2787 or visit LyricStage.