Following a world premiere at San Diego's Old Globe, the Tharp-created musical featuring Dylan's songs will begin previews Sept. 25 and open Oct. 26 at the Brooks Atkinson.
"The greatest compliment I can give is that something moves me. Bob Dylan moves me," said Tharp in a release. "The Times They Are A-Changin' is what I see now when I listen to Dylan's music." Dylan counters with "I have no talent for flattery whatsoever, but Twyla's artistry knocks me out. Her production of The Times They Are A-Changin' is the best presentation of my songs I have ever seen or heard on any stage. It had a hold over me from start to finish."
James L. Nederlander, Hal Luftig/Warren Trepp, Debra Black, Terry Allen Kramer, Patrick Catullo and Rick Steiner will present the work on Broadway.
Movin' Out creator Tharp directs and choreographs the new work which ran at the Old Globe Theatre from Jan. 25, then extended twice, through March 19.
Arden (Big River, Swimming in the Shallows, Bare) and Sesma (Man of La Mancha, Nick & Nora, La Cage Aux Folles) appeared in the Old Globe run opposite Jenn Colella (Urban Cowboy, Slut) in the role now played by Manuel (Rent, Brooklyn, Once Around the Sun). Selya is joined in the ensemble by Lisa Gajda (Spamalot, Movin' Out), Charlie Hodges (Movin’ Out), Luke Longacre (The Frogs), Jason McDole, Jonathan Nosan and Ron Todorowski. Alex Brady, Lisa Brescia, Marcus Choi, John Herrera, Alaine Kashian, Keith Kuhl, Marty Lawson, Joseph Putignano and Jason Wooten complete the company. Billed as "a fresh exploration of the timeless tale of a young man's coming of age," The Times They Are A-Changin' is "set within a low-rent traveling circus run by Capt. Ahrab (Sesma), whose wagon hasn't moved from its location in some time — though not by lack of effort from his ragtag band of clowns and performers," according to previous production notes. "One such circus performer is Cleo (Manuel), a young woman exploited by Capt. Ahrab and loved by his son, Coyote (Arden). Coyote longs for a world outside the confines of the family business, and as the circus show plays out, he must decide whether to flee or stay, and if he does stay, how to inspire change within the troupe."
The design team for The Times They Are A-Changin' features Santo Loquasto (scenic and costume), Donald Holder (lighting) and Peter Hylenski (sound). Musical direction is by Henry Aronson. Orchestrations are by Dylan and Michael Dansicker — who also provides musical adaptation and supervision.
Tickets for The Times They Are A-Changin' at the Brooks Atkinson, 256 West 47 Street will be available for pre-sale to American Express Priority cardholders July 12 and go on sale to the general public Aug. 6. The Brooks Atkinson Theatre Box Office will open for sales Sept. 10. For more information, visit the show's website at www.timestheyareachangin.com.
