The Betty Comden-Adolph Green-Jule Styne musical about a Hollywood dreamer will be directed by Suzanne Adams, choreographed by Christine Schwalenberg and music-directed by Jessica Stewart.
This is part of the troupe's "Closing Notice" series offering songs and truncated libretti of shows that were flops, had short commercial runs or may not be revived. Cy Coleman's I Love My Wife (1977) will be presented in May-June.
The cast of Fade Out — Fade In includes Sarah Cooney, Hector Coris, Brian DeCaluwe, Warren Freeman, Sarah Lilley, Jean McCormick, Patrick John Moran, Lawrence Street, Rob Ventre and Lexi Windsor.
According to ODTC notes, "Originally starring Carol Burnett and Jack Cassidy, Fade Out — Fade In is a delightful romp in Hollywood through the eyes of an eager young usherette who dreams of becoming a star. Playfully parodying classic Hollywood musicals, this classic Broadway show opened on May 26, 1964 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. Cassidy earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical."
The score includes "The Usher From the Mezzanine," "Go Home Train," "It's Good to Be Back Home," "You Mustn't Feel Discouraged," "My Fortune Is My Face," "Call Me Savage" and more. Rising star Burnett left the show early due to illness, was replaced, the show shut down and then restarted with Burnett in 1965, but by then the momentum was gone and the producers lost their shirts. The musical with book and lyrics by Comden and Green and music by Styne fell into obscurity, despite a cast album (released on CD in recent years).
All shows are at 7 PM. Opening Doors presents at The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street. Tickets are $20 plus a two-drink minimum ($15 Actors' Equity and MAC members) and must be purchased in advance. Tickets may be purchased through www.ODTConline.org or by calling (212) 868-4444. Visit www.TheDuplex.com.
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Opening Doors Theatre Company "is a New York City-based, non-profit performing arts ensemble committed to developing an eclectic mix of programming through the artistic collaboration of performers as well as playwrights, composers, directors and designers, and providing opportunities for new talent to be seen and heard." The company was formed in 2006 by Suzanne Adams (artistic and managing director), along with Hector Coris (associate artistic director) and Eric Martin (production manager).
For the "Closing Notice" series, Opening Doors "respectfully presents these scores with the understanding that — unsuccessful or not — the creators poured their craft, guts and love into the work and they deserve to be heard once again — live on stage. The focus is on the score with a truncated book.
The Closing Notice series began in December 2006 with a presentation of Bring Back Birdie (2007 MAC Award nomination - Outstanding Variety Production/Recurring Series), followed by It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman! (March 2007). Those were followed by the 50th anniversary presentation — and first ever revival — of 1957's Whoop-Up; Flora the Red Menace; The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and Goldilocks.
