Broadway and Long Wharf Theatre veteran John Tillinger is at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre this summer spending time timing Spending. That is, Tillinger has directed the world premiere of the Broadway-bound romantic comedy, Getting and Spending, which opened Aug. 1 and plays through Sept. 5.
Michael Chepiga's play is now scheduled to begin previews Oct. 2 at the Helen Hayes Theatre, last occupied by The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Why the Hayes? Because Spending co-producer Martin Markinson owns the venue. Originally scheduled for Oct. 15, the official opening has now been shifted to Oct. 20.
Though Karen Allen had originally been mentioned for the lead in Michael J. Chepiga's play, Linda Purl is now in the role. Purl's stage credits include stints at Long Wharf, Williamstown, South Coast Rep and the Mark Taper Forum.
She's been joined at the Old Globe by fellow Spend-ers Kali Rocha (An Inspector Calls), Derek Smith, MacIntyre Dixon (1776, Twigs, Forum), Debra Mooney, David Lansbury and James Morrison. It's not known yet whether the Broadway cast will be the same.
Designing the show were James F. Noone (set), Michael Krass (costumes), Kevin Adams (lighting) and Jeff Ladman (sound). Among Tillinger's recent credits include Broadway revivals of The Sunshine Boys and Inherit The Wind.
Getting and Spending can be considered something of a flip-side to Other People's Money. Here, a Wall-Street hotshot gives all her riches to the poor and homeless. The problem? She made her killing via illegal insider trading. To the rescue comes a nationally recognized attorney -- who's just on the verge of taking monastery vows.
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Two new musicals are scheduled to open at the Old Globe Theatre in fall 1998: Paramour, based on Jean Anouilh's Waltz of the Toreadors, book and lyrics by Joe (Cabaret) Masteroff and music by Howard Marren, Sept. 26-Oct. 31; and an adaptation of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, Nov.22-Jan.3, 1999.
For tickets to shows at the Old Globe Theatre call (619) 239-2255.
