Inspired by true events, the musical tells the story of an ambitious father (played by Ragtime Tony Award nominee Friedman) who promotes his untalented daughters as a singing group in the 1970s. The show plays PH's Mainstage Theater, where it opens June 7.
The Shaggs — with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Gregory and Madsen; and story by Gregory, Madsen and John Langs — is set in Fremont, NH, in the late 1960s, when a working-class dad (Friedman) "has a vision of rock 'n' roll destiny for his three talentless daughters" (Hood, Sokolovic and Walton). According to PH notes, "[He's] convinced they're his family's one-way ticket out of hardship and obscurity. But the girls have ideas of their own — and as their father's ambition turns to obsession, the price of familial obligation becomes all too clear."
Here is a look at the show:
Co-creator John Langs directs. The limited engagement will play through July 3.
The production features choreography by Ken Roht, scenic design by Mimi Lien, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Geoff Korf and sound design by Darron L West. Orchestrations are by Gunnar Madsen and musical direction is by Aaron Gandy. Production stage manager is Lori Lundquist.
The performance schedule for The Shaggs is Tuesdays at 7 PM, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 PM & 8 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM. Single tickets, at $75, may be purchased online via TicketCentral.com, by phone at (212) 279-4200 (Noon-8 PM daily), or in person at the Ticket Central Box Office, 416 West 42nd Street (between Ninth & Tenth Avenues).
There will be an added performance on Monday, June 6 at 8 PM.
For more information about the not-for-profit co-producers, visit www.playwrightshorizons.org or www.nytw.org.