Movin' Out boasts most of its original lead cast — who have taken breaks here and there, but returned — including Tony Award nominees John Selya, Elizabeth Parkinson, Keith Roberts, Ashley Tuttle, Michael Cavanaugh as well as Scott Wise and Benjamin G. Bowman.
"I am so proud to have been a part of this landmark production. As important as the creation of the show, a wonderful family has been created here," lead producer James L. Nederlander stated in a release. "Long after the final performance, the memory of this show will live in the new standard of excellence and commitment they have set."
The work surpassed previous dance-heavy long runs on Broadway edging its mark in theatre history past Fosse (which stands at 1093) and Contact (1010). Movin' Out — along with Mamma Mia and the recent Jersey Boys — are among the few musicals which feature a score from an existing catalogue to have outshined or outlasted the continuing "jukebox" onslaught. Tharp is currently at work on another piece in the same vein The Times They Are A-Changin' — which uses the work of Bob Dylan.
Producers of the Broadway run — James L. Nederlander, Hal Luftig, Scott E. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Clear Channel Entertainment and Emanuel Azenberg — also present the still-running national tour which launched Jan. 26, 2004. The New York show returned its $10 million capitalization in late 2004, according to production spokespersons.
The bookless show uses Joel's song lyrics and Tharp's choreography to craft a story of five friends and lovers across three decades through love, war and loss. There is no dialogue and all songs are performed by the pianist-singer, who sings non-stop and heads an on-stage band during the show. Following a tryout at Chicago's Shubert Theatre, Movin' Out officially opened on The Great White Way Oct. 24, 2002 following previews since Sept. 30. The new show took home the Tony Awards for Best Choreography (Tharp) and Orchestrations (Joel and Stuart Malina).
The design team includes Santo Loquasto (sets), Suzy Benzinger (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) with Brian Ruggles and Peter Fitzgerald (sound).
The songlist includes many of Joel's hit songs and even interpolates some of his classical work. "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" functions as a sort of overture, introducing the characters. The story kicks off with "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and moves through other songs as the popular "We Didn't Start the Fire," "Big Shot," "Uptown Girl" and "Captain Jack," as well as more obscure early work like "James," "Summer, Highland Falls," and "Angry Young Man." As a final curtain coda, Cavanaugh belts out the apropos "New York State of Mind."
For more information on the Broadway and national tour stagings of Movin' Out, visit www.movinoutonbroadway.com.
