Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie and former Show Boat leading man Mark Jacoby will star in a limited run of a new musical based on the life of artist Norman Rockwell beginning May 17.
Simply titled Rockwell, the new work will also star Fosse's Stephanie Pope, Ragtime's Jim Corti and Chris Grabher. Created by the sister team of Eileen Bluestone Sherman (book and lyrics) and Gail C. Bluestone (music), the musical was inspired by Rockwell's autobiography "My Adventures as an Illustrator." The upcoming production boasts direction from TV veteran Conrad John Schuck and choreography by former New York City Ballet dancer Robert La Fosse. The remainder of the creative team comprises Joshua Sherman (set and costume design), Jason Cina (lighting design) and Eddie Guttman (musical direction) with Jared Coseglia serving as the assistant director.
In addition to her Tony-winning work as Cassie in the original production of A Chorus Line, McKechnie's numerous theatrical credits include Follies; State Fair; How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; The Education of Hyman Kaplan; On the Town; Promises, Promises; and Company.
Mark Jacoby received a Tony nomination for his role as Gaylord Ravenal in the Hal Prince revival of Show Boat and earned a Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in Sweet Charity. His other theatrical credits include the title role in The Phantom of the Opera as well as The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Nine and Robert and Elizabeth.
Stephanie Pope played the role of Velma Kelly for nearly two years throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her many Broadway credits include Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jelly's Last Jam, The Will Roger Follies, Sweet Follies, Sweet Charity and Big Deal. Produced by the Blue Heron Theatre with the permission of the Norman Rockwell Licensing Company, Rockwell begins performances at the Blue Heron Arts Center (123 East 24th Street, New York) on May 17 with an official opening on May 19; the limited run ends June 2. Tickets are priced at $19 and are available by calling the theatre's box office at (212) 979-5000, ext. 29.
—By Andrew Gans
