The musical, which made its world premiere at Boston's Huntington Theatre, enjoyed two successful workshops in August. The Barrymore Theatre was offered to the production, but its producers want a larger house.
Actor John C. Reilly ("Chicago," True West) — who is currently doing press for his upcoming film "Criminal" — has spoken recently of his continued involvement as the title lovable butcher, citing the show is still in search of a theatre.
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Director Mark Brokaw — who will helm the upcoming Broadway revival of Reckless — previously told Playbill On-Line (Feb. 2003) that the musical would reach the Broadway stage this season with John C. Reilly in the role Ernest Borgnine played in the film.
"The plan had always been to do it next season," Brokaw said last season when it was thought the show would rush its Broadway berth. "[When] it went so well in Boston, we were trying to figure out how to get it in earlier, but it was too late in the season." The new musical was expected to reach The Great White Way considering the award winning talent involved: Tony Award-nominated star John C. Reilly (True West), Obie Award-winning director Brokaw (Lobby Hero), Tony-winning bookwriter Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), the Tony-winning songwriting team of composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Lee Adams (Bye Bye Birdie, Applause) and Tony-winning choreographer Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie).
Brokaw revealed (Feb. 2003) there was some work being done on the musical which will be produced under the auspices of Jim Weissenbach and Waxman Williams Entertainment. Weissenbach originally acquired the rights from the Chayefsky family on the strength of the previously-attached star, Jason Alexander. Director Robert Longbottom (Flower Drum Song) and writer Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, "The West Wing") were also previously involved with the project.
Reviews for Huntington's production of Marty all favored actor Reilly who is known for his film work moreso than his singing. "I've spent more of my life doing theatre than I have doing film," said Reilly in an interview published in a Huntington newsletter. The thespian who grew up doing musicals such as Brigadoon, The Pajama Game, The King and I and Jesus Christ Superstar added, "But because my professional career has been mostly film, people know me from that. But I learned how to be an actor by doing musicals."
Reilly showed off his vocals in the film "Chicago" crooning "Mr. Cellophane" in his Academy Award-nominated turn as Amos Hart. Brokaw told Playbill On-Line "Everyone will know him even better now," about his current film success, adding "He's perfect for the part [of Marty], it's perfect casting." A Broadway vet, Reilly was Tony Award-nominated for his double duty in True West, opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The songlist for the Boston run of Marty included "Marty," "Whaddya Feel Like Doin’?," "Saturday Night Girl," "Play the Game," "That Blue Suit," "Why Not You and Me?," "She Sees Who I Am," "Recessional," "Saturday Night Girl Reprise," "My Star," "Niente Da Fare," "What Else Could I Do?," "Almost," "Life is Sweet" and "Wish I Knew A Love Song."
