Because the original 1948-50 Broadway run of the show never got an original cast album (there was a London recording), the score is lesser-known Loesser and will be a discovery for several generations of musical theatre fans. The musical comedy, based on the farcical comedy Charley's Aunt, includes "My Darling, My Darling," "Make a Miracle" and "The New Ashmolean Marching Society and Students' Conservatory Band," among others.
Here is a first look at the cast:
Front row: Lauren Worsham, Rob McClure, Jill Paice and Jeff Brooks
The company, directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company) features Rob McClure in the title role, Sebastian Arcelus as Jack, Jeff Brooks as Brassett, Rebecca Luker Donna Lucia D'Alvadorez, Dakin Matthews as Spettigue, Howard McGillin as Sir Francis Chesney, Jill Paice as Kitty Verdun and Lauren Worsham as Amy Spettigue, with Dan Callaway, Meggie Cansler, Hannah Chin, Nick Cosgrove, Desiree Davar, Ashlee Dupre, Leah Edwards, Drew Frankin, Arlo Hill, Leah Horowitz, Jordan Hunt, Amy Justman, Max Kumangai, Analisa Leaming, Colby Lindeman, Angelina Mullins, Patricia Noonan, Weston Wells Olson, Lainie Sakakura, Tommy Scrivens, Kendall Sparks, Brendan Stimson and Amos Wolff.
Encores! music director Rob Berman is the musical director. Alex Sanchez (Fosse) will choreograph.
Where's Charley? represents composer-lyricist Loesser's first Broadway score (Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella and How to Succeed in Business… would follow). George Abbott penned the libretto, an adaptation of Brandon Thomas' classic British college farce Charley's Aunt. (Several versions of the script and score have been seen over the years, in revival. The Encores! run will likely represent the show as it was seen in 1948.)
Where's Charley? was a major success for star Ray Bolger, as Charley, whose sing-along "Once in Love With Amy" (and his limber, bounding dance moves) thrilled audiences. He won the Tony Award for his turn. George Balanchine was the original choreographer.
Tickets for Where's Charley? are available at the New York City Center Box Office (West 55th Street between 6th and 7th avenues), through CityTix at (212) 581-1212, or online at www.NYCityCenter.org. Tickets for the Orchestra, Grand Tier and Mid-Mezzanine are $100; tickets for the Rear Mezzanine and Front Gallery are $50; tickets for the Rear Gallery are $25.
