The recording will be available in spring 2009. My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of tap star Jack Donahue, officially opened Off-Broadway Nov. 17. The two-hander co-stars Karen Murphy (9 to 5 in L.A.; Broadway's All Shook Up, 42nd Street, Titanic) and Shonn Wiley (Encores! No, No Nanette; Broadway's Dracula, 42nd Street). Producers are The York Theatre Company and Melanie Herman.
Two-time Swing! Tony nominee Lynne Taylor-Corbett directed and choreographed the production.
Based on Jack Donahue's "Letters of a Hoofer to his Ma," My Vaudeville Man! features a book by Jeff Hochhauser, music by Bob Johnston and lyrics by Johnston and Hochhauser. The musical, according to press notes, "is the story of a boy born to dance and the mother who fought to keep him home! Karen Murphy and Shonn Wiley star in a musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap dancer Jack Donahue (played by Ray Bolger on film) and his mother — who fights to keep her son off the wicked vaudeville stage."
The design team includes scenic designer James Morgan, costume designer David Toser and lighting designer Mary Jo Dondlinger. Douglas Oberhamer serves as musical director.
My Vaudeville Man! made its world premiere at last year's New York Musical Theatre Festival under the title Mud Donahue and Son.
The York Theatre Company is located at Saint Peter's in Citigroup Center on Lexington Avenue just east of 54th Street. Tickets are available by calling (212) 935-5820 or by visiting www.yorktheatre.org.