Let the Good Times Roll, a new jukebox musical conceived and written by Jack Viertel, began performances at Phoenix Theatre Company in Arizona August 6, and Playbill has photos of the limited engagement. Running through August 31, opening night is August 8.
Subtitled "A New Orleans Gumbo," the work is built around the music of the Louisiana capital, with songs made famous by Bessie Smith, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, The Meters, Harry Connick Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, Randy Newman, and others. Sonny Paladino has penned the arrangements and orchestrations and is serving as music supervisor. Sara Edwards directs and choreographs.
As for Viertel's libretto, the musical explores the history and culture of New Orleans via six diverse characters, taking us from the Great Flood to Hurricane Katrina. The Phoenix cast features William Bailey as Onyx, Scott Davidson as Captain, Gina Guarino as Wanda, Miciah Lathan as Maretha, Carmina Monserrat as Liza Jane, and Tre Moore as L.D., with swings Ernest Allen and Savannah Inez, and understudy Robert Watson rounding out the company.
Carmiña Monserrat and Tre Moore in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Tre Moore and company of Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Miciah Lathan and Scott Davidson in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
William Bailey in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Gina Guarino and company of Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
Scott Davidson, Carmiña Monserrat, Tre Moore, Miciah Lathan, and Gina Guarino in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
William Bailey in Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo
The Let The Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo band
Joy Machine Records releases a concept album of the show August 8, featuring performances by John Edwards, J. Harrison Ghee, Lauren Patten, Jonny Rosch, Rashidra Scott, Alysha Umphress, and Rebirth Brass Band. Paladino is producing.
"I’ve been in love with the music of New Orleans since I bought my first Jelly Roll Morton record at the age of 15,” says Viertel in a previous statement. “It was when I began regular visits in the early ‘70s that I came to understand the music is nothing more or less than an outgrowth of the irresistible spirit of the people themselves and the place they call home: Thrilling, sexy, celebratory, sometimes heartbreaking but always unique and authentic. Capturing that spirit led me to conceive Let The Good Times Roll, and I’m thrilled to be working with The Phoenix Theatre Company. With its deeply experienced artists and staff and its smart and curious audiences, it’s a wonderful place to begin this journey."
The musical was previously presented at PTC's Festival of New American Theatre in 2024.
“When Let the Good Times Roll was shown to me, I loved the concept immediately,” said producer Michael P. Kruke in a previous statement. “And I was aware of the success of Phoenix Theatre having led to a strong desire to expand their profile beyond Arizona. Here was an idea that could create recognition for them on a national scale and at the same time give them an opportunity to present a world premiere with Broadway veterans, with a collection of irresistible songs and with a feeling of pure celebration.”
Tickets are available at PhoenixTheatre.com.
