The iconic musical created by Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Jerome Robbins began previews Sept. 20 at the Lyric (formerly the Foxwoods and the Ford Center for the Performing Arts).
The production, which marks the 70th anniversary of the classic musical, is directed by Tony winner John Rando, who helmed the recent, critically acclaimed City Center Encores! and Barrington Stage productions of On the Town. It also features choreography by Joshua Bergasse, who choreographed the Barrington Stage production and is making his Broadway debut as a choreographer with this show.
The critics have filed their reviews, and Playbill.com has collected them for our readers.
*
*
Playbill.com will continue to update.
The cast is headed by Tony Yazbeck, Jay Armstrong Johnson and Clyde Alves as the sailors on 24-hour shore leave who take on the Big Apple; Megan Fairchild, Alysha Umphress and Elizabeth Stanley as the women who steal their hearts; and Jackie Hoffman in the role of Madame Dilly with Tony Award winner Michael Rupert as Judge Pitkin, Allison Guinn as Lucy Schmeeler, Tony nominee Phillip Boykin and Stephen DeRosa.
The ensemble comprises Chip Abbott, Tanya Birl, Angela Brydon, Holly Ann Butler, Julius Carter, Peter Chursin, Kristine Covillo, Lori Ann Ferreri, Paloma Garcia-Lee, Stephen Hanna, Eloise Kropp, Brandon Leffler, Jess Leprotto, Cory Lingner, Skye Mattox, Michael Rosen, Samantha Sturm, Christopher Vo, Cody Williams and Mikey Winslow.
"The Bronx is up, the Battery's down, and three sailors are hoping to get just a little bit lucky on their one day of leave in the Big Apple," according to press notes. "From the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Coney Island to Times Square and Carnegie Hall, On the Town zigzags through New York City as the sailors and the three high-spirited young women they meet chase love, dreams, and each other during an unforgettable day in the city that never sleeps."
The score features the standards “New York, New York,” “I Can Cook Too,” “Lonely Town” and “Some Other Time” and are being played with their original orchestrations, performed by what is the largest orchestra on Broadway, with 28 musicians led by musical director James Moore.
The production also has scenic and projection design by Tony winner Beowulf Boritt, lighting design by Drama Desk nominee Jason Lyons, costume design by Tony Award winner Jess Goldstein, sound design by Tony nominee Kai Harada and hair and makeup design by Leah Loukas.
On the Town is produced by Howard & Janet Kagan, Severn Partners Entertainment, Bruce Robert Harris & Jack W. Batman, Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Marie Black, Michael J. Moritz Jr., Ambassador Theatre Group, Michael A. Alden/Dale Badway/Ken Mahoney, Dominick Laruffa Jr. & Rob Hinderliter, Corey Brunish & Brisa Trinchero, Kim Schall, Michael Rubenstein, Margie & Bryan Weingarten, Allan & Adam Gordon, LGP Theatrical, Matt Ross/Ben Feldman, Pamela Cooper and Barrington Stage Company.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
