The Goodman Theatre will cap its 2002-2003 season in the Albert with the world premiere of the new musical comedy Bounce, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by John Weidman, and directed by Harold Prince. Bounce will feature a masterful cast of 19 actors, singers and dancers, led by Gavin Creel, Richard Kind, Herndon Lackey, Howard McGillin, Michele Pawk and Jane Powell in the principal roles.
Bounce launches its characters into a turn of the century American whirlwind, a time of limitless adventure and boundless opportunity for those who have the energy and audacity to seize them. Bounce follows the adventures of brothers Addison and Wilson Mizner, taking to heart the advice of their papa, Lansing Mizner, a man who never missed an opportunity, and Mama Mizner, who bankrolled their first chance to get rich quick. It’s the story of American men and women willing to take risks to grab their piece of the dream, of women like Nellie, a Gold Rush dance hall girl who marries well, again and again. It’s the story of resilience and invention, of America’s ability to "bounce."
For three decades, composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim has consistently astonished, delighted and moved musical theater audiences with the breadth and depth of his work. His unique partnership with director Harold Prince has resulted in such landmark musicals as Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd. Sondheim and Prince have reunited for the Goodman premiere of Bounce, featuring a book by John Weidman, the librettist for Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures and Assassins, and the co-conceiver of the musical Contact.
The principal actors in the Goodman’s production of Bounce include (listed here in alphabetical order):
Gavin Creel (Hollis Bessemer) most recently received a 2002 Tony Nomination for his portrayal of Jimmy Smith in the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. He has appeared in the off-Broadway cult favorite Bat Boy and was in the City Center Encores! production of Hair.
Richard Kind (Addison Mizner) is perhaps best known as a series regular on the television series "Spin City," and "Mad About You." His numerous theater credits include Once in a Lifetime at the Guthrie Theatre; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and The Big Knife at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and many productions with Second City in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Herndon Lackey (Papa Mizner) includes among his Broadway credits Parade, Inherit the Wind, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Les Miserables, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Camelot. His off-Broadway credits include Sarah, Plain and Tall and Forbidden Broadway.
Howard McGillin (Wilson Mizner) most recently starred on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera. His many other starring roles on Broadway and London’s West End include Mack and Mabel, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, She Loves Me, The Secret Garden, Anything Goes, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Sunday in the Park with George. Mr. McGillin recently released his CD Where Time Stands Still.
Michele Pawk most recently appeared in A Little Night Music at the New York City Opera and in Hollywood Arms at the Goodman and on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include Chicago, Seussical, Cabaret, Triumph of Love, Crazy for You, and Mail. Her off-Broadway credits include Reefer Madness at Variety Arts; After the Fair and Merrily We Roll Along with York Theatre Company; Hello Again at Lincoln Center, and john & jen at Lambs Theatre.
Jane Powell (Mama Mizner) has starred in more than 20 major MGM musicals, including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Royal Wedding. On Broadway, she starred in Irene and on tour headlined in such productions as South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, Carousel, Brigadoon, The Boy Friend, Little Mary Sunshine, Oklahoma!, The Student Prince, and I Do, I Do. She played the Good Queen in the New York City Opera production of Cinderella and appeared off-Broadway in After Play and most recently in Avow.
Completing the ensemble for the Goodman Theatre’s production of Bounce are: Sean Blake, Marilyn Bogetich, Tom Daugherty, Jeff Dumas, Deanna Dunagan, Nicole Grothues, Rick Hilsabeck, Jeff Parker, Harriet Nzinga Plump, Jenny Powers, Craig Ramsey, Jacquelyn Ritz and Fred Zimmerman.
The design team for the Goodman Theatre’s production of Bounce includes Eugene Lee (Sets); Miguel Huidor (Costumes); Howell Binkley (Lighting); Duncan Edwards (Sound); David Caddick (Music Direction); Michael Arnold (choreographer); Robert Nassif (Dance Arrangements).
Fondly, as ever,
Max
