Cut Song Restored For Theatrical Gems' Wildcat

[Theatrical Gems]

Posted: 12/14/10 at 3:21pm

The wistful ballad "That's What I Want (For Janie)," in which Wildcat describes her dreams for herself and her sister, has been restored for the Theatrical Gems production of the Cy Coleman-Carolyn Leigh musical Wildcat, presented December 19 in Manhattan to benefit the Actors Fund.

This song was cut from the original production after opening night to ease the vocal load for star Lucille Ball. Director Jacob Shoesmith-Fox states, "I am so excited that the authors' estates have given us special permission to perform ‘That's What I Want (For Janie).' This song adds so much heart to the character of Wildy and presents a side of her that is not seen in the rest of the show."

Wildcat, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, and book by N. Richard Nash, tells the story of a frontier woman named Wildcat Jackson who arrives in a border town in the American southwest with dreams of striking oil and tricks foreman Joe Dynamite into helping her. Not-for-profit Theatrical Gems produces the first New York revival of the show since 1961.

The event will be held at The Julia Miles Theatre at the Women's Project, 424 West 55th Street on Sunday, December 19 at 7:00 PM. Theatrical Gems Artistic Director Jacob Shoesmith-Fox directs, with musical direction by Steven H. Taylor.

The 29-person cast stars Luba Mason (Chicago, Jekyll and Hyde) as Wildcat "Wildy" Jackson, Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll and Hyde) as Joe Dynamite, Beth Fowler (The Boy From Oz, Beauty and the Beast) as Countess Emily O'Brien, Lenny Wolpe (Wicked, The Drowsy Chaperone) as the local hermit Sookie, Jenn Gambatese (All Shook Up, Tarzan) as Wildcat's sister Janie, and newcomer Junior Mendez (CBS's My Broadway Debut) as Joe's young sidekick Hank.

The cast also features Vincent D'Elia (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Grease), Lawrence E. Street (Urinetown), Pierce Cravens (Ragtime, A Christmas Carol), Kenneth Kasch, Tony Castellanos, Gregory Couba, Michal Salonia, Spencer Andrew Taylor, and Michael Puglia. The ensemble is made up of Lital Abrahams, Andrea Andert, Kiarri D. Andrews, Jaime Lyn Beatty, Christopher DeRosa, Jonathan Juarbe, James LaRosa, Nolan Muña, Alison Rose Munn, Tara Novie, Erin O'Neil, Tony Ramos, Jillian Schochet, and Bradley Vile.

Wildcat was Cy Coleman's first musical. It opened on December 16, 1960 and is best remembered for being the sole Broadway appearance of comedienne Lucille Ball, although the cast also featured Keith Andes, Paula Stewart, Edith King, and a young Valerie Harper (Rhoda) in the dance ensemble. Wildcat closed on June 3, 1961 after two hiatuses and 171 performances.

Tickets are $25 and can be reserved by emailing [e-mail].

The Actors Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition.

Theatrical Gems strives to educate audiences about the past, present, and future of theater. Through the entertaining and engaging presentation of popular classics, new works, and underappreciated relics, we hope to expand horizons and tastes with the goal of preservingthese works of art for future generations of theatergoers. Theatrical Gems is a sponsoredproject of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization.

For more information, visit: www.theatricalgems.org

Full article: https://offbroadway.broadwayworld.com/article/Cut_Song_Restored_For_Theatrical_Gems_Wildcat_20101214#ixzz187RWw7Sf

[SeanMartin]

Posted: 12/15/10 at 12:12am

I've always had a fondness for WILDCAT, and it's nice to see someone bringing it back to life, albeit in what I gather is a concert version. I'm sorry I missed your MR. PRESIDENT, an arcane little Berlin piece that hardly *anyone* does. You definitely make some intriguing choices for your repertory. Good luck with this one, and I look forward to hearing of your next production.

[Patash]

Posted: 12/15/10 at 9:19am

That's just bizarre. I've never seen Wildcat, but have had the original cast album since it first came out. That's What I Want for Janie is by far my favorite song in the show and I'm simply stunned that it was cut after opening night! In fact, that song runs through my mind all the time. I don't think Lucille Ball had the voice to make it as good as it could be -- but it's an enchantingly simple and pretty little song.

[After Eight]

Posted: 12/15/10 at 10:41am

I also love that song, and am glad it will be heard again.

When I saw the show several months after its opening, the title song had also been cut.