Happy Hour- George Furth's new musical...

[BroadwayBound062]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 11:37am

Hey everyone, I don't know if you have heard about this yet. It started running this weekend. I know alot of the cast because I am in their touring company!

AWARD-WINNERS GEORGE FURTH AND DOUG KATSAROS BRING WORKSHOP MUSICAL TO FAIRFIELD ARTS & CONVENTION CENTER EN ROUTE TO BROADWAY.

FAIRFIELD, IOWA – George Furth, award-winning actor, playwright and librettist, and award-winning composer and musician Doug Katsaros, are presenting a workshop performance of their musical Happy Hour at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center the first two weekends in November. Originally created as a one-woman show set in a recording studio, the production has evolved into the show that it is now, set in a bar, complete with a live band and three female singers.
“Happy Hour is a funny, yet touching pop-rock musical-revue that explores the ups and downs of relationships through a song cycle,” said Sondra Ward, Director of Marketing, Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. “It is high-energy entertainment, touching on issues and emotions that both men and women can relate to. Just when the audience thinks they have heard it all, a clever plot twist is revealed, taking the audience in a fun, unexpected direction.”
The music for Happy Hour is written by Katsaros, with book and lyrics by Furth. The production is staged and directed by Randal K. West, with musical direction by Justin Hill. West, Artistic/Executive Director of the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, and Furth had worked together with Sondheim on a production of Merrily We Roll Along for a theatre in Phoenix in 1987.
It is Furth’s accomplishments as a playwright, however, for which he is most well known. Furth won both the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Book of a Musical for Sondheim’s Company. He was a nominee for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play for Precious Sons. Furth also penned Twigs, The Act, The Supporting Cast and Getting Away with Murder.
Furth will be joined by Katsaros, a multi-talented performer, producer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, and actor. His production of Altar Boyz, which he orchestrated, is currently touring the country. He composed the opera Moby Dick, also currently touring. He conducted and arranged Footloose, during its two-year reign on Broadway. He starred in the role of Berger in the musical Hair in its Broadway revival.
He has orchestrated, arranged, or performed on CDs for the following performers: Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Paul Stanley, Bon Jovi, Elton John, BB King, Cher, Judy Collins, Aerosmith, Gloria Estefan, Richie Havens, Sinead O’Connor, Peter Paul & Mary, Michael Bolton, and Donny Osmond.
There will be seven performances of Happy Hour in the Business Pavilion of the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. Shows are cabaret-style table seating, with cocktails and refreshments available for purchase. Dates are November 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30pm and November 4 and 11 at 2pm. “Happy Hour” drink specials are available 30 minutes prior to show time. This show contains adult content and language.
To purchase tickets call 641-472-ARTS (2787). Tickets in advance are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors.


Stephen Sondheim Center for Performing Arts

Updated On: 11/4/07 at 11:37 AM