Rupert Holmes and Mark Hollmann writing musical adaptation of MY MAN GODFREY

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 5/30/24 at 11:45am

This could be tricky subject matter to musicalize while not poking fun at homelessness, but I trust Hollmann and Holmes!

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Arizona Theatre Company is workshopping a musical adaptation of Eric S. Hatch's 1930s novel My Man Godfrey. 

Featuring a book by Tony winner Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and music and lyrics by Tony-winning composer Mark Hollmann (Urinetown), the musical is directed by ATC Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August.

The cast is headed by Broadway actors Kevin Earley (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Stephanie Styles(Kiss Me, Kate), who are joined by more than two dozen Arizona artists.

My Man Godfrey follows a zany 1930s New York socialite who enlists a homeless man to be the family butler and then falls in love with him. A 1936 film version starred William Powell, Carole Lombard, and Alice Brady.

“My Man Godfrey is a genuinely romantic love story set to a Golden-Age style score as interpreted through the hilarious lens that only Hollmann and Holmes possess,” director August said in a statement. “It’s a story that occupies that special moment of American history when the Roaring 1920s and ‘30s collided with the Great Depression, causing a complete reframing of the ideas of wealth, poverty, and the American Dream. This new musical comedy leans into those social distinctions with bright, lovable characters who all learn that privilege and purpose go hand in hand. And, oh my God! The music! It’s astonishing!”

A full production in Arizona is expected, although details have yet to be announced.

[BeingAlive44Ever]

Posted: 5/30/24 at 4:06pm

Wow, a new Rupert Holmes musical? I adore him. His musical and dramatic sense are always on point. I'm currently understudying Bazzard (I understand the irony) in a local production of Mystery of Edwin Drood and I'm reminded every day just how excellent of a show it is and how thoroughly thought out it is. I am very excited about this show!