The Night of the Hunter - Musical

[Jon3]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 2:58pm

I'm in the SF bay area, and I noticed an ad in the paper today for one of our regional theaters (The Willows Theatre). They are producing the musical "The Night of the Hunter" in the fall. This is a theater that generally does great work which often includes up and coming new musicals, so I'm intrigued that they would pick this show (I’m assuming it is based on the old movie by the same name?). Does anyone have any information about this show? I don't remember hearing of it on Broadway.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 3:42pm

The original film is a brilliant neo-noir thriller from the 50's(one of my all-time favorites) starring Robert Mitchum, a young (thin) Shelly Winters, and Lillian Gish, directed by the great actor Charles Laughton (his only directing gig). Mitchum plays this evil con man posing as a preacher going after these two kids (their father was Mitchum's cellmate) who know where a load of cash is hidden. Winters plays their mother. Could make for an interesting, dark musical. Here's some info on the show:
Night of the Hunter

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 4:06pm

If it is the musical version by Richardson and Cole, there was a concept CD released a few years ago by Varese Sarabande with Marcia Lewis, Dorothy Louden, Sally Mayes and Ron Raines. The score is ok, but not memorable.
Night of the Hunter CD

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 7:37pm

I have the cd & have listened to a few tracks but never more than that. I probably should try to listen to it again

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 7:37pm

I have the cd & have listened to a few tracks but never more than that. I probably should try to listen to it again

[DAME]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 7:54pm

I listened to it once and then I gave it away.

Posted: 6/4/04 at 8:38pm

I saw a production here in NYC starring Carrolee Carmello (is that her name?).

It a very suspensful film and this is an interesting exercise in making a suspenful musical.

There's no harm in seeing it. You can then make up your own mind.

Jose'

[Jon3]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 10:40pm

Thanks for the responses, and the Playbill link. Sounds like an interesting idea...I'll let you all know how it was in a few months!

[pianodan]

Posted: 6/5/04 at 2:46am

Believe me, the show is better than the CD would suggest.

The Willows production is the "World Premiere" (Jose', did you see the workshop at the Vineyard maybe? It wouldn't have been a "production", exactly)... Brian Noonan stars as the Preacher.

Posted: 6/5/04 at 3:05am

Yes it was at the vineyard. a number of years ago.