Dan Goggin and Robert Lorick’s musical Johnny Manhattan, which was written in 1975, will make its world premiere September 6-24 at the Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Michigan.
Featuring a book and lyrics by Lorick (The Tap Dance Kid) and music by Goggin (Nunsense), the production will be directed and choreographed by Mark Martino.
The cast will include Jim Ballard in the title role, Anne Brummel as Rosie, Nathan Cockroft as Mickey, George Dvorsky as David, Tyrick Wiltez Jones as Gary, Barbara McCulloh as Dorothy, Ruth Pferdehirt as Maxie, Jana Robbins as Rita, Lauren Sprague as Lorraine, Scott Willis as Edward, Janet Caine as Francine, AlissaBeth Morton as Gloria, Ian Turnwald as George, and Dale White as Paul.
“Jana Robbins, who was in the original [1975 15-performance] workshop, came to me with the idea of reviving Johnny and giving it a proper production,” said Goggin in a statement. “I was always proud of the work Bob and I did on the show and was excited by the possibility. My old friend, Lyle Saunders manages Bob’s estate, and when I mentioned the idea to him, he said he had long thought of reviving the musical. Now, a short several months later, I feel like I’ve been transported in time as Johnny Manhattan comes to life before my eyes in my home state of Michigan. We hope that this production brings new life to Johnny so he can finally find his way home to NYC.”
Johnny Manhattan is set in the nightclub world of 1958 New York City. Johnny, the owner of Johnny Manhattan’s, has invited his closest friends to a private party for a surprise announcement.
The production will also feature scenic design by Brian Kessler, lighting design by Matthew J. Fick, costume designs by Liz Goodall, sound design by Mike Duncan, musical direction and orchestrations by Michael Rice, and percussion arrangements by David Nyberg.
Johnny Manhattan is produced by the Meadow Brook Theatre in association with Lyle Saunders.
For more information, visit MBTheatre.com.
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