“Johnny Manhattan” has Broadway Preview at Meadow Brook Theatre

Musical world premiere runs Sept. 6 – 24, 2017

It’s 1958 and New York City nightclubs like the Copacabana, The Latin Quarter and El Morocco are filled with socialites and glamorous showgirls. On this night, Johnny has invited his closest friends to a private party at his nightclub, Johnny Manhattan’s for a surprise announcement. Unexpected surprises abound when relationships clash and secrets are revealed in this exciting new musical bound for Broadway.

With book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Lorick and music by Michigan native Dan Goggin, creator of the “Nunsense” musicals, “Johnny Manhattan” runs Wednesday, September 6 through Sunday, September 24, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.

“After bringing all my ‘Nunsense’ shows to Meadow Brook, I couldn’t be happier than to be partnering with the fantastic Meadow Brook team to launch this exciting new musical.” says Dan Goggin.

Jim Ballard makes his MBT debut as Johnny. The rest of the cast includes Lauren Sprague (Lorraine), Ruth Pferdehirt (Maxie), Janet Caine (Francine), Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Gary), Anne Brummel (Rosie), Barbara McCulloh (Dorothy), George Dvorsky (David), Jana Robbins (Rita), Scott Willis (Edward), AlissaBeth Morton (Gloria), Nathan Cockroft (Mickey), Ian Turnwald (George) and Dale White (Paul).

“We’re so excited for “Johnny Manhattan” to have its Broadway preview here at Meadow Brook Theatre,” said MBT Managing Director, Cheryl Marshall. “We promise our patrons Broadway quality theatre, and what better way than to present a world premiere before it graces the great white way! This cast is packed with legendary performers that are sure to thrill audiences”

“Johnny Manhattan” is directed and choreographed by Mark Martino. Michael Rice is the music director. Terry W. Carpenter is the stage manager and Sarah Lin Warren is the assistant stage manager with set design by Brian Kessler, costume design by Liz Goodall, light design by Matthew J. Fick and sound design by Mike Duncan.

In addition to directing the band, Michael Rice plays piano with Eric Alsford on synthesizer, Don Platter on reed instruments, and Nick Matthews on percussion.

Composer Dan Goggin and associate producer Lyle Saunders are in residence at Meadow Brook Theatre as they prepare “Johnny Manhattan” to make the jump to Broadway.

Tickets range from $28 to $43 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.Ticketmaster.com.  Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

“Johnny Manhattan” is made possible through the generous support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.MBTheatre.com or call 248-377-3300. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 50 years.

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