City of Angels
NoHo Arts Center
October 7 - November 6, 2005
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by David Zippel
Book by Larry Gelbart
City of Angels is the rarest of musical comedies; one that is not only loaded with music and written in the contemporary jazz idiom, but also filled with sidesplitting comedy. Set in the glamorous, seductive Hollywood of the 1940s, the show chronicles the misadventures of Stine, a young novelist, attempting to turn one of his novels into a screenplay for movie producer/director, Buddy Fidler.
Every movie scene that Stine writes is acted out onstage by a group of characters whose costumes are limited to various shades of black and white. With music scored in the genre, we are treated to a live version of a 1940's private eye film. It is a tale of decadence and homicide with a liberal sprinkling of femmes fatale.
At the same time, during the real life scenes, all played out in glorious technicolor, Stine has his hands full. He must fight off the increasingly demanding Buddy Fidler, and is left to do this alone after his wife Gabby returns to New York because she disapproves of Stine's tactics. To make matters worse, Stine is then confronted by his alter ego, Stone, the private eye, who is totally disgusted by Stine's willingness to sacrifice his principles. Finally stepping over the line that separates fantasy from reality, Stone challenges his creator, Stine. What follows is what is sure to make it difficult to attain the best of all Hollywood conventions; a happy ending.
CAST/CREW BIOS
Reviews
"Stef Tovar and Paul Clausen give strong performances as Stine and Stone. Kendra Munger brings the dual roles of Clara and Alaura beauty and glamour. Fleur Phillips is wonderful juggling her dual roles of troubled Bobbi and Gabbi making someone who doesn't receive a program believe that there are two different actresses performing on stage."
"City of Angels is a wonderful production to watch. The actors give an intelligent interpretation that is faithful and loveable to the original Broadway production. Go buy a ticket and catch a performance!"
Wenzel Jones of Backstage West says "Alan Safier is perfectly attuned to the style of the piece as the studio head in both story lines, equal parts bombast and charm, with a singing voice that celebrates the music and the humor."
"Shon Leblanc delivers amazing costumes, perfect in every detail."
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