What's New on the Rialto

Jason Petty as Hank Williams

The show first premiered at the Mark Taper Forum and then played two years at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. You would expect Nashville audiences to welcome a show based on the life of a Grand Ole Opry star, but will New Yorkers feel the same way? Cindy thinks they will. "We were extended twice at the Manhattan Ensemble Theater - sold out crowds every night. The only reason they asked us to leave was because they had another show coming in. It was an unbelievable reception.

"I was never a huge country-western fan, but when I saw it, I was floored. It's something for everybody. It's such an uplifting show. The whole ensemble - every cast member is unbelievable."

The show follows Hank's life, and doesn't gloss over the alcoholism or the problems he had with women. His classic songs like "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" are sprinkled throughout this "play with music." Jason Petty, who originated the title role to stellar reviews, returns once again as Hank. According to Cindy, "Jason Petty IS Hank. He channels Hank. He's a country boy who was working in an amusement park. They had a Hank Williams contest and Jason entered. Roy Acuff happened to be there that day and said, ‘That's our man.'" Jason leads a cast of ten. Band members, some with Grand Ole Opry credits of their own, are also part of the show.

Cindy's equally excited about the director. "Jay and I worked with Randy on Love, Janis previously so we have a special feeling for him." Myler, a Tony nominee for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical with It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues co-wrote the Hank Williams book with Mark Harelik. "It's a beautiful story and it's a beautiful show. I hope everyone comes to see it."

Hank Williams: Lost Highway opens March 26 at the Little Shubert Theatre, 422 West 42nd Street, New York. Visit Telecharge.com for performance times and ticket information. This play with music is 2 hours and 20 minutes long with one 15-minute intermission.

Presented by Cindy Gutterman, Jay Gutterman, Kardana-Swinsky Productions, Inc., Jerry Hamza, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC, in association with Manhattan Ensemble Theatre. Written by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik. Directed by Randal Myler. Cast: Jason Petty, Stephen G. Anthony, Margaret Bowman, Michael W. Howell, Tertia Lynch, Michael P. Moran, Drew Perkins, Juliet Smith, Myk Watford, and Russ Wever.

Photo by Roger Mastroianni