On June 19, the Encompass New Opera Theatre is holding a jazz cabaret gala evening with Marilyn Maye. According to the company's website, proceeds from this event "will help to support the Encompass world premiere of ANNA CHRISTIE, a new music drama-opera based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning sea play by Eugene O'Neill, with music by celebrated composer Edward Thomas and libretto by Joseph Masteroff (CABARET, SHE LOVES ME), coming up in October 2018 at Baruch Performing Arts Center."
I thought this would be of interest to ATC denizens for several reasons. Of course, there is/was already a Broadway musical based on ANNA CHRISTIE; it was called NEW GIRL IN TOWN, with a book by George Abbott and music and lyrics by Bob Merrill. Also, Joe Masteroff is a highly respected figure whose work includes what are considered two of the finest books ever written for the musical theater, as noted above. And finally, Marilyn Maye at 90 is still one of the greatest cabaret and concert performers of our time. |
