The Old Globe Plans Its New Season
By Johnny McDonald

Photo by Mary Van Doren

World premieres comprise the centerpieces to the Old Globe's 2007-2008 winter lineup of shows, featuring a pair of outstanding musicals, a unique approach to the classics and a bit of pugilistic history.

These productions culminate hours of script arrangements, meetings with agents, sitting in on New York workshops and maintaining a rapport with producers.

Executive Director Louis Spisto, Artistic Director Jack O'Brien and Resident Artistic Director Jerry Patch have provided the musical "A Catered Affair" (Sept. 20 through Oct. 28), another delightful musical "The Band Wagon" (March 7 through April 13) and Hershey Felder's "Beethoven, As I Knew Him" (May 3 through June 8).

Following this are "Monsieur Chopin" (June 11-22), and a return of last season's hit, "George Gershwin Alone" (June 25-29).

On the Cassius Carter Centre Stage Jan. 5 through Feb. 10 will be "In This Corner," based on the life of boxing legend Joe Louis.

"We take suggested scripts from agents and talk to many playwrights about their work," said Spisto, who has been at the theater for five years.

"In terms of musicals, I travel to New York quite often to attend workshops and readings. We continue our relationships with producers.

"I will say the Globe is a very desirable place to initiate a new work, to produce and also execute the designs of creative team members," Spisto added.

He said producers of "A Catered Affair" had determined that the work needed an out-of-town process before going to Broadway. Old Globe crews will build sets, scenery and establish proper lighting. Afterward, everything, including costumes and props, will be shipped to New York.

"Our relationship with director John Doyle and the producers led them to choose the Globe. We're the sixth largest in the country among over 2,000 professional theaters. But there can be some competition in obtaining any shows."

In "A Catered Affair," Harvey Fierstein and Doyle join forces for a poignant and charming new work of a 1950s Bronx family and their daughter's grand wedding they never had. Music and lyrics are by John Bucchino.

"The Band Wagon," one of MGM's last big musicals that featured Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, has been given a new version. Director Gary Griffin is working from a new book by acclaimed playwright Douglas Carter Beane. It features a score by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz, packed with all-time hits like "A Shine on Your Shoes," "Dancing in the Dark" and the infectious anthem to show business "That's Entertainment!"

"The movie story is a bit all over the place, so he (Beane) tells the (full) story," said Spisto. The cast will be slightly larger than "The Catered Affair."

Pianist and actor Felder will transform into one of the greatest composers of all time, the immortal Ludwig Van Beethoven, plus two exclusives for Globe subscribers: The first, Felder as "Monsieur Chopin" June 11-22, then as "George Gershwin Alone" June 25-29.

"In 'Beethoven,' Hershey has conceived another project that brings classical music to the public in a very entertaining way," said Spisto. "He makes it a one-of-a-kind event."

"In This Corner" is Patch's first of what will be a series of plays involving sports figures.

It returns to 1970 when boxers Joe Louis and Max Schmeling reunite in the most unlikely of places: a psychiatric ward to reminisce about their famous 1938 heavyweight championship fight for honor, country and self-respect.

And, America's favorite holiday fable, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (Nov. 25-Dec. 30) will be back for its 10th joyous year, a whimsical production that will again jump from the pages of the classic Dr. Seuss book and onto the Old Globe stage.