Millions of people, regardless of gender or sexuality, are huge fans of Armistead Maupin’s groundbreaking “Tales of the City” series of books and the subsequent television adaptations of the first three novels in the series starring Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis. And, most of us hardcore fans have been on tenterhooks since hearing of a musical theatre adaptation focusing on the first two books in the series that has a book by Tony Award winning, “Avenue Q” librettist (and Oregon native) 
Jeff Whitty and music/lyrics from Jake Shears and John Garden of “Scissor Sisters” that was work shopped in Connecticut last year and seemed destined for eventual productions in regional theatres and hopefully Broadway. Last week, I asked Jeff Whitty about any news on the TOTC project, (we are Facebook friends; one of the great things about Facebook is that you can have dialogues with interesting, successful artists…as long as they aren’t too famous or beloved by the masses or stalked by weirdos…) and Whitty cryptically replied “Soon” about TOTC news. Well, “soon” has entered the station ’cause ACT (American Conservatory Theatre) of San Francisco has announced their 2010-2011 season and the “capstone” of their season will be the world premiere of “Tales of the City: The Musical” for May 17, 2011; the show is being positioned as the final show of the season to allow for an extended run over the summer of 2011, (which, unless this is an absolute flop, it will definitely need). No cast has been announced and this IS regional theatre so I’m guessing we’re not going to get any “name” stars (which, in my opinion, is a good thing), but the success of this show would almost guarantee a Broadway run…and, then you will probably see some major divas battling for those roles…Patti Lupone as Mrs Madrigal, perhaps? Or, maybe Bernadette Peters? Glenn Close, anyone? Should be fascinating and finances permitting, I will make a HUGE effort to check this out next year in SF. And, a success in SF would guarantee a Broadway run and we KNOW how Broadway producers like to open/preview shows in Seattle…it’s not unlikely we might be checking this out in Seattle before the end of 2011 or early 2012…We’ll keep you posted.
About the Author: Michael Strangeways
