Brickman and Elice’s ‘Turn of the Century’ to Premiere in Chicago!
January 4th, 2008AP drama writer Michael Kuchwara reports that the world premiere of Turn of the Century, written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, will be part of an ambitious 2008-2009 season at Chicago‘s Goodman Theatre. Tommy Tune will be directing the musical.
Turn of the Century came to the Goodman through Rick Elice, who co-wrote the show with Marshall Brickman. The Tony-winning writers of Jersey Boys have concocted what Robert Falls, artistic director of the Goodman, calls “a wonderful comic romp.”
“They are playing a gig on the eve of the 21st century and at the strike of midnight, they find themselves thrown back to the dawning of the 20th century,” Falls said.
“The fun part is that the couple, Billy and Dixie, realize the songs they are performing haven‘t been written yet — so they decide to write them,” said Tune, who has directed Broadway musicals such as “Nine,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “My One and Only,” “Grand Hotel” and “The Will Rogers Follies.”
“The hard part is choosing the songs,” he said. “That‘s our work between now and the time we open.” Falls said the musical will go into rehearsal in late summer and open in either September or October.
It sounds like their producing a play that hasn’t been completely written. If they haven’t picked the songs, how do they know what goes around them? Interesting.
Comment by Catherine — January 4, 2008 @ 1:36 am
Well, comment #1 doesn’t sound like me….wait a minute, it’s not me! My comment would sound more like this….How exciting. Another Brickman, Elice show – I bet it will be fabulous.
Catherine (cathsann, that is)
Comment by Catherine — January 4, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Will the real Catherine please stand up? My name is Catherine, too! I’ve left comments here before under that name, too, LOL. Maybe I should use my middle initial next time, Catherine J. I agree,Cathsann, that it will be fabulous when it gets finished – Catherine Justine
Comment by Catherine — January 4, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
I can’t wait for the next collaboration of Brickman and Elice. Hopefully it will be as successful as Jersey Boys….(no reason why it wouldn’t). Good Luck Marshall and Rick !
Comment by Mila — January 4, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
Sounds like a great premise, and I’m sure it’ll be successful. Don’t know Marshall very well, but whenever I’ve seen Rick at the August Wilson, he’s every bit as witty as his writing!
Ya know, ever since I heard Michael Longoria’s great rendition of Michael Jackson’s “I’ll be There” at Rockers via YouTube, I’ve been thinking that the Jackson saga might make for a good musical ala “Jersey Boys,” even though the story is well-known and has been told in a movie of the week. It could be sort of a “Dreamgirls” meets “Jersey Boys” kind of project.
Comment by Howard Tucker — January 4, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
I’m excited to see it! I’m sure it’ll be great. Hey Mr. Elice and Mr. Brickman, if you need any help with this project, give me a call, we’ll do lunch. lol. Honestly though, the plot’s idea has a bunch of ideas stirring in my head. I’m anxious to know what they come up with.
Comment by Lauren — January 4, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
I wonder if the play has been cast yet – probably not if it hasn’t yet been fully written. Maybe there will be a part for JLY…
Comment by Beverley Micciche — January 4, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
These guys for sure are not “ONE HIT WONDERS!” Eagerly anticipating this new “WONDER” of Rick and Marshall! IE
Comment by irene eizen — January 4, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
One of the reasons I love Jersey Boys so much is the perfect script by Elice and Brickman. I wish them well in their new endeavor.
Comment by LindaL — January 4, 2008 @ 10:00 pm