By Anthony Rifilato
Hofstra Entertainment is bringing the classic energy of Broadway to the university this month when it presents "Showtune," a musical review celebrating the words and music of the legendary composer Jerry Herman.
"I was looking for a musical review to produce for a our January slot, and I was pleased to discover 'Showtune,' which celebrates the words and music of Jerry Herman," said Bob Spiotto, director of Hofstra Entertainment, who is directing the production.
Showtune will incorporate some of the legendary hit Broadway musicals Herman wrote, including "Hello, Dolly!," "Mame," "La Cage aux Folles," and more. Many of Herman's show tunes have become pop standards, and "Hello, Dolly!" is one of the most popular Broadway, Spiotto said. With "Showtune," Spiotto promises a colorful production which includes a cast of six performers, along with vocal arrangements and choreography.
"First and foremost, it's an overall view of the world of Jerry Herman, and the fabulous music and lyrics that have become a part of the world of the Broadway musical," Spiotto said. "Jerry Herman is not a household composer, in terms of name recognition, such as a Stephen Sondheim or a Rodgers and Hammerstein. Yet the staying power of what he has created is equal to some of the standards of the musical theater repertoire."
Originally produced off-Broadway at the Theatre at St. Peter's Church by Jennifer Strome and David Brown, "Showtune" is sure to please audiences both young and old, said Spiotto, adding that it will feature the composer's classic scores as well as his lesser-known songs.
The production is choreographed by Amy Dolan Fletcher, a Long Beach resident, and boasts exuberant musical numbers, said Spiotto.
"Audiences can expect to be thoroughly entertained," Spiotto said. "It's a cast of six, including the musical director, who also performs from the piano and is a part of the cast. It represents Jerry Herman, and the musical framework is rounded out by the addition of bass and drums."
"Showtune" opens on Friday Jan. 11, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 27 at Hofstra's Monroe Lecture Center Theater. Tickets are on sale now. For tickets or more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at (516) 463-6644 or order online at hofstra.edu/HofstraEntertainment.
