Sense of
excitement sets mood
for Fabulous Fox 2005-2006 season
By Daniel Hines
Publisher
America’s Seniors at
TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
Just as the
public looks forward with anticipation to the return of the Swallows
each year at Capistrano, I look forward with the same type of
anticipation to our regular visit with Mike Isaacson to discuss the
upcoming season at St. Louis’ Fabulous Fox Theater.
It’s an annual
event. And in the past few years, we have had the pleasure of
watching the still young Mike continue to grow to become one of the
nation’s top producers, as evidenced by his increasing number of
Tony’s (he’s up to three now, the latest for Spamalot).
And, just as his
professional recognition has grown to new heights, so does the
seasons he assembles each year. For 2005-2006, there is a definite
sense of excitement at the majestic old theater, as though something
different is in the mix for this US Broadway Series season—whose
theme is A Wicked Season at the Fox! playing upon the much
anticipated hit Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz.
(November 16-December 4, 2005)
Each Broadway
Series is different from that of the previous year.
”This season is an opportunity to travel to exotic places,” Mike
says, pointing to such smash productions as Wicked and Bombay
Dreams.
Mike continues
to travel the world to scout for shows to bring to The Fabulous Fox,
but also to find production opportunities. As he described some of
his recent efforts, we asked him again if there were ever any
thoughts on moving from St. Louis and The Fabulous Fox. And again,
the answer was the same: an emphatic no.
”Life here is great,” he muses. “It provides a perspective about
things.”
And Mike
provides a perspective that has enriched the St. Louis musical scene
for theater audiences that flock to The Fabulous Fox.
Here are Mike’s capsules on each of the Broadway Series shows: (to
see the complete list of shows, including and ticket information,
click here)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: September
20-October 2, 2005: Mike calls this likely the best Joseph ever,
thanks in large part to the fact that the title role, played by
Patrick Cassidy, who recently was named the public’s favorite
Joseph. Add to this the appearance of Amy Adams from American Idol
and there is a double dose of popular stars of the highest talent.
And, of course, the story and the musical have always been a
favorite with audiences…just a lot of fun.
Wicked:
November 16-December 4, 2005: This is the musical that Mike is most
excited about. He calls it the smash show that will attract
sold-out audiences and urges people to act fast when tickets go on
sale. It’s the story of Oz before Dorothy arrives, and, believe it
or not, there are two good witches…One the beautiful Glinda, the
other the Wicked Witch of the West…only, this time, they are close
friends, and young girls. Mike calls the book on which the musical
is based, a genius of a novel that translates into the show. “It’s
a prequel that immediately captivates the audience which is ready to
take the journey to pre-Dorothy Oz,” he explains. He calls it ‘the
Phantom of American musicals’. “Be prepared for just a great show,”
he exclaims. PS: There’s a surprise to the ending, but Mike
wouldn’t share it with us.
Little Women:
February 21-March 5-St. Louis audiences will get a special treat,
Mike notes, because the show stars Maureen McGovern. A departure
from some of the other shows, Mike calls the play ‘very true ‘to the
classic book. “It’s very traditional, but it is also deeply
moving,” Mike says.
Bombay Dreams:
April 4-16: A work so powerful that Andrew Lloyd Weber produced the
London version, Bombay Dreams is a look at the fabled Bollywood of
India. “It’s a beautiful Cinderella story whose music, costuming
and staging offer a wonderful insight into this exotic land,” Mike
notes. “It exudes energy…it’s unapologetic…and it offers a look at
the contrast of the slums of Bombay with the glamour of Bollywood.”
Dr. Dolittle:
May 16-28, 2006: If you liked Lion King, you’ll love this
production, Mike says. “This production features the animal
puppetry of Michael Curry who did Lion King’s characters…It’s a
great family musical, and will offer an amazing and thoughtful
insight into the relationship between animals and humans.”
The Phantom
of the Opera: June 7-July 1, 2006: Mike says that St. Louis
has always been a great venue for Phantom, due in large part, he
believes, to the fact that the presentation benefits from the fact
that The Fabulous Fox with its ornate setting lends greatly to the
impact of the show upon audiences. He says that the recent movie
has also stirred a new interest in Phantom, first from a generation
that has never seen the show on stage, and then among those who fell
in love with it when it first was presented.
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