Two Acts, Book Musical, Rated PG
Revised Broadway version Concert Version
A legendary cult show, this wacky, intelligent, highly unconventional musical satire points ahead to Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking work in the 1970s even as it keeps a foot firmly rooted in the musical theatre's "golden age."
An absurdist fantasy by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim (two of the authors of "West Side Story" and "Gypsy") "Anyone Can Whistle" tells the story of a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town (through the resulting pilgrim trade) and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse out to expose the fraud and the easy-going doctor determined to enjoy the chaos it brings. In the end, the show delivers a poignant message about the importance of the individual in a conformist society-but not before aiming its still-relevant barbs at government, religion, science and anything else that stands in its way!
With its circus-like atmosphere, "Anyone Can Whistle" features plenty of memorable, lovably cartoonish roles of all sizes. The dazzling, melodic Broadway-style score overflows with the youthful energy of experimentation, consisting of one showstopper after another, including two extensive ballets which provide opportunities for some inspired choreography.
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The musical Grand Hotel began life as "At The Grand" produced on the West Coast in 1958. With some new songs, a new book and a new name, it took Broadway by storm in 1989, running for 1,018 performances.
