Clearing Off My Desk - Part 1

I've been coming across a bunch of interesting news tidbits lately, but none of them has inspired in me the desire to craft a full-length post. So I thought I'd do a series of those desk-clearing posts, sort of like the ones that lazy newspaper columnists do at the end of the year. (Since this is sort of the end of the theater season, and I'm sort of a lazy guy...)

NERDS THE MUSICAL: We can add another quirky little musical to the 2008-2009 season. This tuner by Hal Goldberg (music) and Jordan Allen-Dutton and Erik Weiner (book and lyrics) was formerly called Nerds://A Musical Software Satire, began life as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and focuses on the longstanding rivalry between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs
Do I care?: The subject matter doesn't scream musical to me, but it sounds like it could be fun with the right treatment. There are some moderately amusing clips on YouTube that the creators have put together to promote the show. So, we'll see.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT: The original production team for the upcoming Harry Connick Jr. tuner has parted ways, and Kathleen Marshall has dropped out as director and choreographer. (According to Michael Riedel, Marshall's main squeeze was one of the original producers, but when he bolted, so did Marshall.) Connick remains as the star, and Broadway Across America has become the lead producer.
Do I care?: I already have my ticket for the Boston tryout, but I have serious doubts that the show will work without Marshall. Depending on whom they can line up to replace her, this project may be doomed.

MY FAIR LADY: Cameron Mackintosh is planning a new movie version of the Lerner and Loewe classic. The original score will remain, but the screenplay will reportedly veer a little closer to the original George Bernard Shaw play Pygmalion. Kiera Knightly is currently in talks to star.
Do I care?: At first, I found it presumptuous that they would jettison Alan Jay Lerner's book, but then I recalled that Lerner himself strayed significantly from Shaw's intent. Will they return to Shaw's original ending, which would necessitate cutting "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face"? Somehow I doubt it.

Check back tomorrow for more musical nuggets.

Comments

[SarahB]

I just met Hal Goldberg yesterday. I hope he has success with Nerds, although it isn't something that sounds that interesting to me unless there's some fun casting. While he's waiting for that to happen, he's the stage manager at the St. James.

[JeffM]

I for one am looking forward to NERDS THE MUSICAL on Broadway. This little musical was playing to packed houses in Philly and I am certain will be a big hit in NYC. Jordan Allen-Dutton and Erik Weiner have had much success with their work in Robot Chicken and their Jib Jab video. Hal Goldberg has had great success with The Children. I foresee a Tony in the near future for this show.