Groundhog Day (musical)
| Groundhog Day | |
|---|---|
 Original Broadway Production Artwork | |
| Music | Tim Minchin |
| Lyrics | Tim Minchin |
| Book | Danny Rubin |
| Basis | 1993 film Groundhog Day |
| Premiere | 16 August 2016: The Old Vic |
| Productions | 2016 London 2017 Broadway |
Groundhog Day is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and a book by Danny Rubin. Based on the 1993 film of the same name, the musical made its world premiere at The Old Vic in London in 2016 and will transfer to the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway from 17 April 2017. The plot centres around Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman[1] who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,[2] finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.[3]
Background
The musical is based on the 1993 film Groundhog Day.[4] The film itself was produced on a budget of $14.6 million, earning over $70 million in domestic box office receipts.[5] In 2006 it was added to the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."[6] It was voted at number 8 in the top ten greatest films in the fantasy genre by The American Film Institute.[7]
In August 2003, Stephen Sondheim, when asked what his next project might be, said that he was interested in the idea of a musical adaption of Groundhog Day.[8] However, in a 2008 live chat, he said that "to make a musical of Groundhog Day would be to gild the lily. It cannot be improved."[9] In 2009, during an interview with MTV News, Harold Ramis revealed that Danny Rubin was working on the book for a musical version of the film.[10] In January 2014, it was revealed that lyricist Tim Minchin and director Matthew Warchus had teamed up with Rubin.[11] A workshop was held in London on 12 July, and Minchin performed a song from the show "Seeing You" during a concert in Hyde Park.[12]
On 2 April 2015, the musical was officially confirmed and it was announced that the show would receive its Broadway premiere in March 2017.[13] It was later announced the musical would make its world premiere during 2016[14] at The Old Vic theatre in London,[15] as part of director Matthew Warchus' debut season as artistic director of the theatre.[16]
The musical has a book by Danny Rubin, based on his and Harold Ramis's original screenplay,[17] and is directed by Matthew Warchus,[18] with choreography by Peter Darling[19] and design by Rob Howell.[20] The show features an original score and lyrics by Australian comedian and lyricist Tim Minchin.[21] The production reunites most of the creative team behind the 2010 musical Matilda.[22]
Speaking about the musical, director Warchus said that it's "a show full of intellect, integrity and wit, insight, humor—and of course romance."[23] Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for the adaption, added, "Our version of Groundhog Day is going to be both instantly recognisable, and utterly different" and that "The central conceit is perfectly suited to the theatre... it has the potential to be complex, dark, visually fascinating, and thematically rich, whilst still being a joyous romantic comedy with cool tunes and lots of gags."[24]
Productions
Original London Production
The show's premiere production was scheduled to begin previews at the The Old Vic in London, on 11 July 2016, with its official opening night coming on 16 August, booking for a limited period until 17 September 2016,[25] with an extra performance added on 19 September 2016. Initial previews were cancelled due to the technical complexities of the show, with the intention to restart on the 15th July.[26] The first preview became an open final dress rehearsal with previews beginning instead on the 16th July. Tickets went on general sale on 12 April 2016, with priority booking from 10 March.[27] In January 2016, it was announced that Andy Karl would play the lead role of Phil.[28] Other notable casting for the show includes Carlyss Peer as Rita and Eugene McCoy as Larry.[29]
Original Broadway Production
The musical had been scheduled to transfer to Broadway, opening on 9 March 2017, following previews from 23 January 2017.[30] However, Playbill reported on June 22, 2016 that the musical "may not make it to Broadway in January 2017" because the lead producer, Scott Rudin has withdrawn from the production.[31]
After the opening night of the production at The Old Vic in London, The New York Times revealed that the production is still intended to transfer to Broadway, produced by André Ptaszynski and Lia Vollack with Whistle Pig and Columbia Live Stage.[32]
The musical will premiere on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre officially on 17 April 2017.[33] On October 19, 2016 it was announced that Andy Karl will reprise his role from the London production with tickets going on sale from November 2, 2016. Previews will begin March 16, 2017. Additional cast is to be announced.[34]
Characters and original cast
The characters and original cast:
| Character | Original London Production[35] | Original Broadway Production |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Connors | Andy Karl | |
| Rita Hanson | Carlyss Peer | |
| Larry (Ensemble) | Eugene McCoy | |
| Ned Ryerson (Ensemble) | Andrew Langtree | |
| Nancy Taylor (Ensemble) | Georgina Hagen | |
| Mrs Lancaster (Ensemble) | Julie Jupp | |
| Freddie (Ensemble) | Kieran Jae | |
| Debbie (Ensemble) | Jenny O'Leary | |
| Joelle (Ensemble) | Carolyn Maitland | |
| Ralph (Ensemble) | Jack Shalloo | |
| Gus (Ensemble) | Andrew Spillett | |
| Doris (Ensemble) | Emma Lindars | |
| Buster (Ensemble) | Mark Pollard | |
| Sheriff (Ensemble) | Antonio Magro | |
| Deputy (Ensemble) | Roger Dipper | |
| Jeff (Ensemble) | Ste Clough | |
| Jenson (Ensemble) | Leo Andrew | |
| Jonathan (Chubby Man) (Ensemble) | David Birch | |
| Piano Teacher (Ensemble) | Kirsty Malpass | |
| Lady Storm Chaser (Ensemble) | Vicki Lee Taylor | |
| Swing/Dance Captain | Leanne Pinder | |
| Swing/Assistant Dance Captain | Damien Poole | |
| Swing | Lisa Mathieson | |
| Swing | Spencer Stafford | |
| Swing | Matthew Malthouse | |
Two members of the original cast at the Old Vic have also appeared in Matilda. Antonio Magro appeared in the West End production as Children's Entertainer/Sergei, during which time he also understudied the principle role of Miss Trunchbull, while Leanne Pinder was a swing in both the West End and Broadway productions (she also took on the roles of resident and assistant choreographer, respectively).[36][37]
The understudies for the Original London Production were as follows:
| Character | |
|---|---|
| Phil Connors | Antonio Magro |
| Rita Hanson | Carolyn Maitland |
| Ned Ryerson | Roger Dipper |
| Nancy Taylor | Vicki Lee Taylor |
Critical reception
Original London production
The original London production was received positively, opening to a string of five-star reviews.[38]
Awards and nominations
Original London production
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Evening Standard Theatre Awards | Best Musical | Nominated | [39][40] | |
| Best Musical Performance | Andy Karl | Nominated | |||
| Best Design | Rob Howell (also for The Master Builder) | Nominated | |||
| BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards | Theatrical Event of the Year | Pending | [41] | ||
| Best New Production of a Musical | Pending | ||||
| Best Actor in a New Production of a Musical | Andy Karl | Pending | |||
| Best Actress in a New Production of a Musical | Carlyss Peer | Pending | |||
| Best Supporting Actor in a New Production of a Musical | Andrew Langtree | Pending | |||
| Best Supporting Actress in a New Production of a Musical | Georgina Hagen | Pending | |||
| Best Direction of a New Production of a Musical | Matthew Warchus | Pending | |||
| Best Choreography of a New Production of a Play or Musical | Peter Darling | Pending | |||
| Best Costume Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical | Rob Howell | Pending | |||
| Best Set Design of a New Production of a Play of Musical | Pending | ||||
| Best Lighting of a New Production of a Play or Musical | Hugh Vanstone | Pending | |||
| 2017 | Whatsonstage.com Awards | Best New Musical | Pending | [42] | |
| Best Actor in a Musical | Andy Karl | Pending | |||
| Best Director | Matthew Warchus | Pending | |||
| Best Choreography | Peter Darling | Pending | |||
| Best Set Design | Rob Howell | Pending | |||
| Best Lighting Design | Hugh Vanstone | Pending | |||
| Best Video Design | Andrzej Goulding | Pending | |||
References
- ^ "A Groundhog Day musical is on the way". metro.co.uk. The Metro. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "'Groundhog Day' musical to open March 2017". usatoday.com. USA Today. 2 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Groundhog Day musical to have world premiere at London's Old Vic". digitalspy.co.uk. Digital Spy. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Groundhog Day musical premieres in Warchus's first Old Vic season". whatsonstage.com. What's On Stage. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "Groundhog Day". the-numbers.com. The Numbers. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "Films Added to National Film Registry for 2006" (Press release). Library of Congress. 27 December 2006. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "Groundhog Day at Belfast City Hall". belfastfilmfestival.org. Belfast Film Festival. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "Sondheim Talks About Bounce; Revisions in Works". playbill.com. Playbill. 26 August 2003. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "Roundabout Live Chat". Roundabout Theatre. 5 May 2008. Archived from the original on May 10, 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "'Groundhog Day' Musical In The Works, Says Harold Ramis". moviesblog.mtv.com. MTV News. 31 March 2009. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Matilda's Tim Minchin Working on "Groundhog Day" Musical". playbill.com. Playbill. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Tim Minchin's Groundhog Day Musical Gets Off the Ground; Watch Song Performed in London (Video)". playbill.com. Playbill. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Tim Minchin's Groundhog Day Musical Sets Broadway Dates; Watch Song Performed in London (Video)". playbill.com. Playbill. 2 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Warchus Announces First Season at Old Vic, Including Pre-Broadway Groundhog Day". playbill.com. Playbill. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Clark, Nick (20 April 2015). "Groundhog Day musical to premiere at Old Vic from Matilda theatre director". independent.co.uk. London: The Independent. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "'Groundhog Day' musical to premiere at London's Old Vic". dailymail.co.uk. Daily Mail. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Paulson, Michael (2 April 2015). "It'll Be 'Groundhog Day' on Broadway for 'Matilda' Team". artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com. New York Times. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Nothing will ever be the same again: now it's Groundhog Day the musical". thetimes.co.uk. The Times. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Tim Minchin's Groundhog Day musical confirmed for 2017". theguardian.com. The Guardian. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Hawksley, Rupert (3 April 2015). "Encore! Groundhog Day to open on Broadway". telegraph.co.uk. London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Tim Minchin Writing 'Groundhog Day' Stage Musical". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Groundhog Day musical: Tim Minchin to write lyrics with Matilda collaborators also attached". independent.co.uk. London: The Independent. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "'Groundhog Day' Musical to Premiere at London's Old Vic". nytimes.com. New York Times. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Tim Minchin to bring Groundhog Day to stage". bbc.co.uk/news. BBC News. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ "Groundhog Day Announces Dates for World-Premiere Run at London's Old Vic". playbill.com. Playbill. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
- ^ "Previews delayed for Groundhog Day at the Old Vic". Retrieved 2016-07-15.
- ^ "GROUNDHOG DAY Musical Will Begin This July in London; Priority Ticket Sale Begins Today!". broadwayworld.com. Broadway World. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
- ^ "Andy Karl Nabs Bill Murray Role in Broadway-Bound Groundhog Day Musical". playbill.com. Playbill. 28 January 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
- ^ "Carlyss Peer to Fall for Andy Karl in London's GROUNDHOG DAY Premiere". broadwayworld.com. Broadway World. 28 April 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
- ^ Cox, Gordon (2 April 2015). "'Groundhog Day' Musical Hits Broadway in 2017". variety.com/. Variety. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Shenton, Mark. "Broadway 'Groundhog Day' Musical Is in Jeopardy" Playbill, June 22, 2016
- ^ Paulson, Michael (2016-08-17). "'Groundhog Day' Musical to Come to Broadway". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
- ^ Viagas, Robert. " 'Groundhog Day' Will Follow Jersey Boys into Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre" Playbill, September 13, 2016
- ^ "Andy Karl Confirmed for Broadway's Groundhog Day Musical | Playbill". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-10-19.
- ^ "Groundhog Day - The Old Vic". The Old Vic. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
- ^ "Waring & McKenna | Antonio Magro". waringandmckenna.com. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
- ^ 242. "Leanne Pinder". www.wilkesacademy.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
{{cite web}}:|last=has numeric name (help) - ^ "Groundhog Day musical gets five-star reception". BBC News. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
- ^ "Evening Standard Awards shortlist announced". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 2016-10-25.
- ^ http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/evening-standard-theatre-awards-2016-billie-piper-and-ralph-fiennes-take-home-top-acting-prizes-a3393611.html.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "2016 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards (UK / West End)". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2016-11-14.
- ^ "Shortlist for the 17th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards announced". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 2016-12-02.