The Open Eye Theater in Margaretville will present the world premiere of "Irving Berlin's America" written by Chip Deffaa beginning May 23 and continuing Thursdays through Sundays through June 2. Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. and all other performances are at 7 p.m.
In this new two-character musical play, Deffaa traces the rags-to-riches story of this great American songwriter. Starring as Irving Berlin is Bill Tari and Cedric Taylor plays the role of his visitor Jack. Amie Brockway directs, Kent Brown is Music Director and Accompanist, Patricia Dell is Choreographer, Erwin Karl is Technical Director and Nat Thomas is Designer.
No one wrote more hit songs than Irving Berlin (1888-1989). When the gifted composer Jerome Kern was asked: "What is Irving Berlin's place in American music?," Kern famously responded: "Irving Berlin has no place in American music. He is American music."
Irving Berlin was born in Russia and grew up on New York's rough and tumble Lower East Side. He has more than 1,500 songs to his credit. "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody," "All By Myself" and "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning" are some of the 30 in the score.
Playwright Chip Deffaa says, "The show would be worth doing, just for the sake of hearing the songs--which are timeless. But Berlin's life story is also inspiring in its own right. Here's a man with virtually no formal education--a man who never learned to read or write music--who became the number one songwriter in the world. He worked with the biggest names in show business, from Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor and Ethel Merman to Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye and Judy Garland."
In this unique musical, we see Berlin--late in life--looking back on his career. The reclusive elder songwriter is prompted by an admiring young visitor to look back on the life he's led.
Watch for future announcements for ticket sales or call 845-586-1660 for further information.
