Musicals near you: Flagler Playhouse and the City Repertory Theatre

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Four inseparable friends: Jodi, Annie, Karla and Barbara, win the Belmar Beach Talent Contest in the year 1964, wearing naught, but their bikinis. Now the girls reunite after 20 years for a take back to the ‘60s. The performance will be held at the Flagler Playhouse throughout the month of January.

The musical, directed by Pat Love and musical direction by Curtis Powell, was originally written by Ray Roderick and James Hindman.

“We chose this production because there are so many features the musical has to offer that the audience can relate with. The ‘60s music brings everyone back to their heyday, and the actors interact with the audience through dancing, beach balls and laughter.” Michele O’Neil, president of the Flagler Playhouse

The musical will feature many hit songs such as: “It’s in His Kiss,” “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” “Heat Wave,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “These Boots are made for Walkin’,” “Incense and Peppermints,” “Look What They’ve Done to My Song,” “Ma, When Will I be Loved?,” “I’m Every Woman,” “I Will Survive” and “It’s Raining Men.”

Left to Right: Andre' Maybin Jr., Robert Dimsey, Peter Gutierrez, Frank Anello, Laniece Fagundes, Chelsea Jo Conard, Lloyd Bowers and Julia Davidson Truilo. Photos by Anastasia Pagello

This classical performance is based on Studs Terkel's 1974 best-selling book of interviews, “Working: People Talk about What They Do All Day and How They Feel about What They Do.” The musical, directed by John Sbordone, with musical direction by Benjamin Beck, encompasses the hopes, dreams, joys and concerns of every average and employed American.

The musical, which was originally opened in Broadway in 1978, captures the day-to-day working routine of this nation’s common men and women in a compelling manner, invoking inspiration from the audience. It was nominated for six Tony Awards and four Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical. The Tony awards included Best Book of a Musical

“This production celebrates working class America.” John Sbordone, director at City Repertory Theatre

and Best Original Score. “Working” was revived and brought back to Broadway in 2012.

Three of the musicals original songs, by James Taylor, will be featured in CRT’s production, such as “Brother Trucker,” “Un Mejor Dia Viendra” and “Millwork.”