Auditions for Fiorello! Begin today. We at Live Arts Theatre are very excited for this summer’s upcoming musical. It’s a different kind of show that is strangely timely and enthusiastically positive. We hope you will join us for auditions.
But first, a word from our Director, Bill Pacer:
What a story? Ludicrous. An honest politician. Fake news of theatrical proportions. Reluctantly supported by the Republican party hierarchy, this populist candidate surprised everyone by defeating the entrenched Democratic machine. He battled for the common people, fighting corruption. Party leadership sold him short and following his resounding election, feared his independent stance would leave party regulars out of patronage posts.
“Who’d ever guess that the people would go to the polls and elect a fanatic?! People can do what they want to, But I got a feeling it ain’t democratic. This is a guy who is going to go further than anyone ever suspected!” There is talk of war, political chicanery, corruption and a woman feels ostracized because she loves a cop.
Bill Pacer, Director of Fiorello!
If this scenario sounds familiar, it shouldn’t!!! It is not 2017, but 100 years ago; the tale of the Pulitzer Prize musical “Fiorello!” The parallels to contemporary reality are striking and the differences even more so.
I fell in love with this musical gem nearly five decades ago when my school, Emerson College, staged it. Over the years, I learned it was rare, even amongst staunch thespians, to uncover anyone familiar with this jewel. As I delved into research, I became more perplexed as to why this is the best unknown diamond never produced.
When I approached Becca Parker, Artistic Director of Live Arts Theatre, I made an unbelievable discovery. Instead of a blank stare, she responded, “I love that show!” What is not to love? Fiorello H. LaGuardia spoke the language of the people. He cared and sledgehammered organized crime and the helped pull the plug on the corrupt Democratic political machine of Tammany Hall.
The book by Broadway legend George Abbott and Jerome Weidman brought history to life, capturing a larger than life personality who has been lauded as the best Mayor ever in New York City history. And NYC has endured 109 mayors since 1665. The music soars with catchy tunes by Sheldon Harnick and incisive lyrics by Jerry Boch—the same musical team that gave us Fiddler on the Roof/
But why has this obscure show intrigued me? Why has this occupied my bucket list? Why the obsession?
Follow my research and attend the show. You may be smitten too. https://www.facebook.com/Fiorello-Atlanta-1143029362386088/