Spring is a time of revival and renewal, and in this reflective year it feels especially jubilant. In that spirit Roundabout will round out the year with three major productions. Two of these—an overlooked drama by an American master and a beloved musical comedy —will be staged by Scott Ellis, Roundabout’s Associate Artistic Director. The third is a rarely-seen work by an acclaimed living playwright.
Arthur Miller’s early play The Man Who Had All the Luck, opens in May and stars film actor Chris O’Donnell as a young Midwestern man on whom fortune shines—while passing over everyone else. Through its charming story, Miller’s drama asks the largest, most urgent questions about fate, justice, and glory. Miller set The Man Who Had All the Luck in 1938, as the nation struggled out of the Depression and faced war in Europe. In 1944 it became Arthur Miller’s first Broadway production, and Roundabout is honored to stage its first return.
In June Roundabout will join the worldwide celebration of Richard Rodgers’s centenary with a rousing new production of Rodgers and Hart’s The Boys from Syracuse. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, The Boys from Syracuse boasts one of Rodgers’s most delightful scores, including unforgettable melodies such as "Falling in Love with Love," "Sing for Your Supper," and "This Can’t Be Love."
And finally, I am pleased to announce that Roundabout will complete the season with Edward Albee’s 1971 play All Over at the Gramercy Theatre. A rare gem from one of America’s greatest living dramatists, All Over revolves around a family’s deathbed vigil, as they reveal difficult truths and confront the slippery reality of love. Directed by Emily Mann, All Over will feature Rosemary Harris and Michael Learned. Preview performances will begin in June.
This issue of Front & Center takes a look at these productions and the artists behind them. It also presents another important perspective: we hear from those who teach Arthur Miller’s work in the classroom, as they share their thoughts and experiences with our superb Education Department.
Plans for next season are blooming too. Roundabout will continue its commitment to bringing the best talents to classic plays: in November we will begin our season with August Strindberg’s modern masterpiece, Miss Julie (directed by David Leveaux). Moliére’s magnificent comedy Tartuffe will follow, with Tony Award winner Brian Bedford. And Mark Brokaw will direct Thornton Wilder’s revered American classic Our Town later in the year.
Of course Roundabout’s next season will also include outstanding musicals. Our new season will include The Look of Love, a musical collage of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s heartfelt songs, followed by a revival of the 1982 Tony winner for Best Musical, Nine. And, popular singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik will premiere his version of Spring Awakening, Frank Wedekind’s poignant story of adolescence.
Roundabout is deeply fortunate to have so many friends and colleagues helping us to produce this wonderful work. Once again I must express my sincere gratitude to all those who make it possible: the Friends of Roundabout, Chairman’s Circle members, and our major supporters.
With such exciting projects and extraordinary artists taking part, we hope you’ll join us too for another season of great theatre, which always revives and renews us.
Todd Haimes • Artistic Director
Front & Center Online
Summer 2002 Editors:
Tom Sellar, Margaret Salvante McCann
