Friday, September 18, 2009
Sammy Sings and Dances into The Old Globe
The Old Globe in San Diego begins previews September 19 for the eagerly anticipated world premiere musical, Sammy, based on the life of one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Sammy Davis, Jr. Broadway veteran Obba Babatundé stars as the song and dance man.
The show has book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, and additional songs by Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It is directed by Keith Glover, with choreography by Keith Young and music supervision by Ian Fraser.
The ultimate triple-threat (singer, actor and dancer), Sammy defined an era. With a cast of sixteen of Broadway’s best singers and dancers, the musical takes us from Sammy’s life as a child working in vaudeville through his time with Dean and Frank as a member of the Rat Pack. Featuring the unmistakable classics that helped to make Sammy an icon - from hits like “The Candy Man,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “What Kind of Fool Am I” to new songs written just for this musical - Sammy shows us the struggles and triumphs of the man who was adored by millions.
In addition to Babatundé the cast includes Adam James as Frank Sinatra, Troy Britton Johnson as Dean Martin, Keewa Nurullah as Lola Falana, Perry Ojeda as Eddie Cantor, Mary Ann Hermansen as Kim Novak, Ann Duquesnay as Rosa Davis and Heather Ayers as May Britt. Also featured are Ted Louis Levy, Victoria Platt, Lance Roberts and Alonzo Saunders.
Ensemble includes Jenelle Engleson, Stephanie Girard, Lauren Haughton, and Anise Ritchie and Sarrah Strimel.
Opening night is October 2, 2009 and performances will run through November 8. Tickets are currently available at http://www.theoldglobe.org/.
