Synopsis • Reviews • Pictures • Performance Details
Synopsis
 In turn-of-the-century New York City, millions of immigrants poured into this country, including one of America’s greatest songwriters, Irving Berlin. This “Made in America” genius wrote some of this nation’s best-loved songs
Using Berlin’s classic songs and interweaving six true family histories to chronicle the American immigrant experience, Made in America: Irving Berlin is unique theatre. It follows the immigrants from their first steps on American soil, through assimilation, striving for the American Dream, entering the rat race, disappointment, and finally acceptance. It is funny, poignant, patriotic, and uniquely American. It is an evening of family entertainment that will leave you patrons humming, laughing, and deeply moved.
With special permission of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, Made in America: Irving Berlin is available to regional theatres across the country. It uses a multi-ethnic cast of six and a piano, drums, bass combo.
Reviews
“Muhlenberg Summer Theatre’s “Made in America: Irving Berlin” is perfect summer entertainment – upbeat, fast moving and great fun. Music director David Bishop has created evocative arrangements of the familiar Berlin songs. And director Shawn Churchman has created imaginative, and often surprising, staging…Although this revue could stand on its own as just a delightful evening of song and dance, it is also full of thoughtful insight. Churchman has woven together poignant, humorous and always fascinating anecdotes of the experiences of three generations of six immigrant families. These stories infuse Berlin’s songs with new drama and meaning…That Berlin was a musical genius is a given. But this show offers a new insight into his evolution as a mirror of American popular taste.”
Myra Yellin Outwater, Allentown Morning Call
… a captivating little revue conceived and created by a gifted team—Shawn Churchman and David Bishop…Churchman, an innovative choreographer, offers a constantly changing visual feast. It’s as much fun to watch as to hear these interpreters of Berlin…Churchman is full of surprises, giving an unexpected twist to familiar pieces…Equally as exciting are Bishop’s musical arrangements of the Berlin tunes.”
Irene Backalenick, The Connecticut Post
“Did you ever wonder what it was like for your grandparents or great-grandparents to leave their native land? What did it feel like to step on the shores of America for the very first time? What did they leave behind? What did they fear? And, what did they look forward to in this brave new world? The cast of Made in America: Irving Berlin not only considered these questions, but did an in-depth research of their own family histories and incorporated their findings into this musical revue. The result is a musical melting pot of pure gold.”
Ellen Wilder, The Stamford Advocate
“Shawn Churchman and David Bishop took hold of a story-line that was virtually non-existent, endowed it with intelligence, imagination and poignancy, and produced a dramatic, musical production that set a 15-year, Stamford Theatre Works record of attendance!”
Steve Karp. Stamford Theatre Works, Producing Artistic Director
Details
If you would like a perusal script and promotional DVD, please contact Gloria Bonelli and Associates at (646) 498-3607 or at public@gloriabonelli.com
[top]
|
