Big Noise brings back ‘jukebox musical’
Big Noise Theatre Company closes its 2011-12 season with the musical biography “Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical,” opening April 27 and playing weekends through May 13 at the Prairie Lake Theatre in Des Plaines.
The company is celebrating its 10th year of bringing live entertainment to the venue. “Leader of the Pack” is directed by Nancy Flaster, with choreography by Flaster and Ann Fink. Robert Deason, music director of Big Noise’s fall production of “How to Succeed,” returns as music director.
Originally presented on Broadway in 1985, “Leader of the Pack” was ahead of its time as one of the first “jukebox musicals” ever created. The story follows Greenwich’s rise to fame and fortune, from her humble beginnings to her collaboration with her writing partner and short-term husband, Jeff Barry.
Best known for writing some of the most skyrocketing doo-wop songs of the ’60s pop charts, the musical’s score is punctuated with a virtual hit parade of Greenwich’s music: “Chapel of Love,” “Da Do Ron Ron,” “Be My Baby,” “Hanky Panky,” “Do Wah Diddy,” “And Then He Kissed Me” and, of course, the title song. The company first presented the musical back in 1995, also with Flaster at the helm.
“The music is timeless, and the story of this extraordinary woman is fascinating,” says Flaster.
“The casting requires such a strong ensemble of young singers and dancers that it wasn’t until now that I could imagine remounting it. We have an extremely talented crop of people for this revival.”
The cast is headed by Christie Burgess (Kenosha, Wis.) in the title role of Ellie Greenwich and Tommy Thurston (Chicago) as Jeff Barry.
Audiences of Big Noise’s work may recognize a familiar face on the stage, especially if they saw the 1995 production. Chicago’s Pascale Trouillot returns in the role of powerhouse vocalist Darlene Love.
“To say that we are thrilled to have Pascale back in that role is an understatement,” states Flaster. Trouillot also appeared in Big Noise’s productions of “All Shook Up” and “Beehive.”
In addition to Trouillot, rounding out the cast is Linda Andrews (Palatine), Danielle Davis (Chicago), Danae Ervin (Chicago), Mark Komiskey (Vernon Hills), Kyle Kuhlman (Chicago), Kelly Maryanski (Mount Prospect), Peter Rasey (Chicago), Penny Shack (Bannockburn), Brent Walker (Chicago), David Whitlock (Northbrook) and Krysten Williams (Chicago).
Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and $16 for kids 12 and younger and can be ordered by calling (847) 604-0275 or visiting www.bignoise.org.
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