About LipscombFeb. 9 - Blackbird Theater presents Pacific Overtures
2/9/2012
TBA
Presented by Lipscomb’s resident theater company The Blackbird Theater
Sondheim, the modern master of musical theater, is renowned for “Sweeney Todd,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Company.” But one of his most compelling works is the rarely produced gem “Pacific Overtures.”
In 19th century Japan, an unlikely friendship is forged between the samurai Kayama and the Americanized fisherman Manjiro in the wake of a U.S. naval mission to secure trade relations with the reclusive nation. Kayama and Manjiro – and all of Japanese society – must face the wave of Westernization that follows. The musical tells the story of Commodore Matthew Perry’s 1853 mission to open trade relations with isolationist Japan through gunboat diplomacy. This innovative show by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman blends the American musical form with elements from Kabuki theater to present the origin of relations between America and Japan through the eyes of the Japanese.
“Pacific Overtures” features a gorgeous score and, of course, the peerless lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. Highlights include the soaring “Poems”, the comedic tour-de-force “Please Hello,” the delicate, diabolical “Chrysanthemum Tea,” and its best known song “Pretty Lady.”
Director: To be announced
Where: Shamblin Theatre
When: Feb. 9-19
Call the Allen Arena box office at 615-966-7075 for ticket information.
Blackbird Theater Official Site