HAPPY 50ish!, the mid-life crisis musical comedy will have its Off-Broadway premiere beginning Wednesday, July 15 at The Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street) on Theatre Row. Created by Lynn Shore, Mark Vogel and David Burnham, and is directed and choreographed by Paul Stancato, HAPPY 50ish! opens Sunday, July 26. Previews run from July 15 through July 25 and the show will play a limited engagement through August 30. Performances are scheduled for Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. with matinees on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $69.50 – $99.50 and are available through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or www.Telecharge.com.
Happy 50ish! is a musical comedy that revolves around Bob’s surprise birthday party. As he turns the big five-0, he learns to laugh and make fun of all the things that inevitably come with age. He’s arrived early for his party, his wife is running late, and there’s a backyard full of party guests. While reading his birthday cards aloud, he learns that turning 50 magnifies the unintended and hilarious realities of middle age.
When creator Lynn Shore celebrated his 50th birthday with a midlife crisis, the actor, musician and author collaborated with Mark Vogel and David Burnham to write the book, music and lyrics. HAPPY 50ish! is produced by Patrick Schwier. The cast features Lynn Shore and Mark Vogel.
Lynn Shore’s regional credits include, The Wizard of Oz (Garden Grove Civic), Godspell (Starlight Bowl in San Diego), The Sound of Music (Starlight Bowl in San Diego) and the West Coast Premiere of Babe’s in Toyland (San Diego’s Fox Theater). Nationally he has toured with the Mickey Finn Show playing lead trumpet, piano, lead singer and comedian emcee. Shore’s voice can be heard on numerous commercials for Ford, Disney, The Biltmore Hotels and others. He also voiced seven characters for Sony’s animated series’, “Gun Parade March”, “Demon Lord Dante” and sang three solo tracks on the 2012 Grammy nominated children’s album titled “ABC Mouse: The Alphabet Songs.” Lynn Shore is the recipient of the 2013 Jason Robert Brown World-Wide vocal contest and performed with him at 54 Below.
Mark Vogel is a BMI winning television and film composer, and a performer, music director and producer. He started his network television career on “Full House” as a member of Jesse and the Rippers, starring John Stamos. He and Mr. Stamos also wrote original music for the hit series. Other network shows include “Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place” (ABC) and “Delta” (ABC). Mark’s six feature films are highlighted by Raising Helen for Disney. Stage performances include concerts with The Beach Boys, Natalie Cole, Queen Latifah, Joan Rivers and Broadway’s David Burnham. Mark has performed for three U.S. Presidents and has produced more than 500 songs.
David Burnham is a composer, an award-winning performer, director and choreographer. He has recorded two solo CDs, which include original music that he co-wrote with Mark Vogel. He co-founded “Camp Sing”, a writing/performing camp for young artists. As a performer, David has appeared on Broadway in The Light In The Piazza and starred as Fiyero in Wicked. He has appeared in many national tours, and has performed his solo concert across U.S. and Canada.
Paul Stancato (Director/Choreographer) is a New York based director/ choreographer who works in theater, film and television. Broadway- Wedding Singer (asst. choreographer) National Tours: Wedding Singer (director), Jekyll and Hyde (director/choreographer). Internationally, he has worked in China, Belgium and London as the Artistic Director for The House of Dancing Water. He was the Resident Director for Disney’s The Lion King. Recent directing/ choreographing credits include: Momma Rose (LaMama) Powerhouse (New Ohio Theater) and Divided (Red Fern Theater). Mr. Stancato is a member of Lincoln Center’s Director’s Lab, is a Resident Artist with the Horse Trade Theatre Group and has developed new work with the Drama League. Upcoming: a new Broadway musical based on the life and times of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
For more information, visit http://www.happy50ishmusical.com/.