I scored REDHEAD for Goodspeed in 1998; it's a terrible show that must have originally been such a stunning showcase for Bob Fosse that no one saw its drawbacks because of the staging, the star, and the designs. Albert Hague liked my work and he was a lovely man, but I don't think he's one of my favorite composers. The production, by Chris Ashley, should have looked at earlier drafts of the show because even Gwen Verdon couldn't sustain the role and started cutting songs because of fatigue: she never leaves the stage in Fosse's shrill and continuous attempt to make her the center of everything. Goodspeed's leading lady was charming but not served well by director or choreographer. Perhaps examining one of the earlier drafts for Bea Lille or Mary Martin might have made the book play better.
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA played several years ago in Central Park with Rosario Dawson, and it was as delightful as it was in 1971. However not enough buzz to move the show elsewhere.
Encores! just did APPLAUSE with Christine Ebersole and it got so-so reviews. I don't believe Ebersole was a good choice for the role since everything had to be esentially rescored to move the songs to her range and I don't think its book's as good as ALL ABOUT EVE or its score as good as BYE BYE BIRDIE.
Roundabout will supposedly prevent BYE BYE BIRDIE as one of its upcoming revisals. Pity.