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ANDREWS LIVING ARTS proudly announces the 40th Anniversary production of LET MY PEOPLE COME, the Musical Comedy Revue about Sex. Earl Wilson, Jr. created this piece in 1974 which opened at the Village Gate Theatre, on Bleecker St. in Greenwich Village, N.Y. and played for 1,327 heart-throbbing performances, breaking all box office records at that theatre.
The show was nominated for a Grammy and has appeared all over the world in the many years since its inception. " It's a really fun show that takes the attitude that everyone loves sex, when they are honest enough to admit it, and that we'd all be a lot better off if we were less uptight about it." says Wilson. A review at the time said: "it breaks all barriers- nudity, orgies, lesbianism, homosexuality, bisexuality, and fedishes, all celebrated; all hilariously carefree."
The idea for the show came about during a conversation between Earl Wilson, Jr. and Phil Osterman (who would later become the show's first director.) "Phil told me," says Wilson, " that the time was right to do a show about sex and make it explicit and beautiful and funny and young spirited." I said, "Didn't they do that in Oh Calcutta!?" and he said, "No, there were no songs to speak of in that show. Sit down and write a song and make it outrageous."
Now, 40 years later, the show has been re-imagined and becomes more poignant and even interactive at the intimate setting of ANDREWS LIVING ARTS in downtown Fort Lauderdale, opening August 8 for an unlimited run. Earl Wilson, Jr. has written a few new songs and even written new lyrics to a song from the original score in which "Scandals Saloon" in Wilton Manors is featured.
Bob Nation, ALA's Artistic Director, Stage Managed LET MY PEOPLE COME for several years at Grendal's Lair Cabaret Theatre in Center City, Philadelphia in the late 1970's and assisted in the direction of a production that toured to Montreal, Canada. He directs this production with assistance from choreographer, Paul Sutherland, and vocal director, Kristen Lewis. Composer, Earl Wilson, Jr. will be coming from New York to view this 40th Anniversary production which he hopes will tour to Key West and Orlando before expanding into a Las Vegas mega-hit.
The Fort Lauderdale production features an ensemble comprised of strong local talent: L'Oreal Joiner, Raibelis Paulino , Dora LaFrance, Ashley Hyde, Caleb Santos, Sujotta Pace, and Brian Bonk. Stage Manager is Elizabeth Gerrard; Publicist is Cathy Rollins; House Manager is Lory Reyes and Technical Director is Jerrod Jones. Ryan James is Art Director and Photographer. "This company is embracing the intimate party vibe that is ALA Studio and combining it with the clear social statements in the LMPC music. We look forward to joining the creative team in Fort Lauderdale and seeing people's responses," says Wilson.
Along with the show's best known songs , "Screw", "I'm Gay", and "Doesn't Anybody Love Anymore?" there are added new tunes and the new script includes ad-lib interviews with the audience mid-show about their own sexuality in the 21st Century. The fearless in the crowd can announce their favorite "positions," their "porn of choice," and more. There is also a sex trivia game with "sir-prizes" for the audience.
Despite some male and female frontal nudity, camouflaged by creative lighting, it's not about the shock value inherent in the 1974 production. The lyrics and the music reveal what this revue is really about: holding on to the human connection / sight and touch in a world dominated by technology and anonymity; with a strong statement on equality regardless of sexual orientation; freedom of self expression.
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LocationAndrews Living Arts Studio
23 NW 5th Sttreet
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States
Categories
Minimum Age: 18 |
Kid Friendly: No |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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