The Bootlegger and the Playboy
Nice Work If You Can Get It the musical revolves around the story of a wealthy playboy and a bubbly, lively bootlegger. Set against the 20s’ era, the musical opens at the wedding day of Jimmy Winter, the wealthy playboy, where a number of famous personalities are present. Everything is going just right, until Winter comes across a feisty and bubbly bootlegger, who through her lively soul and energetic personality, melts his heart. Throughout the musical, hilarious situations are created as something that Winter never suspected goes out of hand. Champagnes flow on the stage and the laughter prevail the theatre throughout the 150 minutes that the show runs.
Nice Work If You Can Get It is a merry event to attend when you are feeling down. The set of classic songs such as ‘I’ve Got a Crush on You’ and ‘But Not for Me’ lighten up the mood in the venue and the energetic performances go along perfectly. Bursting with glamour, the musical is one of its kind.
Production History & Background
Taking a look at Nice Work If You Can Get It’s background, it was first produced for the Goodspeed Opera House in 2001 under the title “They All Laughed!”. Based on the book by Joe DiPietro, it was directed by Christopher Ashley. There was a rumor of the musical’s Broadway production in 2009; however, later on the production team split and it was postponed, and later officially canceled. The preview performances took place at Imperial Theatre three years later, until it finally premiered on 24th April. The production was choreographed and directed by Kathleen Marshall, and Mathew Broderick took up the role of Jimmy Winter. Billie Bendix the bootlegger was played by Kelli O’Hara. After a successful run of 478 performances, the production ended in June 2013. Now its National Tour is going to start, which will be making a stop at the Music Hall at Fair Park for a series of performances.
George and Ira Gershwin
George and Ira, the Gershwin brothers wrote some of the finest American orchestral pieces and songs. The Gershwin Legacy has been for a long time a major part of the American consciousness. Whether it is opening clarinet from “Rhapsody in Blue” or An American in Paris’ theme song, their music is recognized and differentiated easily. Talking about the Gershwin brothers brings the image of the sophistication and glamour of the 20s and 30s music to the mind. Gershwin brothers are responsible for bringing a voice to the musicals of that era; however their music remains evergreen, and doesn’t cease to inspire the musicals of today either.
‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’ at Music Hall
With a seating capacity of 3,420, Music Hall is a performing arts facility built at the Fair Park. The venue was inaugurated in October 1925, and has been host to some of the finest live performances, including theatre and concerts. It is nationally known for hosting Broadway musicals on tours, and also for organizing the large scale private as well as public functions. This September, it will be host to one of the finest comedy musicals, Nice Work If You Can Get It, with music by the legendary Gershwin’s. Currently, the musical is scheduled to run twelve performances here, however the dates may increase.