TO PRODUCERS AND ARTISITIC DIRECTORS

Do you believe there existed NO Gershwin revue before G, by G: The 1936 Radio Show? List the legendary composers whose own revues are produced worldwide:

Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Porter, Coward, Berlin. George Gershwin certainly is to be considered in this pantheon of America’s greatest composers.

Yet, no Gershwin show…until Now

In the year 2000, GERSHWIN, by GEORGE: The 1936 Radio Show ran for 31 performances to sell out crowds at The Baby Grand Wilmington DE. In 2002 it ran for 6 weeks at Best of Broadway Dinner Theatre in Wilmington.  Average house was 86%.  It’s been road tested.

G, by G is driven, of course by the master’s music.  Allow your audience to sit back and revel in some of the world’s greatest tunes. No social content; no need to think – just enjoy the gorgeous melodies and clever lyrics.

– Unit set with suggestions of art deco.

– 8 singer/actors.

–3 piece combo; stand up bass and drums and Gershwin at piano.

–One costume per performer.

–Minimal tech requirements.

–Royalties well under the norm from industry major players.

THEATRICAL CONCEITS

Action takes place in Gershwin’s apartment in NYC in 1936.

Your audience is the ‘radio’ audience and is referred to frequently.

Actors are Broadway icons. Audiences love the caricatures.

(If physically possible) audience is invited on stage to dance: ACT I – Love Medley; ACT II – They All Laughed.

RESEARCH

Extensive research has gone into this production, most especially for the title character.

While the primary experience is the music, the audience will be educated as well…scope of the man’s genius, Tin Pan Alley, song pluggers, music of the times, legendary personalities…

Much of the dialogue is taken from direct quotes. Many of Ethel's lines, or example, are directly from her biography, aptly titled I GOT RHYTHM.

Gershwin did indeed have a radio show in the ‘30’s. Don Wilson was his announcer.

The sponsor was FEENAMINT – that delicious chewing gum laxative.  The ‘commercial’ in ACT I was used in a 1933 program.

PROMOTIONAL HOOKS

A REGIONAL premiere of a NEW show.

The ONLY book show of Gershwin music!!!

Immortal Gershwin tunes encompassing the three aspects of his musical genius – Broadway, symphonic and folk opera.

Vast majority of dialogue is taken first person from bios of those portrayed.

16 song Gershwin medley included.

Education along with tuneful melodies (E.g. Fred and Adele Astaire talk of the birth of ‘Tin Pan Alley’)

PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY

Characters can be cut to reduce cast.

Musicians can be added. Additional dancers can be added.

Grand Piano or no? We understand they are pricey to rent. It is preferable but not essential that you have a grand on stage. The fact that the show requires only a small combo possibly offsets the rental.

Full "Rhapsody in Blue" or no. It takes an accomplished pianist to pull this off.  During the first run in 2000, the character portraying Gershwin played segments of the piece throughout the entire show. Any pianist you would cast can handle this. During the second run, we did the entire piece to open the second act.  Our audiences responded to that one with bravos.

Production is also available in 90 minute, no intermission format

Full orchestration on CD available for added fee.

Friends, We've seen the audience response with the two productions over two years.  It will work for you. We will do everything possible to ensure a success of GERSHWIN, by GEORGE: The 1936 Radio Show at your venue. Free ongoing consultation is part of the package.

Greer Firestone, Playwright

Contact: Greer Firestone, Playwright
Wilmington DE
302.494.3133
Facebook
For a perusal, rates and info, contact: producer@delaware.net