Ralph Kramden's signature threat, "to the moon, Alice," will soon be delivered with musical accompaniment. Satisfying the demands of millions of TV Land junkies, the Old Globe said Thursday that it will kick off its 2013-14 Season with the world premiere of "The Honeymooners," a new musical based on the "Golden Age" television series.
Tony Award winner Michael McGrath ("Nice Work If You Can Get It") has the unenviable task of trying to make audiences forget the (forgive the fat joke!) larger-than-life presence of Jackie Gleason as the much put-upon bus driver Ralph Kramden. Jerry Mitchell, who the Tony-winning choreographer of "La Cage Aux Folles," will direct and choreograph the musical comedy at the San Diego theater.
"The Honeymooners" boasts a book by Dusty Kay and Bill Nuss, music by Stephen Weiner and lyrics by Peter Mills.
The Old Globe said the rest of the creative team and casting will be announced at a later date. The show will run on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre from Sept. 8 – Oct. 27, 2013. Opening night is slated for Sunday, Sept. 22.
If it connects with critics and audiences, the show could find itself moving cross-country to Broadway. The Old Globe has been the launching pad for a number of musicals, such as "The Full Monty," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "A Catered Affair" that ultimately migrated to the Great White Way.
"As a kid I was a full-blown ‘Honeymooners’ addict, and I ‘bang-zoomed’ away many more hours with the Kramdens and Nortons than I should probably admit," said Old Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. "That's why it's a special joy to see Ralph, Ed, Alice and Trixie come to vivid life on our stage and to introduce these iconic American characters to a new generation.”
The show will follow Kramden and his buddy, Ed Norton, after they win a jingle contest and struggle to adjust to life as players on Madison Avenue. If it works, maybe the theatrical community can look forward to musical versions of other classic shows like "F Troop."
