Fremont Centre Theatre (South Pasadena, CA)
Fans of America's beloved storyteller can see special advance preview performances of a new Ray Bradbury musical. In addition to the musical, the second segment of the evening will be a personal appearance by Bradbury, sharing the reminiscences of a legendary life and career. He will also be available to sign books for his fans.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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We expect to have reviews on Monday December 7, 2009.
The Fremont Centre Theatre is located in the heart of beautiful historical South Pasadena and is one of the quaint small towns of America. Its attractions include a unique Museum with an historic shopping district just two blocks north of Fremont Centre Theatre.
Free Parking in Rear
Handicap Entry at El Centro Ave. Entrance
In “Ray Bradbury’s Merry Christmas 2116,” an aging couple approaching the 40th anniversary of their married lives together each decide to give their spouse a present. As coincidence would have it, Mr. Wycherly and Mrs. Wycherly each separately approach a maker of realistic, lifelike robots, called marionettes although they have no strings. Mr. Wycherly requests that Mr. Marionette manufacture a highly customized younger, more vital version of himself to please Mrs. Wycherly. The Missus, for her part, asks the robot-maker to fashion a young, hot, sassy, saucy version of herself for her Mister. When the new marionettes are each delivered to their designated recipients, the fun really begins.
This musical was first conceived fifty years ago for two Bradbury friends, the husband and wife team of Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester, with director James Whale attached. With Whale’s sudden death, the project was set aside.
Now, with a brand new musical score, “Ray Bradbury’s Merry Christmas 2116” will be shown to theatre audiences, including his legions of fans. Book and lyrics are by Ray Bradbury.
John Hoke composes the music. A longtime session musician and singer in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and London, Hoke has written music for commercials and for television. He has toured North America and Europe extensively with the John Stewart Band, and has recorded his own album, “Fortunato,” for Homecoming Records.
Steve Josephson directs. He has previously written, developed and directed the musicals “Some Summer Night” (winner, New American Musical Writers Festival, New York) and “Tea & Crumpets” (Best New Musical, SF Bay Area Theatre Critics).
The cast of “Ray Bradbury’s Merry Christmas 2116” includes David Stoneman, Rob Harryman, Lisa Morrice, Jessie McLean, Steve Josephson, Samantha Marcella, Christine Reese and Anthony Scarano.