To attempt to answer that question, consider a road trip up the Hudson this weekend. Poughkeepsie-based New York Stage and Film is hosting the premiere of a work-in-progress called Good Vibrations, a musical inspired by the songs of the Beach Boys. The show began on July 29th and runs through August 2nd.
On one hand, the show is being directed and choreographed by John Carrafa (Urinetown, Into the Woods), someone with real cred. On the other hand, the ensemble includes Justin Guarini, the American Idol guy with the really wacky hair, who could really use a hit after his big screen flop To Justin From Kelly. The show has an original book by Richard Dresser (Rounding Third). The plot is anyones guess, as is the manner in which the Beach Boys songs will be used. "It will be a new hybrid," Carrafa told Variety, "somewhere between Mamma Mia! and Movin' Out."
For tickets and information, call (845) 437-7235 or www.newyorkstageandfilm.org. They actually have many interesting sounding productions on their schedule. The seasons essentially over with this production, but its worth noting that the acting talent this season included Lucy Liu, Rob Morrow, Mia Farrow, and Marcia Gay Harden.
[This post has been written by Amy Rosen who is our latest contributer to the Arts & Events section. Amy works in the music business but spends way too much time and money on her theatre habit.]
