Join The “First Wives Club” At The Old Globe

The Old Globe opens its much-anticipated First Wives Club – A New Musical on Friday, July 17. This Broadway-bound world premiere plays through Aug. 23, as part of the Globe’s 2009 Summer Season.

Based on the best-selling novel and Hollywood blockbuster of the same name, this musical features a book by Tony winner Rupert Holmes (Curtains!, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Say Goodnight Gracie) and a score by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland, the threesome who created hits for Martha and The Vandellas, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and The Supremes. The production will be directed by award winning opera and theatrical director Francesca Zambello (The Little Mermaid for Disney on Broadway).

The First Wives Club is a funny, moving and empowering new musical based on the smash-hit movie comedy and Olivia Goldsmith’s bestselling novel. Former college friends reunite at middle-age and soon discover they share the same unhappy story – their ungrateful husbands careened into midlife by dumping them for younger women. Inspired by their renewed friendship, the three women band together and take back their lives in style!

“The Old Globe has sent over 20 productions on to Broadway and this new musical is one of the most exciting projects that we have ever had the privilege to produce,” said Lou Spisto, Globe Executive Producer. “Countless millions of people grew up singing along to the hits of Holland-Dozier-Holland and their songs continue to have an enormous impact on each new generation. To have them composing original music for this world premiere at The Old Globe is beyond exciting. With the multi-talented Tony Award-winner Rupert Holmes writing the book and one of the most sought after directors in both the world of Opera and the theatre, Francesca Zambello, at the helm, this universally beloved story is sure to bring a thrilling new theatrical experience to San Diego audiences.”

The cast features Broadway veterans Barbara Walsh (Company, Hairspray) as “Brenda,” Karen Ziemba (Contact, Curtains) as “Annie,” Sheryl Lee Ralph (Dreamgirls, Thoroughly Modern Millie) as “Elyse,” John Dossett (Gypsy) as “Aaron,” Kevyn Morrow (Dreamgirls) as “Bill,” Brad Oscar (The Producers) as “Morty,” Sara Chase as “Trophy Wife,” Sam Harris (The Life) as “Duane,” Ari Lerner and San Diego’s Austyn Myers alternating as “Jason.”

The musical will be produced on Broadway by Paul Lambert and Jonas Neilson, with a theatre and dates to be announced.

First Wives Club – A New Musical
Presented by the Old Globe
July 17 – Aug. 23

Old Globe Theatre, Lowell Davies Festival Theatre (in Balboa Park)
Box office: (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623)
Online: oldglobe.org