BACK HOME AGAIN: ON THE ROAD WITH JOHN DENVER
by Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman
Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Stackner Cabaret (LORT D)
September 11 - November 8, 2015
Narrative musical revue exploring the joys and sorrows of life as a traveling musician and the biography of John Denver through reinterpretations of more than two dozen songs, including many of Denver's greatest hits.
world premierE
Top-ten best-selling production in the history of Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Stackner cabaret (more than 125 productions since 1987)
ACCLAIM
"...well-wrought homage... There's nothing fancy in their unvarnished renditions of hits [and] there doesn't need to be--not when the musicianship is this solid, the close harmonies are this beautifully rendered, and the songs are sung with such bedrock honesty. ...songs that often come slathered in sentimental schmaltz are scraped clean, making them fresh." Mike Fischer, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
"...entertains with the sing-along nature of the hits...stellar musicianship...perfect vocals..." Harry Cherkinian, Shepherd Express
"And then they hit us with ['Annie's Song'], sung not by Lutken but by a wistful Deal. It builds a whole new layer to a tune a lot of guys wished they had written for their girls...it's that kind of surprising structure that makes this show so much fun." Dave Begel, OnMilwaukee.com
SUBSEQUENT PRODUCTIONS
Ivoryton Playhouse (CT; 2016)
PRODUCTION PHOTOS / VIDEO
All photos by Michael Brosilow.
BACK HOME AGAIN preview video courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
CREATIVE TEAM / CAST
Director: Randal Myler +
Musical Director: Dan Wheetman
Director of New Play Development: Brent HazeltonScenic Designer: Vicki Smith #
Lighting Designer: Don Darnutzer #
Costume Designer: Lyndsey C. Kuhlmann #
Sound Designer: Megan B. Henninger #
Stage Manager: Richelle Harrington Calin *
Stage Management Resident: Rivka Kelly
Assistant Director: Nabrashaa Nelson
Katie Deal *
David Lutken *
* AEA + SDC # USA