BWW Flashback: Final Kander & Ebb Musical THE VISIT Concludes Broadway Run Today
By: Sally Henry Fuller Jun. 14, 2015
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The original Broadway version of Kander and Ebb's Tony-nominated musical THE VISIT closes today, June 14, 2015. The Visit began performances at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) on Thursday, March 26 and officially opened on Thursday, April 23. Below, take a look back at the show's journey to Broadway!
The original cast was led by Tony Award-Winners Chita Rivera as Claire Zachannassian and Roger Rees as Anton Schell. The Broadway cast also featured George Abud as Karl, Jason Danieley as Frederich Kuhn, Matthew Deming as Louis Perch, Diana Dimarzio as Annie Dummermut, Tony Award-nominee David Garrison as Peter Dummermut, Rick Holmes as Father Josef, Tom Nelis as Rudi,Chris Newcomer as Jacob Chicken, Mary Beth Peil as Matilde Schell, Aaron Ramey as Otto Hahnke, Elena Shadow as Ottilie, Timothy Shew as Hans Nusselin, with John Riddle andMichelle Veintimilla.
Based on the satirical play by Friedrich Durrenmatt as adapted by Maurice Valency, The Visit features music and lyrics by the Tony Award-winning team John Kander & Fred Ebb, book by four- time Tony Award-winning playwrightTerrence McNally. It will open on Broadway this spring, starring two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Chita Rivera and Tony Award-winner Roger Rees. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director John Doyle and choreographed by Tony Award-nomineeGraciela Daniele. Tickets available now on Telecharge.com.
In her juiciest role yet, Chita Rivera is Claire Zachannassian, the world's wealthiest woman, who returns home to Anton Schell (Roger Rees) who captured her heart then shattered her dreams. What she does next shocks the town and makes for the most thrilling and intriguing musical in years. From the team that brought you "Cabaret", "Chicago", "Kiss of the Spider Woman", this tale of romance, seduction and BETRAYAL proves that the best revenge is revenge.
The Visit is produced by Tom Kirdahy, Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Tom Smedes, Hugh Hayes, Peter Stern, Judith Ann Abrams, Rich Affannato, Hunter Arnold, Carl Daikeler, Ken Davenport, Bharat Mitra & Bhavani Lev, Peter May, Ted Snowdon, Gabrielle Palitz/Weatherby & Fishman LLC, Marguerite Hoffman/Jeremy Youett, Carlos Arana/Terry Loftis, Veenerick & Katherine Vos Van Liempt, 42nd.Club/Silva Theatrical and The Shubert Organization, in association with Williamstown Theatre Festival.
The official poster for THE VISIT, featuring Chita Rivera, was first unveiled in January, 2015.
THE VISIT stars Chita Rivera and Roger Rees, as well as book-writer Terrence McNally, sat down with BroadwayWorld to chat about the show a month before previews began.
A few weeks before previews began, the cast celebrated composer John Kander's 88th birthday during a rehearsal break.
John Kander, Chita Rivera, Terrence McNally
THE VISIT company met the press in mid-March and presented part of the show, just days before previews.
Terrence McNally, John Kander, Jason Danieley
Michelle Veintimilla, Chita Rivera
Also in March, THE VISIT marquee went up at the Lyceum theatre.
From the time previews started on March 26 throughout the run, Chita Rivera received many distinguished visitors, including Tyne Daly, Hal Prince, Betty Buckley, and even George Takei!
THE VISIT began previews on March 26 at the Lyceum Theatre.
Chita Rivera and Cast
John Riddle, Michelle Veintimilla
THE VISIT cast took their opening night bows on April 23, 2015.
Terrence McNally, Roger Rees, David Garrison, Chita Rivera
Following the performance, the company celebrated with a classy after-party.
John Riddle, Michelle Veintimilla
John Riddle, Michelle Veintimilla, Mary Beth Peil, Jason Danieley, David Garrison
Male ensemble
Chita Rivera, Roger Rees, and THE VISIT cast
The company took to the studio less than a week after opening to record THE VISIT original Broadway album.
THE VISIT script
THE VISIT sheet music
David Garrison, Chita Rivera, Roger Rees, Jason Danieley, Mary Beth Peil
Chita Rivera, John Kander, Roger Rees
Listen to the first track from the album!
The company of THE VISIT had the unique opportunity to be part of a couple's special day! Chita Rivera and Terrence McNally signed the marriage certificate as witnesses when Javier Bustillos and Anthony Chase tied the knot backstage at the Lyceum Theatre.
Terrence McNally, Chita Rivera, Javier Bustillos, Anthony Chase, Tom Kirdahy
Tom Kirdahy, Terrence McNally, Chita Rivera, Javier Busillos, Anthony Chase
THE VISIT received multiple Tony Award nominations, including one for Chita Rivera for Best Actress in a Musical, Terrence McNally for Best Book of a Musical, and Best Revival. Richard Ridge sat down with Rivera to discuss the show in light of her nomination.
Terrence McNally also sat down with BroadwayWorld to discuss the show following the Tony nomination announcement.
In honor of Rivera's nomination, a star-studded celebration lunch was held at New York City's swanky Four Seasons Restaurant on May 26.
Chita Rivera, Bernadette Peters, Ben Vereen, Bebe Neuwirth, Joel Grey, Tyne Daly
Terrence McNally, Bebe Neuwirth
Judy Kuhn, Sydney Lucas, Beth Malone
David Garrison, George Abud, Matt Dengler, John Riddle, Chris Newcomer
Laura Osnes, Conrad Ricamora, Harriet Harris, Ruthie Ann Miles, Victoria Clark
On a recent TONIGHT SHOW episode, Chita Rivera chatted about her Tony-nominated role THE VISIT and taught Jimmy how to shimmy like Bob Fosse. Watch clips from the appearance here.
On June 7, THE VISIT company performed on the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.
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