Movin' Out at the Count Basie
If you woke up this morning with the idea that you'd create a coming of age musical based on the music of Billy Joel- go back to sleep, you're too late. The Tony Award-winning musical "Movin' Out" is coming to the Count Basie Sunday, April 5th 2009.
The musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, Movin' Out tells the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. From post-World War II idealism, to Vietnam-era unrest, and finally, survival, we follow main characters that you will recognize straight from Billy Joel's lyrics: Brenda and Eddie from "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant;" Tony and Sergeant O'Leary from "Movin' Out;" Judy from "Why, Judy, Why;" and James from "James." Their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever and songs like "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "We Didn't Start the Fire," and "Pressure," performed by a live band, all come together to weave a musical backdrop beautifully complementing Twyla Tharp's innovative choreography. Movin' Out played Broadway for over three years, longer than dance musicals such as Contact, Fosse and Bring in 'Da Noise/Bring in 'Da Funk, and now the national tour comes to the Basie. "So exhilarating and soul-stirring, it practically bursts out of the theatre," said Time Magazine.
