Groundhog Day (musical)

Groundhog Day
Original Broadway Production Artwork
Music	Tim Minchin
Lyrics	Tim Minchin
Book	Danny Rubin
Basis	1993 film Groundhog Day
Premiere	16 August 2016 (2016-08-16): The Old Vic
Productions	2016 London 2017 Broadway

Groundhog Day is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and a book by Danny Rubin. Based on the 1993 film of the same name, the musical made its world premiere at The Old Vic in London in 2016 and will transfer to the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway from 17 April 2017. The plot centres around Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman^[1] who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,^[2] finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.^[3]

Background

The musical is based on the 1993 film Groundhog Day.^[4] The film itself was produced on a budget of $14.6 million, earning over $70 million in domestic box office receipts.^[5] In 2006 it was added to the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."^[6] It was voted at number 8 in the top ten greatest films in the fantasy genre by The American Film Institute.^[7]

In August 2003, Stephen Sondheim, when asked what his next project might be, said that he was interested in the idea of a musical adaption of Groundhog Day.^[8] However, in a 2008 live chat, he said that "to make a musical of Groundhog Day would be to gild the lily. It cannot be improved."^[9] In 2009, during an interview with MTV News, Harold Ramis revealed that Danny Rubin was working on the book for a musical version of the film.^[10] In January 2014, it was revealed that lyricist Tim Minchin and director Matthew Warchus had teamed up with Rubin.^[11] A workshop was held in London on 12 July, and Minchin performed a song from the show "Seeing You" during a concert in Hyde Park.^[12]

On 2 April 2015, the musical was officially confirmed and it was announced that the show would receive its Broadway premiere in March 2017.^[13] It was later announced the musical would make its world premiere during 2016^[14] at The Old Vic theatre in London,^[15] as part of director Matthew Warchus' debut season as artistic director of the theatre.^[16]

The musical has a book by Danny Rubin, based on his and Harold Ramis's original screenplay,^[17] and is directed by Matthew Warchus,^[18] with choreography by Peter Darling^[19] and design by Rob Howell.^[20] The show features an original score and lyrics by Australian comedian and lyricist Tim Minchin.^[21] The production reunites most of the creative team behind the 2010 musical Matilda.^[22]

Speaking about the musical, director Warchus said that it's "a show full of intellect, integrity and wit, insight, humor—and of course romance."^[23] Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for the adaption, added, "Our version of Groundhog Day is going to be both instantly recognisable, and utterly different" and that "The central conceit is perfectly suited to the theatre... it has the potential to be complex, dark, visually fascinating, and thematically rich, whilst still being a joyous romantic comedy with cool tunes and lots of gags."^[24]

Productions

Original London Production

The show's premiere production was scheduled to begin previews at the The Old Vic in London, on 11 July 2016, with its official opening night coming on 16 August, booking for a limited period until 17 September 2016,^[25] with an extra performance added on 19 September 2016. Initial previews were cancelled due to the technical complexities of the show, with the intention to restart on the 15th July.^[26] The first preview became an open final dress rehearsal with previews beginning instead on the 16th July. Tickets went on general sale on 12 April 2016, with priority booking from 10 March.^[27] In January 2016, it was announced that Andy Karl would play the lead role of Phil.^[28] Other notable casting for the show includes Carlyss Peer as Rita and Eugene McCoy as Larry.^[29]

Original Broadway Production

The musical had been scheduled to transfer to Broadway, opening on 9 March 2017, following previews from 23 January 2017.^[30] However, Playbill reported on June 22, 2016 that the musical "may not make it to Broadway in January 2017" because the lead producer, Scott Rudin has withdrawn from the production.^[31]

After the opening night of the production at The Old Vic in London, The New York Times revealed that the production is still intended to transfer to Broadway, produced by André Ptaszynski and Lia Vollack with Whistle Pig and Columbia Live Stage.^[32]

The musical will premiere on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre officially on 17 April 2017.^[33] On October 19, 2016 it was announced that Andy Karl will reprise his role from the London production with tickets going on sale from November 2, 2016. Previews will begin March 16, 2017. Additional cast is to be announced.^[34]

Characters and original cast

The characters and original cast:

Two members of the original cast at the Old Vic have also appeared in Matilda. Antonio Magro appeared in the West End production as Children's Entertainer/Sergei, during which time he also understudied the principle role of Miss Trunchbull, while Leanne Pinder was a swing in both the West End and Broadway productions (she also took on the roles of resident and assistant choreographer, respectively).^[36][37]

The understudies for the Original London Production were as follows:

Critical reception

Original London production

The original London production was received positively, opening to a string of five-star reviews.^[38]

Awards and nominations

Original London production

References

External links

• Official show page on Old Vic website
• Official Broadway Website