Show History
History
Inspiration
Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill A Musical Voyage is a colorful cavalcade of a revue which mixes cabaret and commentary and is inspired by Weill's real life and career. The show spans a history of twenty years, from Weill's successes in Hitler's Germany to his triumphs in Truman's America, including music from such hits as The Threepenny Opera, Happy End, Knickerbocker Holiday and Lady in the Dark.
Productions
Under the direction of Donald Saddler, Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill opened October 1, 1972, Off-Broadway at the Theatre de Lys, which was later renamed the Lucille Lortel Theater. Covering the career of composer, Kurt Weill, using his original music, which teamed him with such renowned lyricists as Bertolt Brecht, Ira Gershwin, Alan Jay Lerner and Marc Blitzstein, among others, the show was conceived by Gene Lerner, and the cast included Margery Cohen, Judy Lander and Ken Kercheval. Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill played 152 performances.
In 2000, Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill was revived, again Off-Broadway, at the Triad Theatre in celebration of Weill s 100th birthday. The production directed by Hal Simons began previews on August 11, 2000, before officially opening on August 19, 2000, and closing on December 3, 2000, after 121 performances and ten previews.
Cultural Influence
- An album of Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill was recorded by the original Off-Broadway cast.
Trivia
- Kurt Weill's greatest theatrical success came after his death when The Threepenny Opera opened off-Broadway in 1954. Starring his widow, Lotte Lenya, it ran for over 2,600 performances.