'The Mambo Kings' is cancelled!
| Scene from the Mambo Kings |
Producers Daryl Roth and Jordan Roth have announced that the musical The Mambo Kings, which was to preview in July and open on the 18 Aug 2005 at the Broadway Theatre, has been cancelled.
The Mambo Kings tells the all-new story of a square little town in the middle of a square state in the middle of a square decade where a lonely young girl dreams of hitting the open road. Into her life rides a guitar-playin' roustabout who changes everything.
It has music by Carlos Franzetti, lyrics by Arne Glimcher and book by Oscar Hijuelos and Arne Gilmcher.
Mambo King was directed by Arne Glimcher, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo, set design by Riccardo Hernandez , costumes by Ann Roth, lighting by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer and sound design provided by Acme Sound Partners
The musical premiered at the Golden Gate Theatre on the 31 May 2005, but to poor reviews. Most of the negative comments where for the musicals book, score and direction, though Sergio Trujillo's choreography was complimented.
The Off-Broadway tryout of the musical starred Esai Morales, Jamie Camil, Justina Machado, Albita, Evalina Montoya, Dennis Staroselsky, Cote de Pablo, Christiane Noll.
There had been rumours that the Mambo King was to call upon the aid of such theatre notables as Jerry Mitchell, Jason Robert Brown and David Ives to give fresh impetus to the production. However, the decision to pull the production meant any hope of doctoring the musical for a Broadway opening came to nothing.
"We are deeply grateful for the amazing dedication and remarkable spirit of the entire cast, crew and creative team of The Mambo Kings," stated the Roths. "While we had pursued several incredibly talented people to join the team and help us realize the full potential of the show, it became apparent to us all that the production could not successfully go forward on the current schedule."
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