“Gershwin & Porter” is BACK! Who Could Ask For Anything More?

Two of the greatest composers of the 20th century will again be brought to life through their life stories and fabulous music. First staged at Marblehead Little Theatre in 2014, Gershwin & Porter, Who Could Ask for Anything More? returns to MLT from July 28 to August 6.

This original musical revue was written by Marblehead Little Theatre veterans Anne Lucas and Betty Lautner, who are co-directing the show this summer. Audiences loved the original production and over the years many have asked for a revival. George Gershwin will be played by Andrew Hankinson and Cole Porter by Kenny Meehan.

Co-Producer Dayle Persons said, “I am so happy to be part of bringing this fun and exciting revue back to MLT. It is a tribute to two of the best of the best musical theatre creators and gives a peek into the lives of such talent. Our biggest problem was deciding which of the many, many marvelous songs to feature.”

Lucas, Lautner and Persons were three of the original production team and cast. Adding Thomas Smoker as Musical Director and Danny Swain as Choreographer has produced a whole new show.

Lucas said, “The music is contagiously beautiful, and we have wonderful singers to sing it. I GOT RHYTHM, SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME, SUMMER TIME, YOU’RE THE TOP, to name only a few of their marvelous songs.”

Persons added, “The show has several new and talented cast members, along with a few of the original talent from 10 years ago. It is so inspiring to be able to bring in new folks to our MLT family.”

The musical revue is narrated by the characters of Gershwin and Porter, who came from completely different backgrounds. They tell the stories of their lives and their musical motivations intertwined around their songs. Gershwin and Porter also interact with the rest of the cast who sing a variety of their best songs. Between them, this duo is responsible for many influential and popular show tunes, songs and jazz standards.

These songs that were so popular in the early to mid-twentieth century are still very much alive and vital today. The way the show presents these two iconic men makes the audience feel like they know them personally.

Lautner said, “Certainly, whether or not the audience is from my generation, people today are familiar with much of the music.”

Co-Producer Elaine Leahy is new to the production team and said,

“Every song I’m hearing during the rehearsals gets my toes tapping as I hum along. I recognize so many songs that I didn’t realize hailed from Gershwin and Porter.”

Lautner said, “We have a very entertaining revue and I am sure our audience will know and remember and love the songs.

Both weekends sold out during the last run of the show, so get your tickets early!

Article written by Elaine Leahy