The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation Explained

The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation
Subtitle:The Musical
Music:David Rossmer and Steve Rosen
Lyrics:David Rossmer and Steve Rosen
Basis:National Lampoon's Vacation films
Premiere Location:Seattle, Washington, U.S.

The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation is a musical with a book, music, and lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen.[1] It is based on the characters from the National Lampoon's Vacation film series.[2]

Productions

Originally titled Broadway Vacation, the musical had an industry reading in November 2019, starring Kerry Butler and Will Swenson.[3]

The musical's world premiere was planned for fall 2020 at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle,[4] but the production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rescheduled for fall 2022.[1] [5] It opened on September 22, 2022, after beginning previews on September 13, and closed on October 2.[6] Directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, the premiere production starred Megan Reinking as Ellen and Hunter Foster as Clark.[7] Kate Rockwell was originally slated to play Ellen,[8] but she left the production because of her pregnancy.[9]

The production was expected to move to Houston for a brief engagement at Theatre Under The Stars after its premiere in Seattle,[1] but the production company's creative director announced the cancellation of the Houston run in July 2022.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gans . Andrew . Broadway-Aimed The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation Sets Dates in Seattle and Houston . Playbill . July 12, 2022 . March 8, 2022.
  2. Web site: Lefkowitz . Andy . Broadway Vacation, New Musical Based on Vacation Film Franchise, Sets World Premiere at 5th Avenue Theatre . Broadway.com . July 12, 2022 . January 13, 2020.
  3. Web site: Lefkowitz . Andy . Kerry Butler, Will Swenson & More to Lead Reading of New Musical Based on Vacation Film Franchise . Broadway.com . July 12, 2022 . November 19, 2019.
  4. Web site: Meyer . Dan . Broadway Vacation, The Musical to Make Its World Premiere at 5th Avenue Theatre . Playbill . July 12, 2022 . January 13, 2020.
  5. Web site: Sullivan . Lindsey . Kate Rockwell, Hunter Foster & More Set for The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation, The Musical . Broadway.com . July 12, 2022 . July 11, 2020.
  6. Web site: Gans . Andrew . World Premiere of The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation Musical Ends Seattle Run October 2 . Playbill . January 4, 2023 . October 2, 2022.
  7. Web site: Gans . Andrew . World Premiere of The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation Musical Opens September 22 in Seattle . Playbill . January 4, 2023 . September 22, 2022.
  8. Web site: Rosky . Nicole . Kate Rockwell and Hunter Foster Will Lead Premiere of THE GRISWOLDS' BROADWAY VACATION at 5th Avenue Theatre . BroadwayWorld . July 14, 2022 . July 11, 2022.
  9. Web site: Rabinowitz . Chloe . Megan Reinking to Replace Kate Rockwell in THE GRISWOLDS' BROADWAY VACATION at The 5th Avenue Theatre . BroadwayWorld . January 4, 2023 . September 12, 2022.
  10. Web site: Hall . Margaret . The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation Cancels Houston Run . Playbill . January 4, 2023 . July 7, 2022.