The Tony Award-winning “Will Rogers Follies” will take the Pioneer stage on May 5, following the life of the American folk hero Will Rogers, a Zigfield’s Follies star in the early 20th century.
Using the Follies to underscore his life, he takes the audience on a grand rollercoaster of events. From Argentinian cowboys to the “talkies” and everything in between, Rogers entertains the crowd with his homespun wisdom and razzle-dazzle musical numbers.
David M. Lutken plays the title role of Will Rogers. Lutken previously appeared in the Broadway production of “The Will Rogers Follies,” as well as in Broadway productions of “Inherit the Wind,” “Ring of Fire” and “The Civil War.” He has also appeared off-Broadway and in regional productions in both the U.S. and the U.K., including “Man of La Mancha,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and “Bonnie and Clyde.”
Will’s wife, Betty Blake, is played by Lisa Brescia whose Broadway credits include Donna in “Mamma Mia!,” Elphaba in “Wicked,” Cleo in “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” Amneris in “Aida” and Marion Halcolmbe in “The Woman in White.” Other prominent credits are Helena in “All’s Well that Ends Well,” Tatiana Racon in the World Premiere of “A Comedy of Tenors,” Gertrude in “Hamlet” and Sally in “Cabaret,” among others.
Guest Director/Choreographer DJ Salisbury joins Pioneer to continue his “Follies” streak after having been involved in nearly a dozen productions of the show beforehand.
Phil Reno returns as musical director and conductor. He was last involved with PTC in this season’s concert version of “Chess” and “Sweet Charity” in 2014.
Ann Cooley will be assistant directing/choreographing, having worked with Salisbury before. The New York City-based director/choreographer’s credits include “The Will Rogers Follies” with David M. Lutken, “Peter Pan,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Producers,” “Gypsy,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Ragtime.”
For a musical that pulls out all of the stops, “The Will Rogers Follies” not only makes a splash but takes the audience back to a time of true American heroes and entertainment.
“The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue” runs May 5 through May 20. Tickets can be obtained at the door, or online at www.pioneertheatre.org. Student rush tickets available for $5 one hour prior to curtain.
