Warren Gerds/Critic at Large Checks in on La La Lucille

James Valcq gathers with the cast of “La La Lucille” to start rehearsals for George Gershwin’s “La La Lucille” that Valcq has revived. (Company photo)

“Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: 100-year treat in store in Sturgeon Bay for Gershwin’s ‘La La Lucille’”

“According to the website: This is George Gershwin’s first musical, which has not been staged since its Broadway premiere in 1919. The adaptation and restoration are by James Valcq, co-artistic director of Third Avenue Playhouse.

The farce tells the story of a married couple who plot to become temporarily divorced to claim an inheritance. When the scheme goes awry, hilarity, hijinks and tap dancing ensue.

“La La Lucille” includes Gershwin melodies that haven’t been heard in 100 years along with some that have never been performed.

The website elaborates:

The more amazing story is that much of the original music from this show was lost. It is only through the efforts of composer/director James Valcq, who has restored and reconstructed the complete score, that “La La Lucille” will be seen (and heard) again, exactly 100 years later.

It all started with a manila file folder.”

Read the full article HERE.