Bridewell Hosts UK First for Sondheim's Whistle

Stephen Sondheim's 1964 Broadway musical Anyone Can Whistle will receive its first fully staged London production in the new year. The production, which will run at the Bridewell Theatre from 8 January to 15 February 2003 (previews from 2 January), will also be the first ever to feature book writer Arthur Laurents recently released new script.

Opened on Broadway in April 1964 with a cast that included Angela Lansbury and Lee Remick, Anyone Can Whistle ran for a mere nine performances in a premiere production plagued by fist fights, failing machinery and two fatalities.

Despite its initial failure, the musical went on to achieve cult success, with numerous cast and concert recordings of some of Sondheim's most memorable songs, including "There Won't Be Trumpets", "Everybody Says Don't", "There's a Parade in Town" and the title song.

A surrealistic satire about madness and nonconformity, the musical tells the story of a corrupt and bankrupt town that invents a miracle to attract tourists. The UK production is directed by Michael Gieleta for The Gryphon Ltd at the Bridewell where previous Sondheim productions have included the world premiere of Saturday Night and the recent compilation The Road You Didn't Take. Casting has yet to be announced.

- by Terri Paddock

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