Show History

History

Inspiration

Regarding the impetus for this show, Sherman Yellman wrote in the program notes for the original production, "There is an underlying sadness in these optimistic American songs today. When we hear them, we feel a longing for a simpler time and we sense our loss of innocence. It is part of the fantasy to believe that Paris 1927 was pure gold... but this musical is not about the underside of Paris life. It is a celebration of a golden era of romance and self-discovery. Too many honest and gifted reporters found Paris 1927 to be a paradise for youth to doubt it now. Lucky in the Rain is my homage to those men and women."

Productions

Lucky in the Rain premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House on July 9, 1997.

Cultural Influence

• In 2000,  a CD of the show was released and featured an all-star cast that included Lillias White, Malcom Gets, Debbie Gravitte and Barbara Cook.
• Lucky in the Rain brings some of 1920s Paris' legendary inhabitants to the stage, including Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemmingway, Isadora Duncan, Josephine Baker, The Fitzgeralds, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.
• The score of Lucky in the Rain features a bevy of popular standards, including "I Can t Give You Anything but Love," "Doin' the New Low Down" and an unforgettable version of "Sunny Side of the Street."

Trivia

• The cast and creative team of the original production included several names that would go on to make their marks on Broadway a few short years after Lucky in the Rain debuted. The production was directed by Christopher Ashley (All Shook Up) and choreographed by Randy Skinner (42nd Street). Featured in the cast were Jane Eyre's Marla Schaffel and The Full Monty's Patrick Wilson. Musical duties were in the hands of two industry veterans, Wally Harper and Peter Matz, who collaborated to showcase Jimmy McHugh's music in all its timeless glory.
• Sherman Yellen is both a Peabody and Emmy Award winner.