Busker Alley

HISTORY

In 1938, Charles Laughton and Erich Pommer, the renowned producer of The Blue Angel, formed a film company and produced four extraordinary films. Among them was St. Martin’s Lane, which featured a young Rex Harrison, Tyrone Guthrie and made a star of Vivien Leigh. It won her, Laughton’s young leading lady, her role in Gone With The Wind, the following year.

Written for Laughton, it tells the story of “Charlie”, a charming busker (street performer) who is beguiled by “Libby”, the young sneak-thief he shelters. Libby’s performing talent is matched only by her ambition to become a stage star.

Now, as Busker Alley, this time-honored story has become a Broadway Musical. The story of “Charlie” and “Libby” incorporates two very different kinds of London life the grit of the buskers and the glitter of the theatre just before and during the Second World War.

Busker Alley, The Musical will star the extraordinary Jim Dale (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award winner), and features a score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (two Academy Awards, 23 gold and platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more movie scores than any other songwriting team in history). The book is by celebrated playwright, film and television writer, AJ Carothers (The Happiest Millionaire, The Secret of My Success), with direction and design by Tony, Emmy and Academy Award winner Tony Walton.

		Busker Alley HISTORY In 1938, Charles Laughton and Erich Pommer, the renowned producer of The Blue Angel, formed a film company and produced four extraordinary films. Among them was St. Martin’s Lane, which featured a young Rex Harrison, Tyrone Guthrie and made a star of Vivien Leigh. It won her, Laughton’s young leading lady, her role in Gone With The Wind, the following year. Written for Laughton, it tells the story of “Charlie”, a charming busker (street performer) who is beguiled by “Libby”, the young sneak-thief he shelters. Libby’s performing talent is matched only by her ambition to become a stage star. Now, as Busker Alley, this time-honored story has become a Broadway Musical. The story of “Charlie” and “Libby” incorporates two very different kinds of London life the grit of the buskers and the glitter of the theatre just before and during the Second World War. Busker Alley, The Musical will star the extraordinary Jim Dale (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award winner), and features a score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (two Academy Awards, 23 gold and platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more movie scores than any other songwriting team in history). The book is by celebrated playwright, film and television writer, AJ Carothers (The Happiest Millionaire, The Secret of My Success), with direction and design by Tony, Emmy and Academy Award winner Tony Walton.
Photos from the York Theatre Benefit. Copyright © 2006 by Douglas Craib.
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