The Mystery of Edwin Drood
September 17, 2007

Book by Rupert Holmes
Music & Lyrics Rupert Holmes

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ incomplete novel, Rupert Holmes’s warm-hearted musical extravaganza stops the action midway through Act II (where Dickens had died) to invite the audience to vote on the outcome. Who DID kill Edwin Drood (who, incidentally, is played by a woman)? We are proud to start off our season with this hilarious, chaotic entertainment, filled with melodrama, high spirits and rousing music hall melodies. Winner of 5 1985 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical!

ALEX THEATRE, Glendale: Monday, September 17 at 7:30 PM
SCHERR FORUM, Thousand Oaks: Sunday, September 23 at 3:00 PM

As Thousands Cheer
November 19, 2007

Book by Moss Hart
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin

Created in 1933 (and revived to great acclaim of-Broadway in 1998), “As Thousands Cheer’s” amusing gimmick was to turn newspaper headlines into deftly edited skits and musical numbers. This structure allowed Moss Hart to parody such wet-ink fresh subjects as Gandhi, Joan Crawford, Josephine Baker and the new (!!!) Rockefeller Center. Irving Berlin’s score is unparalleled, launching such favorites as “Easter Parade”, “Supper Time”, “Heat Wave” and “Harlem on My Mind”. MTG’s first ever review!

Aspects of Love
February 11, 2008

Book by Charles Hart & Don Black
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Adapted from the novel by David Garnett

Hot off “Phantom of the Opera”, Andrew Lloyd Webber created this intimate story of love triangles and quadrangles, initially involving a handsome soldier, his wealthy uncle and a charming young actress. Running over 3 years in London, yet rarely revived, “Aspects’” achingly glorious score includes “Love Changes Everything” and “Anything But Lonely”. “A lyrical, heartbreakingly romantic and, at the same time, charming piece” (Herald Tribune).  Ideal for Valentine’s Day!

ALEX THEATRE, Glendale: Monday, February 11 at 7:30 PM
SCHERR FORUM, Thousand Oaks: Sunday, February 17 at 3:00 PM

Out of this World
April 21, 2008

Book by Dwight Taylor & Reginald Lawrence
Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter

Revised Book by Greg MacKellan

First mounted in 1950, and now with a rapturously revised book, “Out of This World” is Cole Porter’s sassiest score, including “Use Your Imagination”, “Nobody’s Chasing Me”, “I Am Loved”, “Cherry Pies Ought To Be You” and “From This Moment On”.   It’s a free and giddy adaptation of the ancient legend in which Jupiter, the most lecherous of gods, adopts a human form, all the better to escape his wife Juno and seduce the wife of a mortal. To quote Mr. Porter: “Jupiter’s much admired machinery/is looking for a change of scenery”. 

ALEX THEATRE, Glendale: Monday, April 21 at 7:30 PM
SCHERR FORUM, Thousand Oaks: Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 PM

The Fix
June 23, 2008

Book & Lyrics by John Dempsey
Music by Dana P. Rowe

MTG is excited to present the West Coast premier of this 1997 hard-boiled commentary on American political dynasties. When presidential candidate Reed Chandler dies in his mistress’ bed, his maniacal wife and power-hungry brother thrust Reed’s spectacularly ill-suited, drug-abusing son into the political spotlight. Think Manchurian Candidate with “…a passionate, accomplished, witty, vigorous rock-tinged score” (USA Today). “The Fix is the most corrosive, explosive and gleefully wicked musical to come along in a long time” (AP).