The big splashy musical is back! High Society is the opening musical for the 71st season at Joplin Little Theatre.
High Society is based on the book by Arthur Kopit, music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
The musical High Society is based on the 1939 play The Philadelphia Story, written by Philip Barry. The plot centers on pretentious Long Island socialite Tracy Lord, who is planning a June 1938 wedding to an equally pretentious executive when ex-husband Dexter Haven arrives to disrupt the proceedings with the assistance of Tracy’s younger sister. Additional comic complications arise when tabloid reporter Mike Connor, who is there to cover the wedding, also falls for the bride-to-be to the dismay of his co-reporter Liz Imbre who is in love with him. Hijinks ensue!
The score's songs were compiled from various Porter musicals; in some instances, updated or new lyrics were added. High Society opened on Broadway in 1998 and had a revival 2005.
In an interesting twist for the Joplin Little Theatre production, the young heiress Tracy Lord is played by Kayleen Seidl. The role of her mother, Margaret Lord, is played by her real mother, Becky Seidl.
The role of George Kittridge, Tracy’s future second husband has been double cast due to actor conflicts. It will be performed by Brett Hecksher on August 11-14 and by Burnside on Saturday August 7 (Angel Guild Gala) and Sunday August 15. This may be of interest to theatre goers who live in Webb City and Miami.
The principal roles are performed by:
The Lord Family:
Tracy Lord, Kayleen Seidl
Margaret Lord, Becky Seidl
Seth Lord, Chris Mitchell
Dinah Lord, Juliet McGowan
Uncle Willie, Clint Newby
The Husbands:
Dexter Haven, Thomas Thatcher
George Kittredge, Brett Hecksher & Sam Burnside
The Reporters:
Mike Connor, Kenny Timbrel
Liz Imbrie, Ashley Trotnic
The Servants provide great vocal harmony as they visually
make scene changes interesting.
Butlers: Hunter Dowell, Andrew McGowan,
Mark Timpe and Kyle Newby
Maids: Kassie Kresse, Devri Brock , Jessica Johnson,
Niki Corcoran, Whitney Outain and Melissa Hedal
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