NEW YORK—The Encores! series at New York City Center struck musical-comedy gold with The Band Wagon.
Its book was written by Douglas Carter Beane from the screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The music was composed by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, based on the classic MGM film, produced by special arrangement with Warner Brothers Theatre Ventures.
Former Broadway star and Hollywood icon Tony Hunter (Brian Stokes Mitchell), his career foundering of late, has returned to New York at the request of flamboyant director/actor Jeffrey Cordova (Tony Sheldon) to do a play. Though upon his arrival, Tony learns that not only does Jeffrey want him to do a musical, he also wants husband and wife team Lilly and Lester Martin (Tracey Ullman, Michael McKean) to create the show’s libretto and score.
Lilly was Tony’s former lover who still has feelings for him, as Lester is all too aware. Lilly and Tony’s relationship and the trio’s friendship, had come to an abrupt end 15 years earlier when Tony left for California.
