a musical based on Eugene O’Neill’s Anna Christie
music and lyrics by Bob Merrill
book by George Abbott
directed by Charlotte Moore
music direction by John Bell
choreography by Barry McNabb
July 18 – September 14, 2012
The Waterfront, New York City, 1926…
Anna, a woman with a checkered past, joins her father, Old Chris Christopherson, Captain of a coal barge shuttling between Boston and New York. On a foggy July 4th night, a sailor is pulled from the dark waters of the Atlantic. As the fog clears, Anna’s and Matt Burke’s eyes meet and their lives are changed forever.
Based on Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Anna Christie, New Girl In Town is a passionate, joyous musical by Bob Merrill in its first full production in New York City since its 1957 Tony-nominated Broadway run.
“This production has got a winning formula: a timeless story, top-notch actors and actresses with lovely voices, a catchy score with a mix of upbeat songs and romantic ballads played just right , and a snazzy ensemble of dancing sailors and saloon girls who have some great moves. Don’t let the connection to O’Neill’s dark Anna Christie drama mislead you; THIS REVIVAL PROVIDES TWO HOURS OF PURE, GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ENTERTAINMENT.” — Show Business
“New Girl in Town gives the Irish Rep another opportunity to do what we already know they do best. THE PRODUCTION FIRES ON ALL CYLINDERS like the venerable old theatrical magic maker it is again, sending you singing into the New York streets.” — Irish Voice
“GIMME SOME SINGING O’NEILL. DON’T BE STINGY, BABY. There are charming numbers. They include the father’s wistful ode to his daughter, “Anna Lilla”; the rousing opener “Roll Yer Socks Up;” Marthy and the saloon girls’ brassy “Flings”; and Anna and Matt’s tender duet, “Did You Close Your Eyes?”” — New York Times
“New Girl in Town is an appealing oddity — A BONBON WITH UNEXPECTED SOUR FLAVORS THAT GIVE IT AN EXTRA RESONANCE.” — Village Voice
“HOTFOOT IT OVER TO THE IRISH REPERTORY THEATRE.” — Theatremania
“Margaret Loesser Robinson and Patrick Cummings have TANGIBLE CHEMISTRY as Anna and Matt, the lovers who must overcome her past to find happiness… LOOKS LIKE THERE’S ALSO A NEW BOY IN TOWN…” — New York Post
“Invigorated by Barry McNabb’s space-maximizing choreography, this revival makes a pleasant case for a second-tier show; SHE’S QUAINT, BUT THERE’S LIFE IN THE OLD GIRL YET.” — Time Out New York