It’s not often that you get to see the makings of a Broadway Show. I thought I would share this video of Hazel, a musical maid in America, because it shows the humble beginnings of what could possibly be a Tony award winner. Eliot and I are involved in the musical. The video is an interview with the creators. The show is based on the character from the Saturday Evening Post comic strip, and the 1960’s TV comedy series starring Shirley Booth. 

Hazel is debuting out-of-town at the The Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, IL. on April 6, 2016. Next stop Broadway. 

The New York Times mentioned Hazel yesterday in an article that talked about how Chicago is becoming a sophisticated show-going town before Broadway. See it here. 

Our good friends Ron Abel, composer and musical arranger and Chuck Steffan, lyricist, are the original creators of the show. Actress Klea Blackhurst is Hazel. The story was written by Lissa Levin and Joshua Bergasse, well known for his work on NBC’s SMASH, will direct and choreograph. He also was the recipient of a 2015 Tony nomination for Best Choreography for his Broadway debut in ON THE TOWN.

This video could be the start of something big. 

I promise that I will return to what’s new in the world of technology tomorrow. I know that I have focused my attention on many of my Moroccan experiences and other recent activities.

I want to divert from the world of technology one more time so I can congratulate my good friends, Chuck Steffan and Ron Abel, on their upcoming Broadway Show, Hazel, a musical maid in America. We went to their reading today which received a roaring standing ovation from the Broadway community.

I think the reason that most people truly enjoyed the musical so much was because it took place in much simpler times. There was no internet, no cell calls, no apps, and no mobile devices to clutter our brains. It was a time when children used their imagination during playtime and mommies were just starting to understand the role of a wife who also wanted to be a working woman. It was magical to watch that period in life reappear.

There is no question in my mind that the Broadway audience is going to go wild for the star of the show, Klea Blackhurst. She has appeared in a number of Broadway shows, but the role of Hazel was made with her in mind. She will enthrall audiences year after year.

Ron wrote the music, Chuck wrote the lyrics, Lissa Levin, wrote the book, and Lucie Arnaz directed the reading. Lucie is in Pippin at the current time as well.

It takes a long time to bring a show to Broadway but count on me for house seats for when
Hazel does.

Chuck, Lucie and Ron