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Bright Lights, Big City

Based on the novel of the same name, this show follows Jamie, an aspiring writer stuck in fact-checking, as he hides from pain and loss by partying in the drug-infested clubs on Manhattan during the 1980s.

More information

Description

  • Full Length Musical
  • Drama
  • 120 minutes

  • Time Period: 1980s
  • Target Audience: Adult
  • Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
  • Cautions: Drugs, Alcohol, Mild Adult Themes
  • Orchestra Size: Small/Combo

  • Performance Group:
  • College Theatre / Student, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre
Based on the novel of the same name, this show follows Jamie, an aspiring writer stuck in fact-checking, as he hides from pain and loss by partying in the drug-infested clubs of Manhattan during the 1980s. The rock-n-roll score provides a robust sound that echoes Jamie's inner torment as he wanders aimlessly through the city's seedy party scene. After losing his wife and job, Jamie spirals out of control. Fortunately for him, the bonds of family and the promise of love are strong enough to intervene and provide a way out.

Bright Lights, Big City carries the message of hope for the future, no matter what is at present.
REVIEWS:

“Goodman's music is exhilarating; it convincingly evokes the sound of 1980s rock without resorting to parody, but does not sound dated. The arrangements shine."

Tim Dunleavy TalkinBroadway.com

"The show’s rock-music score is a tribute to what can be accomplished when one blends rock music and musical theatre, and is both fun and meaningful to listen to... for anyone interested in the progression of modern musical theatre.”

Michael Bihovsky Review Stream
Premiere Production: In 1999, the rock musical Bright Lights, Big City by Paul Scott Goodman opened at New York Theatre Workshop.

Characters

  • Casting: 5M, 7F
  • Casting Attributes: Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)
  • Chorus Size: Medium

  • JAMIE - Mid 20's New Yorker reeling from a year of devastating events. Attractive and vulnerable.
    TAD - Jamie's best friend, party animal, selfish, smart, charismatic.
    MOTHER - Jaime's mother who we see as a youthful Mom and then on her death bed.
    MICHAEL - Jamie's younger brother.
    AMANDA - Jamie's supermodel ex-wife.
    VICKY - Tad's cousin, a Princeton student, pretty and likeable.
    CLARA - Jamie's boss, her exterior masks marshmallow inside.
    COMA BABY - A newspaper headline who comes to life in Jamie's mind.
    MARY O'BRIEN McCANN - A missing NYU student who appears in Jamie's mind.
    CHUCK BEAN - A rambunctious 'on-the-town' reporter.
    ELAINE - Odeon club girl.
    THERESA - Elaine's 'friend' and fellow clubbie.
    ELISE - 14 going on 32, club girl who Jamie meets at Odeon.
    CHORUS - Variety of roles (Fact Checkers, Models, etc) including featured parts (Drug Girl, Paul, etc.).

    • Available Material

    Name Price
    Perusal Material Shipped immediately. This is optional.

    1 x Libretto/Vocal
    1 x Keyboard I/Conductor

    		$24.00
    Rehearsal material Shipped a minimum of 3 months before the last performance. This must be hired as a condition of the License to produce this show.

    20 x Libretto-Vocal
    2 x Keyboard I/Conductor

    		$550.00 +$135.00/pm
    Orchestral Material Shipped a minimum of 1 month before the last performance. This is optional.

    1 x Keyboard I/Conductor
    1 x Keyboard II
    1 x Guitar I (Acoustic Twelve String and Electric)
    1 x Guitar II (Six String Acoustic and Electric. Also Mandolin)
    1 x Bass (Fender and Fretless)
    1 x Drums (Kit plus Percussion and V-Drums)

    		$350.00 +$135.00/pm

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