ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.–To kick off its 52nd season, Meadow Brook Theatre, Oakland County’s leading professional venue for the performing arts located on the campus of Oakland University, presents not only a world premiere but a Broadway preview. “Johnny Manhattan”, with aspirations of hitting the Great White Way and sporting a mostly Equity cast, is a shiny-new musical comedy with true-to-life dramatic undercurrents.

For fans of Broadway musicals, “Johnny Manhattan” might look somewhat familiar: A gathering of old showbiz friends and enemies for one last toast to a soon-to-be closed stage; a look at years past through the proverbial rose-colored glasses; the brassy glow of nostalgia tarnished with regret; conflicts (and scenery) chewed on like wounds that never heal; a setting that provides the perfect excuse for music inspired by classical jazz and show tunes, and peppered with snappy dance numbers. The story revolves around a late-1950s farewell bash hosted by nightclub owner Johnny, who is closing his place for good. Reminiscent of Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies” in some ways, “Johnny Manhattan” holds some surprises tucked in between its catty chorines, little intrigues and urban sophisticates swilling champagne. You may even see a gigolo in a purple suit.

Read the review from Suzanne Angeo and Greg Angeo here.