York Theatre’s Musicals in Mufti series continues this week with the 1968 tuner Golden Rainbow. The musical originally opened on Broadway after a lengthy preview period that began in December 1967. It opened in February 1968 and starred two of the biggest names in the entertainment industry at the time: Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.
The show centers on a single father in Las Vegas trying to raise his young son. His late wife’s sister shows up and romance ensues.
Walter Marks composed the music and wrote the lyrics while Ernest Kinoy handled the book. It did not win any Tony awards but received a handful of nominations. It also introduced the American standard, “I’ve Gotta Be Me” which would become a frequently recorded song by numerous singers including Sammy Davis, Jr. Golden Rainbow Is based on the play, A Hole in the Head (later turned into a film starring Frank Sinatra).
The York theatre’s Mufti production stars Broadway veterans Nick Cearley, Robert Cuccioli, Mara Davi, Danielle Lee Greaves, and Max Von Essen.
This is the third Mufti production the York has staged this season. After a 4 year hiatus, the favorite series has returned. Mufti means “in street clothes, without the trappings of a full production.” It offers theatre lovers the chance to see older shows that are rarely, if ever- staged in a comfortable setting for both the actors and the audience.
Golden Rainbow runs through Oct 1 at the Theater at St. Jeans, NYC. For tickets and info., click here