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The Muny Kicks Off Its 100th Season
With Fireworks and a Magical Lineup
by Pat Lindsey
For one entire year I looked forward to attending The Muny’s Gala to kick off its 100th season. I couldn’t wait to be part of the excitement and see all the gowns and tuxedos and 100 stars on The Muny stage. A red carpet was rolled out for the fortunate 750 people who got tickets for a cocktail party, dinner, box seats, and an after party. There were valets to park their cars and tents to keep them dry.
And while they were mixing and mingling, other audience members (like us) took their seats and watched video clips from Muny shows of decades gone by. Local celebrities and former Muny actors prerecorded their fond memories of The Muny and sent their congratulations for 100 years of Muny magic.
But Mother Nature had other plans Friday night and rained on my parade. A storm was headed our way, so Mike Isaacson, artistic director, & executive producer, finally made the announcement to postpone the “Evening With the Stars” to Saturday night. Unfortunately, we had another commitment Saturday night and couldn’t go.
The show did go on, however, inspite of two rain delays on Saturday night. Playing to a crowd of 6,975, Broadway stars Matthew Morrison and Heather Headley hosted the show and delivered their own highly-charged performances. Other stars included Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, Ken Page, Graham Rowat, Jenny Powers, Patrick Cassidy, Lara Teeter, The Muny Kids, The Muny chorus, and fan-favorites from previous Muny shows. Songs from Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, Cats, Hairspray, The Music Man, Funny Girl, 42nd Street, Newsies, and more wowed the audience. The magic culminated just about midnight with the song, “One” from A Chorus Line followed by a fabulous fireworks display.
I might have missed The Muny Centennial Gala, but I’m now looking forward to a whole summer of Muny magic. The seven-show lineup for The Muny’s 100th season will begin on June 11th with Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. Then, The Wiz, Singin’ in the Rain, Jersey Boys, Annie, and “Gypsy” will follow with the final show being, of course, Meet Me in St. Louis. Hopefully, Mother Nature will smile on this special season and make every summer night dry, but not too hot.
