The original award-winning authors and composers of “One Shining Moment,” Allan Jay Friedman and Leslie Bricusse, are polishing the script and score for this inspiring remembrance of John F. Kennedy’s life. “Kennedy” will be work-shopped in Chicago this summer in anticipation of its full production launch by year end. A Broadway opening is expected in November 2013.
“We are delighted to have been asked to remake “One Shining Moment,” Friedman, composer, lyricist and playwright, said in an interview. “Our goal for this revised and up-to-date version, which we call, “Kennedy,”
“JFK was an iconic hero, not only in the United States, but throughout the world,” Bricusse added. “The inspiration and lessons we learn from his life along with the impact of his death carry as much or perhaps even more importance and power today as they did a half-century ago.”
“One Shining Moment” first opened in May 1983, at Chicago’s Drury Lane Theatre located inside Water Tower Place. The show garnered rave reviews and enjoyed the longest and most successful run in that theater’s history. The late broadcast personality and renowned columnist Irv Kupcinet said: “This musical is a theatrical treat. It captures the wit, pathos and problems of JFK, all set to stirring music.”
Jim Stahulak, founder and artistic director of Proscenium Productions said, “When I saw the Chicago production in 1983, I was inspired. I knew the time was right to recreate this empowering musical and that, today, this country needs the hope and inspiration JFK envisioned 50 years ago even more. I think after people see ‘Kennedy’, they will be both emotionally moved and elevated.”
Stahulak also noted that discussions are taking place to take “Kennedy” on tour in Europe as well.
For more information about “Kennedy,”
Find us on:
http://twitter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/
ABOUT THE WRITERS
Allan Jay Friedman is a multi-award winning producer, writer, composer and lyricist who has written over 3,000 songs and 15 produced musicals including the score for the original and authorized stage musicals of “The Hobbit” and “Winnie the Pooh.”
Jackie Kennedy approved Friedman as the producer, creator and composer of the Emmy award-winning television documentary based on the life of JFK, "The Young Man from Boston." Later, Bobby Kennedy chose Friedman to produce, write and compose the score for the TV series based on the 1000 days of JFK.
He currently serves as one of the executive producers for the major motion picture documentary “Angels in the Sky,” a Mike Flint production, where he works alongside Academy-Tony-
Allan is the co-founder with Victoria Howard of “The Butterfly Movement” (butterflyeffect.us)
He is also working with Rowland Perkins, Founder of Creative Artist Agency, on the first of twenty value-based-
Double Oscar and Grammy Award winner Leslie Bricusse is a writer, composer and lyricist of many successful musical films and Broadway Musicals during his stellar career. He was born in London, and educated at both University College School and Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge.
Mr. Bricusse’s better known films and stage shows include: “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Doctor Dolittle,” “Victor/Victoria,”
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Jim Stahulak is a veteran actor, director and musician in the Chicago community, having participated in myriad productions. Jim’s passion for music and acting, coupled with his more than 20 years of business and marketing management, led him to form Proscenium Productions, based in Downers Grove, Illinois. He is pleased to be working with the talented Mr. Friedman and Mr. Bricusse and hopes not only to rekindle the dream that Kennedy brought to a nation five decades ago but to also introduce it to elevate a whole new generation.
