powered by FreeFind

 

Late Nite Comic

Cover to original cast recording

A Musical in 2 Acts, 21 Scenes. Book by Allan Knee. Music and lyrics by Brian Gari.

Ritz Theatre, New York - Opened 15 October, 1987; closed 17 October, 1987 (4 perfs)

Synopsis

STAND UP —Originally the opening number, this song describes piano bar player David Ackerman's true ambition and passion. The song was moved to later on in the first act.

GABRIELLE—David meets an off-the-wall ballet dancer at the piano bar and makes this song up on the spot; the name Janet refers to Gabby's real name and constant search for a more suitable one.

THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS—David tries out his act before four very obnoxious club owners. THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS (reprise)—David won't let rejection get him down.

CLARA'S DANCING SCHOOL—Gabrielle reminisces about her first dance teacher when she arrives, unannounced, at David's apartment.

THIS LADY ISN'T RIGHT FOR ME—David allows Gabby to move in, but is extremely nervous; his success in the past was not exactly-the greatest.

NOTHING'S CHANGING THIS LOVE—In love, David can't dislike anything in the city, no matter how bad! This song was deleted and replaced by "HAVING SOMEONE.

HAVING SOMEONE—David is elated but his buddies at the piano bar are sceptical.

LATE NITE COMIC—David fails in his first late-nite spot.

IT HAD TO HAPPEN SOMETIME—After David calls a few clubs, he gets a spot at Mr. Ribs, He goes home to tell Gabby, but she's trying to tell him she must move on.

WHEN I AM MOVIN' —After Gabby explains her need to be constantly on the move, she exits.

THINK BIG—David won't let Gabby's departure affect him.

OBSESSED—David expresses his obsession for being in love during his act at Mr. Ribs.

RELAX WITH ME BABY—David ends up in a hooker's bar while trying to drown his sorrow and find a new girl.

GABRIELLE (reprise)—Gabby returns unsuccessully from L.A. and asks David if she can come home. They try again.

DANCE —Although things are fine, David wants to add that additional spark so he hires the Met for 15 minutes to let Gabby finally realise her dream of dancing there.

LATE NITE COMIC (reprise)—Gabby stayed only a short time longer even after David's gift of the Met. David goes to the club but breaks down and sings about his lost love.

IT'S SUCH A DIFFERENT WORLD—David is finally doing better in the comedy world,

IT HAD TO HAPPEN SOMETIME (reprise)— Gabby dropps in on David in Vegas; she is dancing in yet another small company nearby. They decide to try once more. Oh yes, she's changed her name again.

Musical Numbers

  1. Gabrielle - David
  2. The Best in the Business - David, Club Owners
  3. Clara's Dancing School - Gabrielle, Female Solo
  4. This Lady Isn't Right for Me - David, Tanya, Jenny, Susan, Gabrielle
  5. Having Someone - David, Club Owners
  6. Stand-Up - David
  7. The Best in the Business (reprise) - David
  8. Late Nite Comic - David
  9. Stand-Up (reprise) - David
  10. It Had to Happen Sometime - David, Gabrielle
  11. When I Am Movin' - Gabrielle
  12. Think Big - David, Male Dancer
  13. Relax With Me, Baby - David, David's Alter Ego, Hookers
  14. Dance - David, Gabrielle, Ensemble
  15. Late Nite Comic (reprise) - David
  16. It's Such a Different World - David, Vegas Girls, Vegas Guys
  17. It Had to Happen Sometime (reprise) - David, Gabrielle
  18. Gabrielle/Yvonne - David

Original CAST

- in order of appearance

Ensemble: Pamela Blasetti, Kim Freshwater, Lauren Goler, Judine Hawkins, Aja Major, Sharon Moore, Susan Santoro, Don Stitt. Swings: Danielle P. Connell, Barry Finkel.

Scenes and Settings

The action takes place at the present time in New York and Las Vegas.

Act I

Scene 1: A piano lounge.
Scene 2: Comedy Clubs.
Scene 3: Streets of New York.
Scene 4: David's Apartment.
Scene 5: Streets of New York.
Scene 6: David's Apartment.
Scene 7: Streets of New York.
Scene 8: David's Apartment.
Scene 9: Streets of New York.
Scene 10: Krazy Korn Club.
Scene 11: David's Apartment.

Act 2

Scene 1: Mr. Ribs' Club.
Scene 2: A Hooker's Bar.
Scene 3: Club Dressing Room.
Scene 4: Bloomingdale's.
Scene 5: Apartment Stoop.
Scene 6: Metropolitan Opera House.
Scene 7: Streets of New York.
Scene 8: David's Apartment.
Scene 9: The Comedy Circuit.
Scene 10: Las Vegas.