High Society to close 21 Jan 2006

High Society to close 21 Jan 2006

High Society, has posted early closing notices for 21 Jan 2006 at the Shaftesbury Theatre.(The show was originally booking to 25 Mar 2006)

High Society opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre 10 Oct 2005, following previews from 1 Oct 2005 to luke-warm notices from the popular press: NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, " I get no kicks out of this staging...heavy-handed production leaves me as cold" MICHAEL COVENEY for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Badly microphoned, desperately choreographed and tinnily accompanied by a band of just six musicians, it looks a bit cheap and eager." CHARLERS SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Never quite achieves a satisfying coherence. Nevertheless, there remains much to enjoy." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "fun is lacking." LYN GARDNER fro THE GUARDIAN says, "there is something altogether starchy about Ian Talbot's production."

The show originally starred Jerry Hall, but she pulled out after a few weeks due to glandular fever.

Directed by Ian Talbot, the cast includes : Graham Bickley (Dexter Haven), Katherine Kingsley (Tracy Lord), Paul Robinson (Mike Connor), Ria Jones (Liz Imbrie), James Jordan (Seth Lord), Royston Kean (Uncle Willie), Claire Redcliffe (Dinah Lord) and Bryan Torfeh (George Kittredge).

Music and lyrics are by Cole Porter with book by Arthur Kopit, based on the play The Philadelphia Story and the motion picture High Society.

Design & Costumes by Paul Farnsworth, lighting by Jason Taylor, choreography by Gillian Gregory, musical direction is by James Dunsmore.

Wealthy, elegant and priggish, Tracy Lord is about to embark on her second marriage to a successful but stuffy businessman. Her first husband, notorious socialite Dexter Haven, reappears attempting to win back his wife. Meanwhile, little-known tabloid reporter Mike Konner, also falls for Tracy while covering her nuptials for his magazine. Tracy must choose between the three men.

Memorable Cole Porter tunes include Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, True Love, Swell Party, Just One of those Things and I Love Paris.