Identifier: LITTLEME1998
Inclusive Dates: 1997 - 1999
Extent:
Roundabout Theatre Company staged the musical Little Me at the Criterion Center Stage Right with previews beginning October 15, 1998, opening night November 12, 1998 and closing night February 7, 1999. The show was nominated for numerous Tony and Drama Desk awards, with Martin Short winning the Tony for best actor.
Vincent Canby, writing for the New York Times, said that Martin Short had "the ability to take over an entire production without allowing the ego to show. He's a tireless presence that abhors a vacuum. Yet, for such a powerhouse performer, he displays a modesty that defines his singular character as a star. Instead of intimidating the members of the audience, like so many stand-up comics today, he seduces them with high spirits." (Canby, New York Times, November 22, 1998)
Directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall with associate director Cynthia Onrubia, music direction by David Chase, set design by David Gallo, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Brian Ronan, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, dance music arrangements by David Krane, projection design by Jan Hartley and music coordination by John Miller.
Faith Prince played the role of Belle; Michael Arnold played the roles of Belle's Boy Chain Gang, Newsboy; Jeffrey Hankinson played the roles of Belle's Boy, Chain Gang, Newsboy, Justices, 2nd Sailor; Ned Hannah played the role of Belle's Boy, Chain Gang, 1st Sailor; Denis Jones played the role of Belle's Boy, Chain Gang and Justices; Ruth Williamson played the roles of Momma and Mrs. Eggleston; Andrea Chamberlain played the role of Ramona; Michael McGrath played the roles of Bruce, Bernie Buchsbaum, Bert, German Soldier; Cynthia Orunbia played the roles of Cerine, Boom Boom Girl, Kitty; Martin Short played the roles of Noble Eggleston, Amos Pinchley, Benny Buchsbaum, Val du Val, Fred Poitrane, Otto Schnitzler, Prince Cherney, The Drunk; Michael McEachran played the roles of Greensleeves, Sargeant, Movie King; Christine Pedi played the roles of Maid, Miss Kepplewhite, Christine, Army Nurse, Secretary, Casino Woman; Michael Park played the role of Lucky; Brooks Ashmanskas played the roles of Pinchley Junior, Doctor, Steward; Peter Benson played the roles of Kleeg, Maitre D', Preacher, Captain, Victor; Roxane Barlow played the roles of Colette, Roxane; Joanne McHugh played the role of Suzie.
Orchestra conducted by David Chase with associate conductor Robert Berman. Danny Chan and Glenn Drewes on trumpet; Jack Schatz on trombone/tuba; Dan Willis, Frank Santagata on woodwinds; Ray Grappone on drums; Leon Maleson on bass; Dave Yee on percussion; David Chase and Robert Berman on keyboard.
First produced on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in 1962 with choreography by Bob Fosse, Little Me harkens back to the musical genre popular in the 1920s where the show was meant to provide a star vehicle for a popular actor or comedian. Neil Simon adapted Little Me from Patrick Dennis' novel, specifically with comedian Sid Caesar in mind, with collaborators Cy Coleman (music) and Carolyn Leigh (lyricist). The production has had London and American revivals.
The production files consist of 6 Hollinger Boxes containing production documentation, script/libretto, extensive press clippings, playbills, and administrative files. Collection includes select documents detailing artistic vision for the play (set, costume, lighting, projection and sound design). Played parts binders were not retained but select sheet music is included.
Photograph folder contains select color slides, black and white 8 x 10 prints and contact sheets from rehearsals.
Digital file contains scanned photographs, scanned press clippings, scanned playbill, video b-roll and longer unedited camera shots and cast album, and show art used by the marketing department to promote the production.
Oversize drawings include ground plan elevations (5 pages).
Marketing mock up folder contains various versions of artwork and advertising drafts.
The decorated Val du Val bass drum and "Little Me: The Intimate Memoirs of that Great Star of Stage and Screen, by Belle Poitrine" prop book included in collection.
Access Restrictions: Open and available for research by appointment only.
Preferred Citation: Little Me (1998), Roundabout Theatre Company Archives
Library of Congress Subject Heading Coleman, Cy. Little meSimon, NeilLeigh, Carolyn, 1926-1983Short, Martin, 1950-Prince, FaithAshmanskas, BrooksDennis, Patrick, 1921-1976. Little meMcGrath, MichaelPark, MichaelPedi, ChristineArnold, MichaelBarlow, RoxaneHankinson, JeffreyOnrubia, CynthiaPizzi, JoeyYoung, CourtneyGallo, DavidHould-Ward, AnnPosner, KennethRonan, BrianWheeler, HaroldKrane, David, 1953-Hartley, JanChase, DavidMarshall, RobColeman, Cy. Little meSimon, NeilLeigh, Carolyn, 1926-1983Short, Martin, 1950-Prince, FaithAshmanskas, BrooksDennis, Patrick, 1921-1976. Little meMcGrath, MichaelPark, MichaelPedi, ChristineArnold, MichaelBarlow, RoxaneHankinson, JeffreyOnrubia, CynthiaPizzi, JoeyYoung, CourtneyGallo, DavidHould-Ward, AnnPosner, KennethRonan, BrianWheeler, HaroldKrane, David, 1953-Hartley, JanChase, DavidMarshall, RobMusical theaterRoundabout Theatre CompanyHaimes, ToddRichard, EllenLevy, Julia C. Production Box consists of 12 folders chiefly related to management, with artistic, casting and other related documentation.
Hollinger box contains management, education and press files, including performance reports and house seats.
Hollinger box contains sheet music and versions of script, including calling script and ununsed pages.
Hollinger box contains versions of scripts with notes.
Hollinger box contains design folders with extensive costume notes, set renderings. lighting and sound notes, and the "Little Me" prop book.
Hollinger box contains full costume bible contents and projection slides.
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