It’s time for the ol’ Razzle Dazzle!
June 13, 2024
A silhouette.
A spotlight.
An opening vamp.
A coffee shop.
A fancy restaurant.
An aisle in the grocery store?
This is the world of The World Goes ‘Round, a world not so different from our own: a world filled with laughter, romance, and heartbreak. A world where lovers pine for each other, where we deal with love and loss, engage in drama of all kinds, and partake in tongue-in-cheek conversations on the state of the world – namely a startling lack of class and the advent of “coffee in a cardboard cup.” A world that keeps on spinning, that keeps on chugging along no matter what. A world where you need to take advantage of every opportunity, roll with the punches, and push forward through every curveball life throws at you – maybe this time you’ll win!
Even more specifically, it’s the world of famed songwriting team Kander & Ebb, best known for their collaboration on the musicals Cabaret and Chicago, and the score for Martin Scorsese’s film New York, New York. Originally opening off-Broadway in 1991, the production has been staged all over the world, and features some of the greatest songs ever written for Broadway and beyond, including “All That Jazz,” “Maybe This Time,” and the theme from New York, New York, as well as a host of lesser-known songs from their catalogue.
“I think The World Goes ‘Round is one of the best musical revues ever created,” said Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. “It is classy, sophisticated, smart, moving, and emotionally intelligent is a rarity in this day and age.”
A thrilling celebration of life and the fighting spirit that exists within all of us, this nonstop hit parade is filled with your old favorites and what are soon-to-be new favorites! This isn’t your everyday run-of-the-mill revue – these characters are underdogs: they go on journeys, have relationships, and make discoveries. Each song tells a story and gives us glimpses into the worlds of many different characters. Everything blends seamlessly together to make a delightful evening at the theatre.
“Kander and Ebb have a real connection with the underdog, the person who is struggling, who is trying to create a better life,” said Scott Ellis, co-creator of the original production.
“You can see it in many of their songs. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes you’re sad, but the world keeps spinning, the world goes round, so you have to keep going. Maybe this time I’ll win. And on and on.”
Making his return to the Gompertz stage is Zak Edwards, who made his FST Debut 11 years ago in the 2013 production of The World Goes ‘Round! On retackling the same role a decade later, Edwards had this to say “In some ways, it’s a bit intimidating - it’s a show that requires a lot of stamina and doing it at 40 is going to feel a lot different than doing it at 29. But I’m excited to see how the material hits me differently now.”
Rest assured, you don’t need to be familiar with the songs of Kander & Ebb to enjoy this show, and either way you’ll be humming the songs on your way out of the theatre. One of the most accomplished partnerships in Broadway history, their songs speak to anyone and everyone, tapping into those unique thoughts and experiences that make us all human. Their impact on musical theatre is undeniable, and these two masterfully written acts make it very clear as to why.
Start the summer in Sarasota off right by cooling off with this fun and breezy musical revue. The sun is shining around the corner, so come where the drinks are cold, and the piano’s hot. What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Life is a cabaret, old chum, so come to the Gompertz Theatre, where The World Goes ‘Round will be making its rounds starting on June 5th.