All aboard! Wagner College Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning “On the Twentieth Century” with performances March 10-12 and March 17-20 in the Main Hall auditorium.
The madcap musical “On the Twentieth Century” concerns the efforts of a grandiose theatrical impresario, Oscar Jaffe, to persuade glamorous film star (and his former lover) Lily Garland to star in his new stage production. Lily’s involvement will guarantee a hit for Jaffe and save him from his creditors as well as resuscitate his floundering artistic reputation. With the help of his two faithful henchmen, Owen O’Malley and Oliver Webb, and a somewhat off-kilter religious zealot, Leticia Primrose, Jaffe struggles to outwit Lily, her preening movie-star boyfriend Bruce Granit, and a rival producer Max Jacobs — and all this has to happen before the luxury train the 20th Century Limited reaches New York!
The production is directed by Brian Sgambati ’96, choreographed by Emma Pittman ’18 with music direction by Lauri Young. Kayla Fegeley is assistant director and Lauren Bergen is assistant choreographer.
“I’m thrilled to be moving on to the main stage for my third directorial effort at Wagner College Theatre,” said director Brian Sgambati. “It’s been a joy to share this piece with the cast and see them rise to the occasion of this madcap musical comedy gem.
“And beyond the sheer fun of it, it’s been great to focus on this story of theater people and the resilience they bring to even the most challenging circumstances. At a time when Broadway and the theater itself have sustained such blows from the pandemic, it’s great to see a character like Oscar Jaffe — a theater person through and through — who never gives up, never says die and always finds a way to survive against whatever odds might be facing him.
“I’ve had such a great time exploring that character and his durability at a time when we are now hopefully, finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic, and a return of our audiences to Wagner College and theaters all around the country,” Sgambati said. “The moment just feels really right for a celebration like ‘On the Twentieth Century,’ which in a lot of ways I see as a real love letter to the theatre and the people who inhabit and support it.”
The cast features Aidan Leach (Oscar Jaffe), Reilly Wilmit (Lily Garland), Maddie La Ferr (Leticia Primrose), Josh Romeo (Owen O’Malley), Jack Lobley (Oliver Webb), Andrew King (Bruce Granit), Hayden Verbanas (Max Jacobs), Kirby Sclafani (Imelda Thornton), Bridget Yost (Agnes), Andrew Kolar (Conductor), Cat Sapovits (Dr. Johnson), Liam Ellis (Grover Lockwood), Greyson Riley (Maxwell Finch), Ian Dembek (Secretary), Justino Tesoro (First Officer), Hannah Davis (Emily), Alexander Ullian, Drew McClelland, Gabe Argate, Alex Moss (The Porters), and the Ensemble: Sammy O’Neil, Paul Hogan, Claire Dempsey, Val Lazarczyk, Kirby Sclafani, Greyson Riley, Cat Sapovits, Marvin Moser, Hannah Davis and Seth Jolles.
The production is designed by Phill Hickoxx (sets), Fan Zhang (costumes), Vicki Neal (lights), Richard Kroth (sound), Spring Super (hair/makeup) and Nicole Donello (props). Melanie Raimo is production stage manager. Jovi Geraldes and Allison Borio are assistant stage managers. Brian T. Sharron is technical director.
“On the Twentieth Century” features a book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman. The original Broadway production opened at the St. James Theatre in February 1978, playing 449 performances before closing in March 1979. The original company, directed by Harold Prince, included Madeline Kahn, John Cullum, Kevin Kline, Imogene Coca and George Lee Andrews. The musical won 1978 Tonys for Best Score (Coleman, Comden and Green), Best Scenic Designer (Robin Wagner), Best Book (Comden and Green) and actors Kline and Cullum.
“On the Twentieth Century” runs March 10-12 and March 17-20 in Wagner College’s Main Hall auditorium. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. (Please note there is no Sunday matinee on March 13.)
Tickets are $30 (adults) and $27 (seniors) by calling 718-390-3259 or boxoffice@wagner.edu.
All patrons must be vaccinated and boosted and wear masks upon entering Main Hall.
