Two sisters tired of the daily routine of a small-town Ohio life head off to find fame, fortune and maybe love amid the hubbub of 1930s New York in "Wonderful Town," premiering at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Emens Auditorium.
Though its basic plot hasn't changed since its debut in 1953, Emens Director Bob Myers says the show will still connect with modern audiences because it's a "timeless story ... that still resonates today."
The winner of five Tony Awards in its original Broadway run, including Best Musical, "Wonderful Town's" revival in 2003 featured updated choreography that earned another Tony Award for choreographer Kathleen Marshall.
Marshall is most recently known for her work on NBC's "You're The One That I Want," televised auditions designed to cast unknown talent for the lead role in "Grease."
Indiana residents have a special connection with "Wonderful Town" because the writings of Mishawaka native Ruth McKenney inspired the show.
McKenney's true stories starring her and her sister Eileen's introduction to New York were first published in the New Yorker magazine and later in a book appropriately titled "My Sister Eileen." McKenney's book was then turned into a play, two movies and a radio series before becoming the musical it is today.
"['Wonderful Town' is a] fun musical with a lot of lighthearted material and I think people will enjoy it," Darcy Wood, associate director of Emens, said.
Tickets are still available at the Emens box office and are free to Ball State students in advance.
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