High Society
"Broadway is lucky to be illuminated by the distinctive glow of Melissa Errico." - The New York Times
Image highlights from the show
St. James Theatre
New York, NY
March 31 – August 30, 1998
Music & Lyrics by COLE PORTER
Book by ARTHUR KOPIT
Directed by CHRISTOPHER RENSHAW
A musical based on the Hollywood film musical High Society which starred Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. With music by Cole Porter, the Broadway production had additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and a book by Arthur Kopit. The original source material was Phillip Barry’s play “The Philadelphia Story.” Re-set in Oyster Bay, Long Island in 1940, the musical tells the story of head-strong and opinionated society girl Tracy Lord, her impending ill-fated marriage to George, and her deep love for first-husband Dexter. It was directed by Christopher Renshaw/ Des MacAnuff, and choreographed by Lar Lubovitch/ Wayne Cilento. The hit pre-Broadway production (which also starred Melissa) at the ACT in San Francisco was directed by Mr. Renshaw and choreographed by Chris D’Amboise. Both productions were musical directed by Paul Gemignani.
“Broadway is lucky to be illuminated by the distinctive glow of Melissa Errico.” — The New York Times
“Errico is the real thing – gorgeous to look at, a superb comic actress and singer, and an abundantly confident and authoritative leading lady. She’s the best reason to see the show.” — In Theater
“Errico makes HIGH SOCIETY worth the ticket price. She’s all you want Tracy Lord to be: beautiful, haughty, soulful, and musical. And when her inebriated Tracy sings “Let’s Misbehave,” Errico displays a giddy exhilaration too rarely seen on-stage.” — USA Today
“In her metamorphosis from haughty porcelain perfection to scarred and warm-blooded life, this glowing young Broadway actress gives HIGH SOCIETY its lyrical heart and insouciant comic soul. Her heart-shaped face can shatter and reassemble itself in a single panic-stricken glance. The mastery of her performance comes in the way she’s able to keep two powerful emotions in play at once, whether in speech or song.” — San Francisco Chronicle
“Cole Porter would be mad for Melissa Errico in HIGH SOCIETY and many of you will undoubtedly feel the same way, too… She’s divine!” — The Star-Ledger
Visit the Music Page for the High Society Original Cast Recording.
Theater Productions
