You might think the idea of turning a Clint Eastwood film into a musical would be kind of crazy. But look at Broadway where the lives of Donna Summer and Cher have recently been turned into musicals (with the same concept of three women playing the various stages of each diva.) Or where King Kong, Tootsie and Beetlejuice are amongst the new musicals based on movies. So why not Bronco Billy – the Musical? The show just opened at the Skylight Theatre in Los Feliz where it will run through July 21st.
Dennis Hackin, who wrote the novel, also wrote the screenplay for Eastwood’s 1980 film. He reworks the material here as book writer for Bronco Billy – The Musical. The music and lyrics were written by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres. Michelle Brourman contributed additional lyrics.
The premise here is that Billy (Eric B. Anthony) is struggling to keep his traveling wild west show in business. The world is changing and shows like his just aren’t in fashion any longer. As if things are complicated enough, Billy encounters Antoinette (Amanda Leigh Jerry) who is an heiress on the run who makes Billy’s wild ride even wilder.
Eric B. Anthony is a brave actor. Just ask anyone who saw the opening night of Michael Arden’s production of Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills. Anthony was Wayne Brady’s understudy. When Brady called in sick on opening night, Anthony went on, script in hand, braving Sondheim’s complicated material and earning a richly-deserved standing ovation for his efforts. (Understudies usually have their rehearsals once a show has opened.)
For Anthony to take on a role originally played by Eastwood shows that that evening was not a one-off for him. Kudos as well to the creative team and producers for hiring him for this show.
Also in the cast of Bronco Billy – the Musical are Michelle Azar, Benai Boyd, Marc Cardiff, Randy Charleville, Fatima El-Bashir, Kyle Frattini, Bella Hicks, Chris M. Kauffmann, Anthony Marciona, Jamie Mills, Pat Towne and Michael Uribes.
Hunter Bird directs. Janet Roston is the choreographer.
If Broadway can take a fresh  look at Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! why not a new look at Bronco Billy?
For tickets go here.
Main Photo:  Randy Charleville, Eric B. Anthony, Amanda Leigh Jerry and cast in Bronco Billy – the Musical (Photo by Ed Krieger)
Update:  This preview has been updated to include the extension of the run through July 21st.