The musical "Movin' Out," a unique jukebox production featuring the songs of Billy Joel, embarked on a journey from a conceptual video to a celebrated Broadway show. Conceived and created by Twyla Tharp, this innovative musical tells the story of a generation of American youth growing up on Long Island during the 1960s, exploring their experiences with the Vietnam War. Unlike traditional musicals, "Movin' Out" is primarily a series of dances linked
by a subtle plot, with all vocals performed by a pianist and band positioned above the stage, while dancers interpret the song lyrics. This distinctive approach marked it as a rock ballet, setting it apart in the theatrical landscape.
Early Development and Pre-Broadway Challenges
The idea for "Movin' Out" began to take shape in 2000 when Twyla Tharp approached Billy Joel for permission to use his music. She presented him with a 20-minute concept video, which featured the cast that would eventually perform on Broadway. Joel was reportedly enthusiastic about the concept, though he maintained minimal involvement in the production thereafter. This initial approval paved the way for the show's development, leading to its first public performances.
The musical's pre-Broadway try-outs commenced at the Shubert Theatre in Chicago, running from June 25, 2002, through September 1, 2002. The reception in Chicago was largely negative, prompting Twyla Tharp to undertake extensive revisions. These changes primarily focused on the show's first act, with some suggestions even coming from Billy Joel himself. This period of refinement proved crucial in shaping the musical into the form that would eventually find success on Broadway.
Broadway Premiere and Critical Acclaim
Following its revisions, "Movin' Out" premiered on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on October 24, 2002. This time, the show was met with more positive reviews, indicating that Tharp's adjustments had paid off. The Broadway production enjoyed a successful run, closing on December 11, 2005, after a total of 1,303 performances and 28 previews. Twyla Tharp not only conceived and created the show but also directed and choreographed it, showcasing her comprehensive vision.
The original Broadway cast featured notable performers such as Michael Cavanaugh as the Piano Man, with Darren Holden and Wade Preston serving as replacement and alternate Piano Men, respectively. Elizabeth Parkinson played Brenda, John Selya took on the role of Eddie, and Keith Roberts portrayed Tony. Other key cast members included Henry Haid as an understudy Piano Man, Ashley Tuttle as Judy, Benjamin G. Bowman as James, and Scott Wise as Sergeant O'Leary/Drill Sergeant. The success of the Broadway run solidified "Movin' Out" as a significant theatrical event.
National Tours and International Reach
The popularity of "Movin' Out" extended beyond Broadway with the launch of its first national tour. This tour began on January 27, 2004, and continued for three years, concluding on January 21, 2007, after 1,111 performances. The tour received generally excellent reviews and played to full houses in 82 U.S. cities, also making a stop in Canada in December 2005. Many dancers from the original Broadway production participated, rotating in and out as their schedules permitted. Darren Holden was the primary lead Piano Man for the entire tour, supported by understudies like Matt Wilson, Charlie Neshyba-Hodges, James Fox, and Matthew Friedman. Holly Cruikshank, in the role of Brenda, earned the 2005 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non-Resident Production.
Further expanding its global footprint, "Movin' Out" opened in London's West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on April 10, 2006. Despite receiving mostly solid reviews, the West End production had a shorter run, closing on May 2, 2006, after less than two months. James Fox and Darren Reeves were the leads in this production. The show also traveled to Tokyo, Japan, in the summer of 2006, featuring many performers from the first national tour, including Darren Holden in the lead role. Subsequent national tours continued to bring the musical to audiences across the United States, with a second national tour opening in Atlantic City on June 14, 2007, and a third in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on November 4, 2008, both featuring Matthew Friedman and Kyle Martin in the lead role of Piano Man, with Jon Abrams joining for the third tour. A live cast recording featuring the 2002 original Broadway cast was released on October 15, 2002, as a single CD with 30 tracks, further cementing the musical's legacy.
