Victor/Victoria
(Broadway & Tours & International)
(Broadway & Tours & International)
Victor/Victoria, a musical comedy, premiered in out-of-town tryout at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June 1995. After another tryout at the Shubert Theatre in Chicago, Illinois from July to September 1995, Victor/Victoria opened on Broadway on October 25, 1995 at the Marquis Theatre, and closed on July 27, 1997, ran for 734 performances and 25 paid previews (previews began on October 3, 1995).
Book by Blake Edwards; Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse; Composed by Henry Mancini; Additional Music by Frank Wildhorn [“Trust Me,” “Louie Says,” and “Living in the Shadows“]; Produced by Blake Edwards, Tony Adams, John Scher, Jeff Rowland; Executive Produced by Robin De Levita; Associate Produced by Joop Van Den Ende, Headquarters Entertainment Corp. [Tina Vanderheyden & Toby Simkin], TDI, Inc. and Ogden Entertainment.
Directed by Blake Edwards; Choreographed by Rob Marshall; Musical Direction by Ian Fraser; Fight Direction by B. H. Barry; Set Design by Robin Wagner; Costume Design by Willa Kim; Lighting Design by Jules Fisher & Peggy Eisenhauer; Sound Design by Peter Fitzgerald; Hair Design by Michaeljohn; Special Effects by J.C. Brotherhood; Orchestrations by Billy Byers; Vocal Arrangements by Ian Fraser; Dance and Incidental Music by David Krane; Music Coordination by John Miller; Music Copying by Larry Abel and Music Concert Master: Dale Stuckenbruck.
STARRING Julie Andrews (Victoria Grant) [Opening until Jan 6-Feb 2, then back until Jun 8, 1997]; Liza Minnelli (Victoria Grant) [Jan 7, 1997 – Feb 2, 1997]; Raquel Welch (Victoria Grant) [Jun 10, 1997 – Jul 27, 1997]; Michael Nouri (King Marchan); Tony Roberts (Carroll Todd); Michael Cripe (Richard Di Nardo); Adam Heller (Henri Labisse); Gregory Jbara (Squash Bernstein); Richard B. Shull (André Cassell); Rachel York (Norma Cassidy) with Roxane Barlow (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble); Michael-Demby Cain (Les Boy / Jazz Hot Musician / Ensemble); Caitlin Carter (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble); Pascale Faye (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble); Angelo Fraboni (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Jazz Hot Musician / Ensemble); Amy Heggins (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble); Christopher Innvar (Choreographer); Ken Land (Sal Andretti); Darren Lee (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Ensemble); Mark Lotito (Clam); Aixa M. Rosario Medina (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble); Casey Nicholaw (Gregor / Jazz Hot Ensemble / Juke); Tara O’Brien (Street Singer / Ensemble); Michael O’Donnell (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Ensemble); Cynthia Onrubia (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble); Vince Pesce (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Ensemble); Arte Phillips (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Jazz Hot Musician / Ensemble); Devin Richards (Jazz Singer / Ensemble); Jennifer Smith (Madame Roget / Chambermaid / Ensemble); Cynthia Sophiea (Miss Selmer / Ensemble); Rocker Verastique (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Jazz Hot Musician / Ensemble); George Dudley (Reporter / Clam); Ken Land (Deviant Husband / Reports); Michele Lynch (Simone Kalisto / Ensemble); Cynthia Sophiea (Cosmetic Company President / Guest #2); Leslie Bell (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble) [replacement]; Neal Benari (Ensemble) [replacement]; Bill Burns (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Jazz Hot Musician / Ensemble) [replacement]; Christiane Farr-Wersinger (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble) [replacement]; Todd Hunter (Jazz Singer / Ensemble) [replacement]; Peter Lentz (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Ensemble) [replacement]; Kimberly Lyon (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble) [replacement];Julio Monge (Ensemble) [replacement]; Troy Myers (Ensemble) [replacement]; Tara O’Brien (Norma Cassidy ) [replacement]; Mason Roberts (Gregor / Stagehand / Juke / Ensemble) [replacement]; Linda Romoff (Madame Roget / Reporter / Chambermaid / Guest #1) [replacement]; Tom Sardinia (Squash (Mr. Bernstein) ) [replacement]; Paul Schoeffler (Choreographer) [replacement]; Leslie Stevens (Norma’s Girl / Ensemble) [replacement]; Brian Sutherland (Choreographer / Guest) [replacement]; Scott Taylor (Les Boy / Apache Dancer / Ensemble) [replacement]; Sally Ann Tumas (Street Singer) [replacement] and Scott Wise (Ensemble) [replacement]. Hillel Gitter (Balloon Man – Minneapolis/Chicago and Broadway Previews)
WITH Anne Runolfsson (Standby for Victoria Grant); Alex Wipf (Standby for Carroll Todd); Roxane Barlow (Understudy for Norma Cassidy); Michael-Demby Cain (Understudy for Jazz Singer); Caitlin Carter (Understudy for Norma Cassidy); Angelo Fraboni (Understudy for Richard Di Nardo); Christopher Innva (Understudy for King Marchan); Paul Schoeffler (Understudy for King Marchan) [replacement]; Neal Benari (Understudy for King Marchan) [replacement]; Ken Land (Understudy for Carroll Todd); Mark Lotito (Understudy for Sal Andretti / Squash Bernstein); Casey Nicholaw (Understudy for Henri Labisse); Tara O’Brien (Understudy for Victoria Grant); Jennifer Smith (Understudy for Street Singer); Mark S. Hoebee (Swing); Elizabeth Mozer (Swing); Scott Taylor (Swing); Robert M. Armitage (Swing) [replacement]; Rob Ashford (Swing) [replacement]; Joanne Manning (Swing) [replacement].
NOTE: Anne Runnolfson shared the role of Victor/Victoria with Julie Andrews, performed all matinees of the Broadway run and replaced Julie Andrews to standing ovations for all performances during Julie Andrews’ illness. As Broadway stand-by for Julie Andrews, Liza Minnelli and Raquel Welch, Anne Runnolfson performed the role of Victoria Grant in Victor/Victoria more than 120 times.
ORCHESTRA Conducted by Ian Fraser, Joseph Thalken, [replacement]; Associate Conductor: Joseph Thalken; Associate Conductor: Ethyl Will, [replacement]; Keyboards Joseph Thalken,Benjamin Herman (Percussion); Perry Cavari (Drums); Richard Sarpola (Bass); Diane Barere (Cello); Rebekah Johnson (Violin); Karl Kawahara (Violin); Karen M. Karlsrud (Violin); Richard Spencer (Viola); Bob Rose (Guitar); Jim Pugh (Trombone); George Flynn (Trombone); John Frosk (Trumpet); Danny Cahn (Trumpet); Hollis Burridge (Trumpet); Edward Joffe (Woodwinds); Albert Regni (Woodwinds); Dan Wieloszynski (Woodwinds); Kenneth Dybisz (Woodwinds); John Campo (Woodwinds) and Charlie Giordano (Accordion)
Creative Assistant to Ms. Kim: Richard Schurkamp; Creative Assistant to Mr. Marshall: Kathleen Marshall; Assistant Set Designer Thomas Peter Sarr, Douglas Huszti, Atkin Pace & David Peterson; Associate Costume Designer: Frank Krenz; Assistant Costume Designer: Daniele Hollywood; Costume Shopper: Emma Stevenson & Elizabeth Hope Clancy; Assistant Lighting Designer: David J. Lander & Jeffrey Whitsett; Vari*Lite Consultant: Tom Ceiner; Assistant Sound Designer: Janet Smith; Sound Programming: Dan Tramon.
Assistant Director: Kirsten Sanderson; Assistant Choreographer: Cynthia Onrubia & Sarah Miles; Dance Captain: Mark S. Hoebee; & Rob Ashford [replacement]; Casting by Johnson-Liff Associates; Casting Associate: Ron LaRose; Casting Assistant: Janibeth Margolis & Lauri Scalamoni; Production Supervisor: Arthur Siccardi; Production Stage Manager: Arturo E. Porazzi; Stage Managed by Bonnie L. Becker; Assistant Stage Managed by Kimberly Russell, Mireya Hepner [replacement] & Terrence J. Witter [replacement].
General Managed by Manny Kladitis; Company Managed by Erich Hamner, Alex Holt [replacement] & Bruce Klinger [replacement]; Assistant Company Manager: Carl Pasbjerg; Management Associate : Erik Beckwith, Michael Devine, Harry Gold & James Lawson; Assistant to Mr. Kladitis: Martin Drobac; Press Representative: Peter Cromarty, Bill Klemm & Hugh Hayes; Press Apprentice: Philip Thurston; Press Assistant: Alice Herrick & John Ward; Press Intern: Daniel Bowmann, Khan Lowe; & Amy Salomon-Kohn; Promotions & Sponsorship by Keith Hurd; Advertising by Serino Coyne, Inc., Neil Turton & Stacey Kent; Online Marketing by Toby Simkin; Photographer: Carol Rosegg & Joan Marcus; Merchandising by Great Entertainment Merchandise Inc., Tom Bennett, Adam Palter & John Barwick; On Stage Merchandising George Fenmore.
Master Carpenter: Patrick Sullivan; Assistant Carpenter : John Croissant; Head Carpenter : Jospeh P. Valentino Jr. [for the Marquis Theatre]; Winch Operator: Chad Heulitt; Head Flyman: Gerard E. Griffin; Production Electrician: Michael S. Lo Bue; Head Electrician: David E. Rees; Assistant Electrician: Peter A. Byrne & Joseph A. Pearson; Head Electrician: Tony Ferrara [for the Marquis Theatre]; Production Props: Harlan Silverstein; Head of Props: Ronnie Weigel [for the Marquis Theatre]; Production Sound Engineer: Valerie L. Sprading; Assistant Sound: John R. Carlotto; Wardrobe Supervisor: Daniel Eaton; Assistant Wardrobe: Kathy Guida; Dresser for Ms. Andrews : Susan Gomez; Dresser: Jo-Ann Bethell, Dennis Birchall, Tony Hoffman, Dianne Hylton, Celeste Marmo, Gayle Palmieri, Danny Paul, Joane Rottenbach, Tom Scalise & Maryann Towne; Costume Construction by Parsons Meanes Ltd, Barbara Matera, Vincent Constumes Inc, Michael-Jon Costumes Inc, Carelli Costumes Inc, Schneeman Studios Ltd, Scafati Tailors, Celeste Livingston, Sy Mondschein; Embroidery by Penn and Fletcher; Millinery by Woody Shelp, Lynne Mackey, Rodney Gordon; Shoes by Difabrizio & JC Theatrical Footware; Production Hair Supervisor: Carol Morales; Hair Stylist for Ms. Andrews: Alfonso Annotto; Assistant Hair: Robert F. Dente; Production Makeup: Jennifer Aspernall; Wigs by Paul Huntley & Bob Kelly; Production Assistant: Charlene Speyener; Assistant to Ms. Andrews: Christine Jardine & Francine Taylor; Legal Counsel: John F. Breglio & Andrew Herwitz; Banking: Barbara von Borstel; Insurance by Dewitt Stern Group, Carol Bressi & Anthony J. Catanzaro; Payroll by Handley Walker; Accounting by Rosenberg Neuwirth & Kuchner; Scenery Construction by Hudson Scenic Studios Inc; Automation by ECTS Scenic Technology; Lighting Supply by Four Star Lighting; Automated Lighting by Vari*Lite Inc and Sound Equipment by Sound Associates Inc.
- SSDC: The Director is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc. an independent national labor union.
- EQUITY: The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actor’s Equity Association, The union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
- USA: United Scenic Artists represents the designers and scenic painters for the American Theatre.
- IATSE: Backstage and Front of House Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
- ATPAM: The Press Agents, Company and House Managers employed in this production are represented by the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers.
The Tours & (International):
A first class production followed the Broadway run at Theatre Under The Stars from May 10 – 30, 1998 as the final production at The Music Hall, Houston, Texas, starring Anne Runolfsson (Victor/Victoria), Michael Nouri (King Marchan), Tara O’Brien (Norma Cassidy) and Barry Williams (Carroll Todd), along with Jody Ashworth (Squash), John-Charles Kelly (Andre Cassell) and Steve Routman (Henri Labisse). Completing the ensemble were Michael Bunce, Christine Ciccone, Ann Cooley, Jason DeRoest, Amir Levy, Jennifer Marquardt, Elizabeth Ormond, Noelle Player, Patricia Salvo, Vincent Sandoval, Michael Serapiglia, Susanne Trani, Martina Vidmar, Billy Vitelli, Keith Weirich and Brek Williams with swings Emmett Murphy and Liza Shaller.
The production was directed by Mark S. Hoebee, who assisted Edwards and Marshall with Victor/Victoria on Broadway. Choreographer was Dan Mojica; Musical Director John Mezzio; Lighting Design by Diane Ferry Williams; Sound Design by Scott Armstrong and Hair Design by Bernie Ardia. Production Stage Manager was Roger Allan Raby.
Following Houston, this production of Victor/Victoria played at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, Washington from July 7-26, 1998 starring Anne Runolfsson (Victor/Victoria), Michael Nouri (King Marchan), Tara O’Brien (Norma Cassidy) and Tony Roberts (Carroll Todd).
Initially Anthony Newley was set to play Toddy, both in Houston and in Seattle, however shortly before the run, Newley, who was battling cancer, was forced to bow out.
A non-equity 40 week National Tour produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC in association with Jeriko Touring Company (Executive Produced by Ken Gentry of NETworks) starring Toni Tennille (achieved pop stardom in 1975 with Neil Sedaka’s “Love Will Keep Us Together“), Dennis Cole (King Marchand), Jamie Ross (Toddy), Dana Lynn Mauro (Norma), A.J. Irvin (Squash), Dominic Cuskern (Henri Labisse) and John-Charles Kelly / Kenn Christopher (André Cassell)
Directed by Mark S. Hoebe; Choreographed by Dan Mojica; Scenic Design based upon the original Broadway design by Robin Wagner; Costume Design by Willa Kim; Additional Costumes For Ms. Tennille by Jimm Halliday; Lighting Design by Diane Ferry Williams; Sound Design by Scott Armstrong; ; Hair Design by Bernie Ardia; Musical Director and Additional Orchestrations by John Mezzio; Assistant Director Angelo Fraboni; Assistant Choreographer Kate Dowe; Production Supervisor Seth Wenig; Production Manager R.L. Rowsey; Production Stage Manager Kimberly Fisk; Stage Managed by Glynn David Turner; Casting by Patricia P. Gentry; General Management by Gentry & Associates; Press Representative Anita Dloniak & Associates; Company Manager Susan Blyth; Tour Direction by The Booking Group; Dance Captain Ann Cooley and Fight Captain Evan Marks.
The non-equity tour ran from August 1998 through June 1999 initially touring:
- Reno, NV (Sept. 1-6, 1998)
- Portland, OR (Sept. 8-13, 1998)
- Costa Mesa, CA (Sept. 15-20, 1998)
- Omaha, NE (Sept. 22-27, 1998)
- Grand Rapids, MI (Sept. 29-Oct. 4)
- Pittsburgh, PA (Oct. 13-18)
- Milwaukee, WI (Oct. 20-25)
- Norfolk, VI (Oct. 27-Nov. 1)
- Tampa, FL (Nov. 10-15)
- Miami, FL (Nov. 17-22)
- Orlando, FL (Dec. 1-6)
- Boston, MA (Dec. 29, 1998-Jan. 10, 1999)
- Columbus, OH (Jan. 12-17)
- Indianapolis, IN (Jan. 19-24)
- Providence, RI (Jan. 26-31)
- Naples, FL (Feb. 3-7)
- Memphis, TN (Feb. 9-14)
- Tempe, AZ (Mar. 16-21)
- Dallas, TX (Mar. 23-28)
- Cincinnati, OH (Mar. 30-Apr. 11)
- Atlanta, GA (Apr. 13-18)
- Baltimore, MD (Apr. 20-25)
- Hartford, CT (Apr. 27-May 2)
- Greensville, SC/Jacksonville, FL (May 4-9)
- Louisville, KY (May 11-16)
- Stamford, CT (May 18-23)
- Saginaw, MI/Ft. Wayne, IN (June 1-6)
- Cleveland, OH (Jun. 15-27)
First class international productions have included:
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- 2003 Stockholm
- 2005 Madrid
- 2006 Buenos Aires
- 2006 Mexico City
- 2010 Vienna
- 2012 London
- 2014 Belgrade
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AWARDS:
- Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical to Julie Andrews (she refused it);
- Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Actress in a Musical to Julie Andrews;
- Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical to Rachel York;
- Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Set Design for a Musical to Robin Wagner;
- Seven Outer Critics Circle Awards nominations;
- Outer Critics Circle Award winner Outstanding Broadway Musical of 1996.
Broadway’s #1 box office smash of 1996, An hilarious mistaken-identity farce, Victor/Victoria, based on the 1982 film of the same name, brought Julie Andrews back to the Broadway stage after thirty-five years and opened with a record-breaking USD $15 million advance sale.
Blake Edwards was inspired to write the 1982 Victor/Victoria film after his agent encouraged him to watch the 1933 German film Viktor und Viktoria. He wrote it in 1 month. The film had been planned as early as 1978 with Julie Andrews to star alongside Peter Sellers, but Sellers died in 1980 while they were filming S.O.B. in 1981, so Robert Preston was cast.
The entire film was short entirely from March to June 1981 inside Pinewood and adjoining studios in Buckinghamshire, England, and all scenes shot indoors on sound stages where the gay club, Toddy’s apartment, nightclub, art deco hotel rooms, agent offices and street exteriors of Montmartre, Paris were all re-created. According to Julie, her nanny had just left at the outset of shooting, and she was left to look after her two young adopted children while renting the apartment in England during shooting.
Lesley Ann Warren was offered the role of Norma Cassidy in the Broadway stage version, but turned it down, due to other commitments.
Original Broadway:
Liza Minnelli Promotional Reel:
Raquel Welch Promotional Reel:
Broadway Cares Easter Bonnet Competition:
The Original Television Ad
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Musical Numbers
Note: (*) denotes music by Frank Wildhorn; music for all other songs by Henry Mancini; all lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.
Act One:
“Paris by Night” (Tony Roberts, Les Boys); “If I Were a Man” (Julie Andrews); “Trust Me” (*) (Tony Roberts, Julie Andrews); “Le Jazz Hot” (Julie Andrews, Ensemble); “The Tango” (Julie Andrews, Rachel York); “Paris Makes Me Horny” (Rachel York); “Crazy World” (Julie Andrews)
Act Two:
“Louis Says” (*) (Julie Andrews, Ensemble); “King’s Dilemma” (Michael Nouri); “Apache” (Boys); “You and Me” (Tony Roberts, Julie Andrews); “Paris by Night” (reprise) (Tara O’Brien); “Almost a Love Song” (Michael Nouri, Julie Andrews); “Chicago, Illinois” (Rachel York, Girls); “Living in the Shadows” (*) (Julie Andrews); “Victor/Victoria” (Julie Andrews, Tony Roberts, Ensemble)