CURRENT NEWS:
OCT 21-?
Broadway 1st US National Tour:
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
Thats Right!!!! Matthew Brandon Hutchens has been cast in his First National Tour!!! Matthew is incredibly excited to be a part of this amazing magical experience. You can see Matthew performing in the men's ensemble as well as being featured as one of the old inventors in the second act of the show. Matthew is also understudying/covering the role of Caracticus Potts, ( Dick Van Dyke role)the male lead in the show.
The scene is Mr. Coggins' Junkyard. As the story begins, Mr. Coggins is describing the last race of a great racecar ("There Never Was a Car"). The English car was the star of her day, but she met her end during the British Grand Prix of 1910, when the Vulgarians sabotaged her. Now she is a lonely wreck, with only two children, Jeremy and Jemima, to care for her. The children have come to love the old car, and they are shocked when Coggins tells them he must sell it. He promises tem that if they can raise 40 shillings, they can have the car. Meanwhile, Truly Scrumptious has arrived at the junkyard, searching for a part for her motorcycle. She is distressed to see the two children out of school. As they leave, two Vulgarian spies enter. They have been searching for the legendary car for years and are determined to get it before the children.
Truly takes the children home and meets their father, Caractacus Potts. The Potts' family lives in an old windmill. Potts shows Truly his many amazing inventions, including a new type of candy. Truly and Potts argue about how he is raising the children, and she leaves. Potts and the children prepare to eat ("I Have You Two"). Jeremy and Jemima tell their father about Coggins' offer to sell the car, and he promises them he will try. Grandpa tries the new candy his son has invented and realizes that it can make a beautiful whistling sound.
The next day, Potts and the children pay a visit to the Scrumptious Sweet Factory, trying to sell his new candy, which he calls Toots Sweets. They run into Truly, who tries to get to her father, Lord Scrumptious, to buy it ("Toots Sweets"). The candy-maker tries one, blowing on its whistle, which causes dozens of wild dogs to invade the factory. Potts and his family make a hasty retreat.
Meanwhile, the two spies have raised the money to buy the car, but they realize that Coggins will never sell it to two Vul;garians. They decide to disguise themselves as Englishman ("Act English").
Back at the windmill, Potts is more determined than ever to buy the car for his children. He sings them a lullaby ("Hushabye Mountain"), then takes one of his inventions, an automatic haircutting machine, to a local fair. There he meets Violet and her boyfriend, Sid. The machine cuts all of Sid's hair off and he is furious! Potts tries to make his escape and gets caught up in some dancers getting ready to perform. ("Me Ol' Bamboo)
Luckily for Potts, he runs into a Turkey Farmer, who wants to use his haircutting machine to pluck and cook turkey. Potts finally gets his 40 shillings and is able to buy the car.
Potts sets to work fixing the car while Grandpa and the children keep the house in order ("Posh"). The two spies lurk in the shadows, waiting for their moment to pounce.
Finally, Potts is finished. Truly arrives and they all admire the gleaming car, which they name Chitty Chitty Bang Bang after the sound she makes ("Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"). They decide to go on a picnic at the seaside. Once there, Jeremy and Jemima tell Truly that they love her, and she confesses that she cares for them as well ("Truly Scrumptious").
As the children sleep, Caractacus and Truly begin to realize that they have feelings for each other. Distracted, they don't realize that the tide has come in and surrounded the car. And if that wasn't bad enough, a Vulgarian ship begins to fire on them! Suddenly Chitty begins to transform into a boat-car, and they are able to escape their pursuers. Learning that Chitty can float on the water makes Baron Bomburst want the car even more.
Back at the windmill, thinking that Grandpa is the inventor they are looking for, the Vulgarians kidnap Grandpa by lifting him up in his hut with a large hook attached to an airship. Caractacus, T ruly and the children speed after them, not realizing they are heading straight for a cliff. As they plummet to the ground, Chitty grows wings and takes flight to Vulgaria in pursuit of Grandpa!
ACT TWO
The Vulgarian air ship deposits Grandpa in the Vulgarian town square. Still believing that Grandpa is a brilliant inventor, Baron Bomburst orders him, on pain of death, to make his car float and fly. Grandpa meets six inventors who have been prisoners of the Baron for years. Grandpa despairs, but the inventors tell him that nothing is impossible ("The Roses of Success").
Caractacus, Truly and the children arrive in Vulgaria, secretly searching for Grandpa. The Toymaker brings them into his shop just in time, for the Childcatcher appears, sniffing the air for the thing the Baroness has banned from all Vulgaria - children! ("The Childcatcher's Song")
The Toymaker shows Potts where the people of Vulgaria have hidden their children - underground, in the sewers. At the toyshop the Childcatcher tricks Truly and takes Jeremy and Jemima.
In the sewers, Potts is determined not only to rescue his children and Grandpa, but to put an end to the misery of Vulgaria ("Teamwork Can Make a Dream Work").
The scene shifts to the Baron and the Baroness as they prepare for the Baron's birthday party ("Little Choochie Face"), and the Baroness describes her grand plans for the festivities ("The Bombie Samba").
At the Baron's party, the Toymakers nervously brings out his latest toys: two life-sized dolls. As they spring to life and begin to sing, we realize they are Truly and Caractacus in disguise ("What Do You See?"). As the court is distracted by their performance, the army of children appears.
Will they win over the forces of Vulgaria? Will the Baron and Baroness be defeated? Will Grandpa be rescued? With teamwork, imagination, and the help of a magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies, swims, and rides to a breathtaking finale!
For More Info please visit: www.chittyontour.com
------->July 7 2008-July 19, 2008:
"A Day In Hollywood, A Night In The Ukraine"
A Day in Hollywood is the first half of the show and features songs, sketches, and dance numbers all performed by a chorus of ushers and usherettes at Gruman's Chinese Theater back in the 1930s. A lot of the pieces have to do with the great musicals of the silver screen, along with such ephemera as a musical homage to film clichés and a tap salute to the 1930 Production Code governing on-screen sex and violence. The second half, A Night in the Ukraine, features a pastiche of Marx brothers comedies. It is set in the stately mansion of Mrs Pavlenko, a wealthy Ukrainian widow and introduces the audience to character types as featured in the Marx Brothers' films.
Trip on down to cape playhouse's production of "A Day In Hollywood, A Night In The Ukraine". Come see Matthew as Sascha and the dancing legs of Dick Powell, Mickey Mouse, Groucho Marx, and as the great Fred Astaire. He is honored to be sharing the stage with Susan Cella(Madame Pavlenko), Jonathon Brody(Carlo), Nancy Anderson(Gino), Michelle McGrath(Nina), Jeffry Denman(Constantine), Erin Crouch(Masha),. Directed and Choreographed by the Great Jimmy Brennan and Musical Directed by Matt Castle.
For ticket info, Please visit: www.Capeplayhouse.com
November 20 2007- January 5, 2008:
July 1-July 31, 2007:
"Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Matthew heads off to perform as Kenneth/ Ensemble in the Cape Playhouse production of Thoroughly Modern Millie!! Cape Playhouse is located in Dennis, Massachussettes at the base of Beautiful Cape Cod. You can find ticket information on the Cape Playhouse website at:
www.capeplayhouse.com
***EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!!!:
******Matthew Has been Awarded The prestigious Dean Goodman Choice Award for his portrayal of "Charles Dalrymple" in Foothill Musical Theatre's Summer 2005 production of Brigadoon.******
Nov. 13-Dec.4 2006 :
"Flora The Red Menace"
Matthew Played Kenny in 42nd street Moon's production of Flora the Red Menace this past fall
Nov. 24- Dec. 24, 2006:
"Christmas Dreamland"
*****Due to scheduling conflicts, Matthew will no longer be a part of this production...but he still urges you to go and see it! It is going to be an amazing show!!***** -Something else may be boiling up this fall for Matthew...keep checking the site. Have a wonderful day. ***WORLD PREMIERE!!!!!!!***
For the first time ever, American Musical Theatre of San Jose is creating an all new Christmas spectacular which is destined to become a family tradition for years to come, reminiscent of A Christmas Carol and Nutcracker. This remarkable new production will transport audiences to a magical holiday fantasy in the style of the great Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. It will be presented throughout the month of December 2006 at the beautifully restored Heritage Theatre in Campbell at the corner of Campbell and Winchester Avenues. CHRISTMAS DREAMLAND is a brand, spanking-new holiday spectacular for the entire family. An all singing, all dancing, show-stopping extravaganza! One starry Christmas Eve, a young boy slips into slumber and journeys in a fantastic dreamland of holiday spectacle. Experience two thrilling hours of pure joyous yuletide entertainment, including some of your favorite holiday hits. Tap along with beautiful silver-belled showgirls and get lost in a world of incredible characters. AMTSJ will present this brand new holiday spectacular for 40 performances with 22 singers and dancers, 65 miles of dazzling sequins, 47,496,886 snowflakes (more or less) and 38 pounds of glitter. See you in Dreamland – Christmas 2006!
For more information, Please visit: WWW.AMTSJ.ORG
October 6, 2006- November 4, 2006:
"Thoroughly Modern Millie"
This fall Matthew is excited to anounce that he will be the starring, leading man Jimmy Smith in Diablo Light Opera Company's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie playing opposite of the very talented and long time friend Brandy Callazo (Millie).
Thoroughly Modern Millie is a high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston. It's the zany new 1920's musical that took Broadway by storm!
Taking place in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It's a New York full of intrigue and jazz - a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of Thoroughly Modern Millie includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers.
Filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment. And with the role of Millie Dillmount, musical theatre has found a new heroine for the ages in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
For ticket information please visit: WWW.DLOC.ORG
June 21, 2006- August 6, 2006:
"Lil Abner" Matthew will be appearing in 42nd St. Moon's production of "Lil' Abner r" this summer.A fun-filled, foot-stompin’ extravaganza from the composers of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Trouble begins in the cornseed town of Dogpatch, USA when the government decides to wipe it off the map. Hilarious protests and a riotous Sadie Hawkins Day chase ensue. Based on the classic comic strip, Li’l Abner is packed with one showstopping dance after another - pure entertainment for the whole family! Winner of 2 Tony Awards. Will Abner and Daisey ever be together? Come and see 42nd St. Moon's production and find out. For tickets and information, Please Visit: www.42ndStMoon.org
May 15, 2006:
"Special Event"
**42nd St. Moon Fundraising Gala**
Join us, as we celebrate the great hits and the beguiling also-rans from this Golden Age of Broadway — as well as the dazzling stars who brought them to life: Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Alfred Drake, Barbara Cook, Gwen Verdon, and others. PLUS: Silent and live auctions of theatrical memorabilia and other items!The 1950’s was a decade that gave us great shows like The King & I, Call Me Madam, Kismet,Guys & Dolls, The Pajama Game, Paint Your Wagon, Fanny, Jamaica, Flower Drum Song,Damn Yankees, House of Flowers, New Girl in Town, My Fair Lady,Silk Stockings, Plain and Fancy, The Music Man, Gypsy. Hear songs from many of these classic musicals— and enjoy a sneak peek at our 06-07 season opener, LI’L ABNER!
ONE NIGHT ONLY! — MONDAY, MAY 15, 2006 Doors open at 5:30 PM for no-host cocktails, complementary hors d’oeuvres, and silent auctionShow time is at 7:30 PM— show runs approximately 90 minutes ALCAZAR THEATRE • 650 Geary Street • San Francisco
FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION CALL: "415-255-8207" Celebrating the Musicals of the Fabulous Fifties!
And Performers from 42nd Street Moon:
Greg Mackellan, Stephanie Rhoads, Kathleen Antonia, Bill Fahrner, "Matthew Brandon Hutchens", Alexandra Kaprielian, Darlene Popovic, Steve Rhyne, Michael Taylor
42ND STREET MOON 2006 FUNDRAISING GALA GUEST STARS: "Klea Blackhurst" and "Ann Morrison"
***Please Visit: www.42ndStMoon.org For Details!!!***
March 28, 2006- April 9, 2006:
"Gypsy" Matthew will be appearing in American Musical Theatre of San Jose's upcoming production of Gypsy!! Sing out Louise!One of the all-time great American musicals, and winner of 3 Tony® Awards, Gypsy is a mega-watt hit! Based on the autobiography of the world-famous burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, the show centers on her relationship with her mother, Rose, who drove her to fame and fortune. Let's just say, she is the reigning queen of stage mothers. No one else in musical theatre comes close! "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Some People," is just a sampling of this phenomenal score. The show will be playing at the San Jose Performing Arts Center. Please Visit: www.amtsj.org
*Final Production of 2005:
--> Sept. 26- Dec. 31, 2005:" White Christmas" Matthew returned to New York Where he rehearsed for the second season of White Christmas. This holiday season Matthew has returned to San Francisco in Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Matthew was a part of the World Premiere company of this show last season as the understudy for the Phil Davis role and a member of the ensemble. He is thrilled to have returned to the show. Based on the classic film of the same title, the show will again be directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by Randy Skinner and musical direction by Rob Berman. The show features a new book by David Ives and additional songs by Irving Berlin that are not found in the movie. It will be playing at San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre. For more information about the show and tickets,please visit : www.whitechristmasthemusical.com
*Where is Matthew Today?:
January 13, 2006- January 27, 2006- Matthew has journeyed back to New York to audition for a number of Broadway Musicals. These are Matthew's first set of New York auditions. Wish him luck!!
*Do you have myspace?
If so, you can also visit Matthew There!!!!:
http://www.Myspace.Com/MatthewBrandonHutchens
Dec.28- PRESENT:
Matthew is now living in New York.
"My Deepest appologies to all my friends....the last few months have been very overwhelming, but all for the best. I moved to New York December 28, 2006...I live in a great apartment and have a great roomate. I am going to many auditions and i am taking many dance classes at steps on Broadway. In the past few weeks I have auditioned for many broadway and regional shows. The auditon scene here is far from easy. Wish me luck in my new city, and keep me in your thoughts and prayers. my friends and fans back home mean the world to me. Thank you for your continuous support and emails. I am working hard for you."
Kindest Regards,
Matthew
Irving Berlin's
"White Christmas"
This holiday season Matthew will travel to Toronto for the Canadian Premiere of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Matthew will be understudying the Phil Davis Role, as a member of the very talented men's ensemble. Matthew was a part of the World Premiere company of this show in San Francisco where he originally understudied the Phil Davis role He is thrilled to have returned to the show after leaving it for a year where he pursued other ventures. Based on the classic film of the same title, the show will again be directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by Randy Skinner and musical direction by Rob Berman. The show features a new book by David Ives and additional songs by Irving Berlin that are not found in the movie. It will be playing at the Sony Centre in beautiful downtown Toronto. For more information about the show and tickets,please visit : www.whitechristmasthemusical.com
-->October 9- October 21, 2007 :
"Guys and Dolls"
This fall Matthew returns to the bay area for American Musical Theater's Production of "Guys and Dolls" as the Hotbox Master of Ceremonies, The drunk, and a no good gambler. Join in the fun and experience the effervescant Dancing and singing that brings the San Jose Performing Arts Center's stage to life. Exerience the magic, love, and energy that radiates from each and every performer as they bring this Musical to life and bring you a story that will touch your hearts and have you leaving the theatre with an experience like you have never experienced before. Break out those pin stripe suits, those fidoras, grab your Guy or Doll and Roll on down to AMTSJ'S limited time engagement of "Guys and Dolls"!
Directed By: Stephen Bourneuf
Choreographed by: Vince Pesce
Musical Direction: William Liberatore
Cast includes: Noel Anthony (Benny Southstreet), Nathan Armstrong, Sarah Uriarte Berry (Sarah Brown), Lindsey Bracco, Anne Buelteman (General Cartwright), Jovan Calloway, Jeremiah Clauss, Joshua Ekblom, Sean Grady, Rob Hatzenbeller, Rick Hilsabeck (Nathan Detroit), Matthew Brandon Hutchens, Erica Rose Jeffrey, Travis Kelley, Dirk Leatherman, Garrick Goce Macatangay, Melody McArtor, Melinda Meeng, Burke Moses (Sky Masterson), Randy Nazarian (Big Jule), Brittany Ogle, Keith Parks, Stephen Pawley (Arvide Abernathy), Allison Poccia, Michele Ragusa (Miss Adelaide), Donna Rappa-Olsen, Melissa Reinard, Roland Rusinek (Nicely Nicely Johnson, Colin Thomas.
A Musical Fable of Broadway
Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
