The Magic of 'City of Angels': Why This Revival Matters
There’s something undeniably captivating about a musical that dares to blend satire, noir, and Hollywood glamour into a single narrative. City of Angels, the Tony-winning masterpiece by Larry Gelbart, Cy Coleman, and David Zippel, is one such gem. And now, with Tony Yazbeck and Ben Jacoby leading the charge in Ogunquit Playhouse’s upcoming production, it’s time to revisit why this show continues to resonate—and why this revival, in particular, feels like a breath of fresh air.
A Show That Defies Expectations
What makes City of Angels so fascinating is its dual narrative structure. On one level, it’s a meta-commentary on the Hollywood screenwriting process, following crime novelist Stine as he adapts his book into a screenplay. On another, it’s a hardboiled noir story about his fictional detective, Stone, who’s grappling with love, loss, and the classic ‘one that got away.’ Personally, I think this duality is what sets it apart. It’s not just a musical; it’s a clever deconstruction of storytelling itself.
What many people don’t realize is how ahead of its time this show was. When it premiered in 1989, it challenged audiences to think critically about the glitz and grit of Hollywood. Fast forward to 2023, and its themes of artistic compromise, personal integrity, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction feel more relevant than ever. If you take a step back and think about it, City of Angels isn’t just a period piece—it’s a mirror to our own obsession with storytelling in the age of streaming and social media.
The Cast: A Perfect Match for the Material
Casting is everything in a show like this, and Ogunquit Playhouse seems to have hit the jackpot. Ben Jacoby as Stine and Tony Yazbeck as Stone? That’s a pairing I didn’t know I needed until now. Jacoby’s ability to balance Stine’s neurotic charm with his creative desperation feels like a perfect fit, while Yazbeck’s stage presence—honed in shows like On the Town—brings a rugged elegance to Stone.
One thing that immediately stands out is the chemistry between these two leads, especially in their rehearsal of ‘You’re Nothing Without Me.’ This song isn’t just a duet; it’s a battle of egos, a clash of creator and creation. What this really suggests is that the line between artist and art is thinner than we think. From my perspective, this dynamic is the heart of the show, and seeing it come alive in this revival is thrilling.
Revisiting a Classic: Why Now?
Revivals are always a gamble. Do we need another City of Angels? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes—but with a caveat. The key is to bring something new to the table, to reinterpret the material in a way that feels fresh yet faithful. Hunter Foster, as director, seems to understand this. His vision, paired with Jennifer Rias’s choreography and Nate Bertone’s scenic design, promises to breathe new life into the show without losing its essence.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing. In an era where nostalgia is king, City of Angels offers a different kind of throwback. It’s not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a reminder of how sharp, witty, and daring musical theater can be. This raises a deeper question: Can we still create shows this bold today? Or have we lost something in our pursuit of crowd-pleasing spectacle?
The Broader Implications: Theater in the 21st Century
Here’s where I get a bit speculative. City of Angels isn’t just a revival; it’s a statement. It’s a reminder that theater can—and should—be more than escapism. It can challenge us, make us laugh, and leave us thinking long after the curtain falls. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, a show like this feels like a rebellion.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the production’s choice to lean into the noir aesthetic while modernizing the storytelling. This isn’t your grandparents’ City of Angels; it’s a reimagining for a new generation. What this really suggests is that classics don’t need to be preserved in amber. They can evolve, adapt, and still pack a punch.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Care
If you’re still on the fence about this revival, let me put it this way: City of Angels is more than a musical—it’s an experience. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age, and a sharp critique of its flaws. This production, with its stellar cast and creative team, feels like the perfect moment to reintroduce this gem to the world.
Personally, I think what makes this revival so exciting is its potential to spark conversations. About art, about compromise, about what it means to create something truly original. If you take a step back and think about it, isn’t that what theater is all about?
So, mark your calendars for July 23. Because this isn’t just a show—it’s an event. And in my opinion, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
