Whether your musical tastes fall somewhere under Motown, Broadway, R&B or classic rock, “Hits! The Musical” has something for everyone.
The 50-city touring production company of “Hits!” will stop at Baltimore’s Lyric Theater on Sunday, March 19. Performed by 29 young entertainers from around the country, the show takes audiences on a musical journey, performing medleys of 80 of America’s most iconic songs.
“Hits!” was created by Bob Gries, the show’s executive producer, and co-produced by musical icon Dionne Warwick and her son, multi-platinum producer Damon Elliott.
Jmore recently spoke with Gries, a Cleveland native and entrepreneur, about the show.
Jmore: When and how did you come up with the concept behind ‘Hits! The Musical’?
Gries: Thirty years ago, I saw an all-girls program called ‘Entertainment Revue.’ The group still exists today and has produced many recording artists and Broadway stars. I married the director of the group and, being a successful entrepreneur, continually said that her show was so great that it belonged on Broadway.
A year ago, I decided the time had arrived to do that. We have now taken the basics of that show to an all-new level and it has become a $10 million production. Every part of it — from the singing, dancing, set, lighting and costuming — is amazing.
What makes your show unique?
There has never before been a show of this caliber that is exclusively all young people. Other shows have kids but also adults. Our entire cast is ages 10 to 22, and the best singers and dancers in the country.
The show also has nearly 100 of the greatest songs of all time set into fabulous production medleys. You will know every song!
Your own favorite number from this production?
I love so many songs and performances, but the big dance numbers are probably my favorites — ‘Come Sail Away,’ ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ and our finale, which I’m not going to disclose. But it’s as good as anything you have ever seen on Broadway!
How do you select the cast?
We held auditions this summer in 31 cities and auditioned 7,000 individuals. We brought the top 70 to Tampa and only intended to have a cast of 22. But we couldn’t decide who to eliminate, because they all were so great, and I was getting really hungry so I said, ‘Let’s keep them all so we can go have dinner.’
How do you select the material?
The songs were selected by the director, who was the director of the local program ‘Entertainment Revue’ for 25 years. She has a brilliant sense of how songs all fit together.
What is the time span of the music pieces?
We have medleys from the ’60s to the present as well as the best of rock, Broadway and Hollywood.
What’s the common thread running through the musical selections?
The common thread is that they are all the greatest musical hits. That’s why the show is call ‘Hits! The Musical.’
What is it like to work with Dionne Warwick and Damon Elliott?
Dionne and Damon have only joined us recently, but they have such a wealth of knowledge and share our vision of giving back to the kids. This is all about the kids. And we look forward to a long and successful relationship with them.
What’s your own background in the musical theater?
I have no background in musical theater. My only contribution is paying the bills and getting it started a year ago.
How does your Jewish background influence your work in the theater?
My family are very well-known supporters of Jewish causes. My 93-year-old father remains very proud that the first Jewish settlers in Cleveland were his ancestors.
What should Baltimore audiences expect from ‘Hits! The Musical’?
Baltimore audiences will leave saying it’s one of the greatest shows they have ever seen on a stage and that the young people give them great hope for the future.
We have four Jewish cast members [Lili Greenberg, Matthew Jost, Mia Leberknight and Jaaziah Vallano].
One is a 13-year-old girl, Mia Leberknight, who closes the show, and she is someone you’re going to see for generations to come. Move over Barbra Streisand, here comes Mia Leberknight!
For information about the tour, go to thehitstour.com.
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