Cal
Rep’s doo-wop musical to premier
By Monica Levette Clark
On-line Forty-Niner
 Doo-wop,
a capella ensemble of musical style created
by African-American teen groups, was all
the rage in the 1950s.
The Cal State Long Beach theatre group,
Cal Rep, will premier an original doo-wop
musical, “willie, mickie and the duke,”
directed by Joanne Gordon at the Edison
Theatre.
Composed by Matt Vinson with new lyrics
by Howard Burman, the musical is set in
the streets of New York during the troubled
times of the ’50s.
The theme of the musical surrounds the lives
of five young boys growing up in the city,
dealing with the disappointment of their
past, as well as their aspirations for the
future.
A mixture of music and acting will be featured
in various scenes. A nostalgic atmosphere
will have fingers snapping and toes tapping
to the catchy, upbeat harmonies of the 16
songs that will be sung throughout the musical.
Cal Rep said the musical will present a
real look at the growing pains of America’s
youth living in the era in a delightful,
story-telling manner.
“willie, mickey and the duke” will be the
second show of Cal Rep’s 2002-2003 season
and will run on selected dates throughout
November, with matinee and evening performances.
The season opened last month with the play,
“Ivana Princess of Burgundia,” which received
lackluster reviews.
The musical will open on Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.
The shows are scheduled to run Tuesday through
Thursdsay at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and
Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Ticket prices
are $20 for general admission, $17 for students,
faculty and staff and $15 for seniors.
They can be purchased at the Carpenter Performing
Arts Center box office, or the Edison Theatre
box office located at 213 E. Broadway in
downtown Long Beach. For more information
students can call (562) 432-1818.
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