NEW VINTAGE MUSICAL RESTORATION
by James Valcq

In the tradition of “La La Lucille” & “Madame Sherry”​

A work-in-progress directed by James Valcq

Though completely forgotten today, at the dawn of the 20th Century the Midwest had a thriving musical theatre scene all its own centered on Chicago, featuring a veritable explosion of works created specifically for Midwest audiences. James is in the process of dusting off 1908’s “The Kissing Girl”, a ‘comedy operetta’ that had its world premiere in Madison WI before opening for a long run in the (then) brand-new Cort Theatre in Chicago.

Michigan-born, Indiana-raised composer Harry Von Tilzer was one of the most prolific tunesmiths of his day and was the ‘father’ of Tin Pan Alley, (the legendary cynosure of popular music in the early 20th Century).

A full cast will read through the current draft of the script, and a few of the musical numbers will be heard as well.