‘Louis and Keely’ releases cast album, contemplates future plans
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The little musical that could, ‘Louis and Keely: Live at the Sahara’ has gone from a matchbook-size hit at Sacred Fools Theatre to a major (and revamped) stage event directed by Taylor Hackford at the Geffen Playhouse. The latest phase in the musical’s life will take place July 22 when the show’s producers release the official cast album featuring 18 songs performed by the leading stars, Jake Broder and Vanessa Claire Smith.
Recorded at Capitol Records in the same studio that was once used by Louis Prima and Keely Smith, the CD features some of the signature numbers from the Las Vegas duo’s repertoire including ‘That Old Black Magic,’ ‘Just a Gigolo’ and ‘Angelina.’ The album, which was recorded in one day in early June, features the full band used in the stage production as well as backup vocals by the understudy cast.
‘Louis and Keely,’ which runs through Aug. 2 at the Geffen’s Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, is a biographical musical that follows the stormy relationship between Prima and Smith as they take their act to Vegas’ Sahara nightclub and casino. Times critic Charles McNulty wrote in his review that ‘it’s as a concert musical that ‘Louis and Keely’ thoroughly captivates — the thrilling rise of an act and the inevitable collapse of a marriage told through the flowing feeling of seemingly improvisatory riffs.’
The album, produced by Grammy winner Gregg Field, is in limited release and can be purchased for $20 at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood and soon at the show’s official website. The Geffen will throw an official CD release party following the July 22 performance.
What else is in store for ‘Louis and Keely’?
A spokeswoman for the Geffen said that the show’s producers are currently looking to take it to two other cities before exploring a possible New York engagement. Though nothing has been confirmed, Chicago looks like it could be the musical’s next destination, according to the spokeswoman. Among the other cities under consideration are San Francisco, Vegas (the producer said they’ve had dozens of offers) and New Orleans.
-- David Ng
