Show Inspired By Carl Reiner's Youth

Richard Kind (standing); Left to right: Erick Devine, Josh Grisetti and Kate Shindle


ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, the hilarious production, begins previews on August 9. The tuneful show is based on the early life of Carl Reiner. Running through September 4, The show features a book by the legendary Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), music and lyrics by Stan Daniels (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Taxi”).

You'll Want To ENTER LAUGHING...

Rehearsal photos by Barry Gordin (theaterlife.com)

ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, the hilarious Broadway-bound production, will be the third Mainstage show of Bay Street Theatre’s 20^th Season running from Aug. through Sept. 4. The cast features Broadway and television favorites including Jill Eikenberry (“L.A. Law,” Into The Woods), Josh Grisetti (Broadway Bound), Richard Kind (The Producers, Sly Fox), Kate Shindle (Wonderland) and Michael Tucker (“L.A.Law”).

Produced and presented by Bay Street Theatre by special arrangement with Dan Whitten (Jacques Brel…, Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Jersey Boys) and Tiger Theatricals in Association with Carl Reiner (Grammy Award and twelve-time Emmy Award-winner; (Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen) who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel on which the musical is based, Enter Laughing, The Musical tells the story of young, hapless David Kolowitz, a shop boy from the Bronx who pursues his dream of becoming a leading man on stage while facing mounting pressures from his despondent girlfriend, dismissive boss, distracted best friend, disgusted acting coach and disapproving parents.

The Bay Street Theatre production will also feature Gina Milo, Erick Devine, Eric Mann, Paul Binotto, Gerry McIntyre, Betsy DiLello, Emily Shoolin, Ray DeMattis and Phil Reno. The production features scenic design by James Morgan (Molly Sweeney), costumed design by David Toser (Oh Coward!), lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington (Chicago), and sound design by Tony Melfa (Talley’s Folly).

A critically-acclaimed run at Off-Broadway’s York Theatre in 2008 had The New York Times raving, “Hilarious! Josh Grisetti delivers a smashing comedic performance with a gung-ho supporting cast, nutty songs and witty staging. It works so well.” The Daily News said “I cannot remember when I have laughed as hard and as uncontrollably,” and theNew York Post calling it “The funniest tuner to hit town since The Producers. You may not enter the theatre laughing, but once there you’re guaranteed not to stop.”

After the initial limited Off-Broadway production returned to The York for a second limited engagement, producer Dan Whitten announced that he will bring the show to Broadway. The production plays at Bay Street Theatre before continuing on its journey to Broadway.

Joseph Stein first adapted Reiner’s novel in 1964 when it enjoyed a successful Broadway run starring Alan Arkin. The musical adaptation was originally presented on Broadway in 1976 starring Robert Morse with the title So Long 174th Street.

“I started laughing one minute after the curtain went up on Enter Laughing, The Musical, and continued laughing for hours after the curtain came down,” says Carl Reiner. “I deeply appreciate the creative talent who succeeded in immortalizing my youth.”

“Working with Carl Reiner and Joe Stein has been a wonderful and humbling experience,” says producer Dan Whitten, “I’m very grateful that two men of their legendary talents can be so human, approachable and supportive.”

Tickets for ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical are available by calling the Bay Street Theatre Box Office at 631-725-9500 or log on to www.baystreet.org. Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. with matinees Wednesdays at 2 pm. (8/17, 8/24, 8/31) and Saturdays at 4 p.m. (8/20, 8/27).

Tickets are $65 – $75. The first preview performance is set for Aug.9 and available as “Pay What You Can,” at the Box Office after 2 p.m.