The Garde is Movin' Out!

Mar 20, 2008 5:52 PM - “So exhilarating and soul-stirring, it practically bursts out of the theatre” - Time Magazine

“Movin’ Out is electrifying! The union of Tharp and Joel is one made in heaven.” - Chicago Tribune

Told through the choreography of Twyla Tharp and more than two dozen of Billy Joel’s songs, Movin' Out is the story of five lifelong friends through two turbulent decades. Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography. The songs and dance take audiences through a poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and, finally, survival.

Many will recognize Movin' Out’s main characters, directly inspired by Joel’s lyrics. Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why,” and James from “James” tell their stories entirely through dance – and entirely without dialogue. Movin' Out is “a story told without language,” Tharp says. “The movement and the action tell the story—the experience, the emotional resonance, comes from action rather than language.”

The Broadway production of Movin' Out played for more than 1,300 performances, closing on December 11, 2005. It joined the pantheon of great Broadway dance musicals when it surpassed the runs of Contact, Fosse and Bring in ‘Da Noise/Bring in ‘Da Funk. Movin' Out received two 2003 Tony Awards – one for Ms. Tharp (Best Choreography) and one for Mr. Joel (Best Orchestrations). Movin' Out features a scenic design by Kelly Tighe, costume design by Suzy Benzinger, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Duncan Robert Edwards. Musical Supervision is by Rob Cookman.

Tickets for Movin' Out ($47 - $66) are now on sale to the general public at the Garde Box Office, 325 State Street; by phone at (860) 444-7373; and online at www.gardearts.org

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CALENDAR LISTING

What: MOVIN’ OUT
Twenty-four Billy Joel classics come to electrifying new life in the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. Series sponsored by Citizens Bank.

When: Saturday, March 29, 2008 | 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 30, 2008 | 2:00 and 7:00 pm

Ticket Prices: Orchestra $58, Loge $66, Balcony $47

Box Office: (860) 444-7373

Online Ticketing: http://www.gardearts.org/


MEDIA INFO

For high resolution photos and cast interviews, please contact Amy Moum, amy@gardearts.org

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Now in its eighty-first season, the Garde Arts Center is southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit center for the performing arts. The Garde owns and operates the historic Garde Theatre where it presents musicals, opera, orchestras, contemporary music, dance, and family events. The Garde produces the annual New London Film Festival, and provides after-school programs and matinee performances to more than 10,000 young people. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, Executive Director, since 1988, the Garde has become a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London.

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